2024-03-09 00:13
Longtime social worker, community activist, and Network Cochair Marjorie Hammock died on Saturday at age 88. She had fallen ill on a jazz cruise in the Caribbean last month, but was hom… Read More
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South Carolina Progressive Network Blog
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Events and commentary by and about progressive South Carolinians
2024-03-03 16:37
The Modjeska Simkins School kicked off its spring semester with an orientation session on Saturday, March 2, at GROW in Columbia. With 52 new students and 12 graduates auditing (a perk exten… Read More
2024-02-06 22:56
It’s been nearly 50 years since Brett Bursey met Modjeska Monteith Simkins at the Harden St. branch of Victory Savings Bank and opened an account for the Grass Roots Organizing Worksho… Read More
2024-02-03 03:03
The Modjeska Simkins School, the crown jewel of the Network’s projects, is now accepting applications to its spring session, which runs March 2 through June 22, with classes meeting on… Read More
2023-12-16 18:03
A night of purpose, celebration, and unwavering dedication unfolded at GROW in Columbia as the SC Progressive Network held a fundraiser to celebrate its newly appointed Interim Executive Dir… Read More
2023-11-28 00:25
Brandon Upson, SCPN Executive Director As the winds of change sweep across South Carolina, we find ourselves at a critical crossroads. The recent surge in local elections of extremist groups… Read More
2023-11-13 21:11
On Saturday, the Network’s board and key allies met in Columbia and online to get acquainted and to map plans for the coming year. The meeting, a mix of business and fellowship, marked… Read More
2023-11-04 16:03
Limited in-person seating at GROW, 1340 Elmwood Ave. in Columbia. Register HERE to join on Zoom. Join the SC Progressive Policy Institute on Sunday, Nov. 5, 6-7pm in-person and on Zoom, as S… Read More
2023-11-01 19:52
The SC Progressive Network is pleased to welcome Brandon Upson as our new interim Executive Director. The Aiken native has a wealth of experience in South Carolina politics and grass roots o… Read More
2023-07-10 13:39
How the fight over unions at the Charleston port affects all South Carolinians When Gov. Henry McMaster announced that he is suing the International Longshoremen to prevent union labor from… Read More
2023-07-03 13:19
Students of the Modjeska Simkins School‘s spring session have been meeting online and in person every Monday and many Sundays since March 5, learning the history they weren’t tau… Read More
2023-06-18 18:09
GROW is swinging with live jazz every 1st and 3rd Thursday 8–10pm, and you are invited! There is much going on in Columbia on Thursday evenings, but word is getting out and the local b… Read More
2023-06-17 15:48
2023-06-11 23:24
After canvassing in Orangeburg on Saturday, young activists from the Union of Southern Service Workers debriefed at GROW. Good crowd. Great energy Read More
2023-02-21 18:25
We are gearing up for the spring semester of the Modjeska Simkins School, now in its ninth year, and are so pleased with the quality of appicants to date. Deadline to apply is Feb. 28, with… Read More
2023-01-23 17:30
The Modjeska Simkins School of Human Rights is now accepting applications to its spring 2023 session. Classes will be held Monday evenings March 5 through June 26 online and at the SC Progre… Read More
2023-01-16 21:22
Join us Tuesday at 7pm for a free screening of Boogie Man, the documentary about SC native Lee Atwater, the bad boy of politics who wrote the GOP handbook for playing dirty. All are welcome… Read More
2023-01-16 18:42
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1967 speech at Riverside Church — a year to the day before his assassination — called for a “radical revolution of values.” At the… Read More
2022-12-31 20:01
With 2022 in the rearview, we wanted to take a moment to thank all of you who supported the Network this year by donating, volunteering, turning out, and keeping the faith in tough times. Be… Read More
2022-12-11 15:51
PPI-2022-Education-Dossier Read More
2022-12-06 20:16
On what would have been her 123rd birthday, friends and allies gathered to honor Modjeska Simkins in the SC Progressive Network‘s newly renovated HQ next door to the human rights icon… Read More
2022-11-24 16:35
Mondays will never be the same at GROW, the Network’s HQ. We had our first Jazz Night on Nov. 14, a happening that will repeat every Monday at 8pm (unless it conflicts with a standing… Read More
2022-11-10 20:44
Cecil Cahoon, who is helping lead the transition team at the SC Progressive Network, granted permission to share this piece he wrote after Tuesday’s election. First, the good news. The… Read More
2022-11-10 20:44
Cecil Cahoon, who is helping lead the transition team at the SC Progressive Network, granted permission to share this piece he wrote after Tuesday’s election. First, the good news. The… Read More
2022-11-09 15:33
After monitoring the 866-OUR-VOTE hotline for every election since 2008, we are happy to report that this election was the hands-down winner so far. The hotline received less than 25% of the… Read More
2022-10-30 19:23
The GROW Cafe, the Network’s precursor, loved a good party. There were Debutante Balls and Winter Cotillions, but the favorite by far was the Mutant Be-In, first held in 1978 and then… Read More
2022-10-28 17:47
2022-10-19 19:20
With many calling the upcoming 2024 elections the most consequential in US history, the midterms are providing a test run of new partisan tactics to harass election officials and poll worker… Read More
2022-10-18 21:49
We are pleased to announce that Celene Carrozza has joined the SC Progressive Network as administrative assistant. The South Carolina native and recent Modjeska Simkins School graduate is fi… Read More
2022-08-25 17:10
Our Missing Voter Project aims to mobilize the 15% of young Black registered voters who voted in the last election and asking them to contact their registered friends who did not vote. The M… Read More
2022-08-25 17:10
Our Missing Voter Project aims to mobilize the 15% of young Black registered voters who voted in the last election and asking them to contact their registered friends who did not vote. The M… Read More
2022-08-25 16:51
Last week, someone tried to smash through the SC Progressive Network‘s front window. We are grateful that nobody was hurt, but the attack has set us back. Read more HERE Read More
2022-04-27 17:19
Sunday, May 1, 4-6:30pm The public is invited to this free program on Zoom. Registration required. Click HERE to register. Join us on Sunday to mark May Day, an international holiday celebra… Read More
2022-03-24 21:11
The authors of the recently released Justice Deferred: Race and the Supreme Court, will lead a seminar March 27 at 4pm on Zoom. The session is part of the Modjeska Simkins School’s pub… Read More
2022-03-01 21:12
We invite you to join us for the SC Progressive Network‘s general membership meeting on Saturday, March 12, 2–5pm. To keep everyone safe and to accomodate members from outside of… Read More
2022-02-10 15:10
Before the pandemic, the Modjeska Simkins School held a series of Sunday Socials that were open to the public. A guest speaker or panel made a presentation or screened a film, which was foll… Read More
2022-02-09 18:10
We’re just weeks away from the start of the 2022 session of the Modjeska Simkins School for Human Rights, and we can’t wait to meet the new students. Orientation is Feb. 20, with… Read More
2022-02-01 16:26
See ModjeskaSchool.com for details, class schedule, or to apply Read More
2022-01-18 15:26
The 2022 South Carolina legislative session has just begun. Voting reform, critical race theory, redistricting, the loosening of gun restrictions, access to healthcare (or the lack ther… Read More
2021-11-30 14:52
This Giving Tuesday, we’re asking for your help. We have exciting plans for next year, but one of the biggest is raising enough money to finish setting up shop on Elmwood Avenue &mdash&hell…Read More
2021-11-12 15:32
Some maps are drawn by incumbents to protect their power. Some maps are drawn by well-meaning nonprofits looking to get the best deal they can out of a broken system. Some maps are drawn by… Read More
2021-11-04 18:12
2021-10-23 00:12
The state Senate’s redistricting subcommittee met on Thursday to review maps submitted for their consideration by the public and nonprofits. SC Progressive Network Director submitted o… Read More
2021-10-05 19:56
2021-09-08 17:28
2021-08-08 19:44
2021-07-07 19:46
2021-07-02 15:21
July 1, 2021 First, some background: In 2015, the SC Progressive Network launched the Modjeska Simkins School for Human Rights to teach a people’s history of South Carolina — the… Read More
2021-05-19 14:26
University of South Carolina professor Dr. Ed Madden was invited to speak to the Modjeska Simkins School class on May 17 to offer an overview of the gay rights movement in South Carolina and… Read More
2021-05-18 19:31
Benedict College professor Meeghan Kane spoke to the Modjeska Simkins School class on May 17 about her experience resurrecting the SC late-’70s feminist publication Auntie Bellum and c… Read More
2021-05-11 19:51
Round-table conversation with Mandy Carter, Kevin Alexander Gray, Harriet Hancock, Brett Bursey, and Robert-John Hinojosa. Facilitated by Dr. Robert Greene II. This special session of the Mo… Read More
2021-04-29 15:00
In a special session of the Modjeska Simkins School on April 26 that was open to the public, UNC professor Dr. Erik Gellman, author of Death Blow to Jim Crow, The National Negro Congress and… Read More
2021-04-16 20:09
The Modjeska Simkins School is halfway through its spring session, which started March 7 and will run through July 3. The class, which is meeting on Zoom, is so full that students are muted… Read More
2021-02-27 15:48
If you’ve been thinking about attending the Modjeska Simkins School, now is the time for action. To join what is shaping up to be a wonderfully diverse class, please submit your applic… Read More
2021-02-22 19:05
As part of the Adopt-A-Street program, SC Progressive Network volunteers working on behalf of the Modjeska Simkins School have earned signage to mark their work over the past year cleaning u… Read More
2021-02-18 16:05
The overwhelmingly male state legislature finally passed the “fetal heartbeat” bill after years of chipping away at women’s access to health care in South Carolina. The leg… Read More
2021-02-11 20:21
Perhaps not since the Civil War has the country faced such a perilous future. To survive, we must cultivate a more informed and engaged citizenry. It is that very mission at the heart of the… Read More
2021-02-10 19:34
2021-02-04 21:17
Jim Campbell speaks at Network conference at Penn Center Our dear friend, teacher, colleague, and mentor Jim Campbell died on Jan. 30 at age 95. His involvement in the SC Progressive Network… Read More
2020-12-01 17:54
Links to USC digital media Clip 1 Unidentified man speaks to reporter about a recent statement made by civil rights activist Modjeska Simkins criticizing local police. Says he is disgusted w… Read More
2020-11-17 21:50
2020-11-11 17:26
2020-10-31 16:38
2020-10-24 20:05
2020-10-08 20:15
A nonpartisan hotline is now live for voters in South Carolina who have voting-related questions or want to report problems they experience or witness at the polls. The Election Protection C… Read More
2020-10-07 22:32
Join SC ACLU attorney Susan Dunn and SC Progressive Network Director Brett Bursey for a training on Zoom to help protect voters in the upcoming election. Trainings will be held on Oct. 10, 1… Read More
2020-10-05 15:45
Given the unique challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the SC Progressive Network Education Fund has filed suit to extend voter registration beyond the Oct. 6 deadline for mail-in appli… Read More
2020-08-28 15:11
SC Progressive Network Director Brett Bursey talks with retired Sen. Phil Leventis and Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter about the Fair Maps SC campaign to end gerrymandering in South Carolina. Leventi… Read More
2020-08-26 21:38
Voters in South Carolina already have topped the record of 140 thousand by-mail ballots cast in the last general election, the State Election Commission said today. With 10 weeks to go befor… Read More
2020-08-18 18:42
The Missing Voter Project was launched in 2004 to reach and mobilize new and infrequent voters in South Carolina. Unlike other voter registration drives, the MVP is nonpartisan, ongoing, and… Read More
2020-07-10 15:50
The spike in COVID cases in South Carolina is a stark example of the state’s habit of putting profits above public health. The policies now being implemented in South Carolina by the g… Read More
2020-07-08 23:23
Workers invited to provide legal testimony Organizations representing scores of thousands of members across the state sent a letter today to the Board of the SC Dept. of Health and Environme… Read More
2020-06-18 18:42
Everything you ever wanted to know but were afraid to ask about the citizens campaign to end partisan gerrymandering in South Carolina. SC Progressive Network Director Brett Bursey breaks it… Read More
2020-06-15 15:00
Fair Maps advocates are invited to trainings on June 16 and 17 on Zoom to learn how to advance our Richland County petition drive to empower citizens to draw district lines. For volunteers w… Read More
2020-06-08 19:01
Before heading out to vote in Tuesday’s primary, make sure you: • Check your status at scvotes.org. • Check this list to see whether your precinct has been moved. Please note… Read More
2020-06-07 21:25
Headed to the polls? Keep this number handy. Election Protection, the nation’s largest nonpartisan voter protection coalition, is ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to vot… Read More
2020-05-28 19:19
Gov. Henry McMaster’s accelerateSC task force released its final report today, a day after Covid-19 deaths peaked in South Carolina. The rush to reopen businesses here concerns leaders… Read More
2020-05-25 20:35
On the day he was to be married, we mourned the loss of our friend Tim Liszewski and celebrated the love he shared with his fiancee, Maris Burton. More than 100 of his friends and family gat… Read More
2020-05-19 21:22
The spring session of the Modjeska Simkins School has not gone as planned. Turns out, the student orientation on March 15 was the first and last time the group would meet in person. The exte… Read More
2020-05-01 20:05
The pandemic has exposed the moral bankruptcy of basing critical public services such as health care and education on profit. Two recent examples: South Carolina remains one of the few state… Read More
2020-04-03 18:25
We were heartbroken to learn that our friend and colleague Tim Liszewski died at his home in Columbia on March 28 of coronavirus, which he likely contracted at an Indivisible conference in W… Read More
2020-03-20 20:36
See special edition of The Gamecock recounting what happened after Bursey’s arrest and revelation that his partner in the incident, Jack Weatherford, was an undercover cop Read More
2020-03-16 01:45
Instead of hugs and handshakes, students gathering for the first day of the spring session of the Modjeska Simkins School were greeted at the door with hand sanitizer and cleansing wipes. As… Read More
2020-02-26 17:06
The nation’s largest nonpartisan voter protection coalition, in alliance with various in-state groups, is ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to vote in South Carolina. Ele… Read More
2020-02-19 00:02
2020-02-12 21:21
Nearly 75 years ago, Modjeska Monteith Simkins wrote, “It must be conceded that at this very hour more so than at any time in the history of this nation, there is urgent need for the d… Read More
2020-02-03 21:23
On the last day of class, students of the spring session of the Modjkeska Simkins School share why they went and what they learned. The spring 2020 session runs March 15-July 3 at the Networ… Read More
2020-01-15 21:50
On the first day of the SC 2020 legislative session, fair maps advocates gathered at the State House holding signs with the names of state lawmakers and the percentage by which each won thei… Read More
2019-12-13 02:48
2019-12-11 22:49
2019-12-03 15:33
Once upon a more hopeful time, there was a place called GROW, the Grass Roots Organizing Workshop. For 20 years, the unassuming building behind the ballpark in Columbia’s mill village… Read More
2019-11-30 18:53
The SC Progressive Network invites you to join us on Thursday, Dec. 5, for our 10th annual birthday party to honor the life and legacy of human rights icon Modjeska Monteith Simkins. The dro… Read More
2019-07-29 20:43
Organizers and supporters of the Aug. 31 benefit performance of God’s Trombones: Seven Negro Sermons in Verse, held a press conference at the SC State House on July 24 to promote the e… Read More
2019-07-10 20:53
Big news, friends. We just got the keys to our new building, the former dry cleaning shop next door to the historic Modjeska Simkins House, where we’ve maintained offices since 2009. M… Read More
2019-07-10 18:54
At our July meeting, Brett Bursey gave an update on the Fair Maps SC campaign to create a citizens commission to draw district lines, removing lawmakers from the process. We suspected it wou… Read More
2019-07-04 19:10
Graduates of the spring session of the Modjeska Simkins School picked up their diplomas on Saturday, cheered on by family and friends who gathered to help them celebrate. If past classes are… Read More
2019-06-27 21:36
“We conclude that partisan gerrymandering claims present political questions beyond the reach of the federal courts,” Roberts wrote. “Federal judges have no license to real… Read More
2019-05-31 16:35
As part of the Modjeska Simkins School‘s Sunday Social series, the public is invited to hear recovering attorney Lewis Pitts on June 2 at the temporary HQ of the SC Progressive Network… Read More
2019-05-03 15:08
On May Day, 10,000 educators, students, and supporters marched from the state Education Department down Senate Street to the State House grounds, where they held a spirited rally — and… Read More
2019-04-25 16:56
As part of the Modjeska Simkins School’s Sunday Social series, on April 28, 4-6pm at 2015 Marion St. Post & Courier columnist Brian Hicks will talk about his latest book, In Darkes… Read More
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