Our History

Our History

 
 

WeGOJA Foundation began as the South Carolina African American Heritage Foundation in May 2008. It is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that supports the identification and documentation of African American heritage sites in South Carolina for the archival record, public awareness, education and enjoyment. Its executive director and board collaborate with civic, government and business leaders to carry forth its mission to support the efforts of the South Carolina African American Heritage Commission. 

Among dozens of accomplishments, the Foundation has helped:

  • Install hundreds of official state historical markers at African American sites that previously had not been documented

  • Publish African American Historical Places in South Carolina (and its annual addendums in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) all of which outline historic markers and sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places in South Carolina of African American significance        

  • Publish curriculum-based teacher’s guides which encourage teachers to incorporate African American heritage into school instruction for the arts, science, social studies, literature and math

  • Publish The Green Book of South Carolina, the state’s first online travel guide to more than 300 African American historic sites to encourage travel and exploration throughout the state

  • Publish The Business of Rural Heritage, Culture and Art: A Resource Guide for Entrepreneurs, which encourages people to reach their business potential by leveraging heritage attractions, services, talents and resources. 

    One of the Foundation’s current initiatives is an oral history project that captures the impressions and experiences of African Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic, called “Black Carolinians Speak: Portraits of a Pandemic.” It is also working to identify 20 African American historically significant sites in rural South Carolina that need documentation and official state historical markers. All donations to the Foundation are tax-deductible and support its operational expenses or projects.