Messaging Toolkit: State of the South, Charleston

Thank you for helping us spread the word about State of the South: Charleston February 5-7, 2024

Below you will find resources to share with your networks and audiences, including key messages, sample social media language, graphics, press release, and speaker images/bios.

If you have any questions about these materials, please contact Clarissa Goodlett, MDC Communications Director (for program/event details, you can also contact State of the South Program Director, Karim Baer)

General Information

Key Messages

  • MDC, a non-profit dedicated to advancing equity and economic mobility in the South, is hosting its landmark State of the South program in Charleston, SC, from February 5-7, 2024. The event convenes policymakers, nonprofit leaders, and artists for crucial conversations addressing racial equity, economic security, and poverty in the region. The three-day event is free and open to the public.
  • For more than 25 years, MDC’s State of the South has been a major resource and reference for policymakers and practitioners, offering rigorous, insightful views of the South through the twin lenses of equity and competitiveness.
  • This event offers a unique opportunity to be part of shaping solutions and driving positive change in the South.
  • MDC is grateful to have the support of partners The Kresge Foundation, South Arts, The Social Science Research Institute at Duke University, Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina, Blackbaud, South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development (SCACED), Philanthropy Southeast, and Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina to present this State of the South event.
  • Session Themes:
    • Ending Predatory Lending in South Carolina | Monday, February 5
      • Understand the impact of high-cost, predatory lending on individuals and families.
      • Explore alternatives to high-cost lending and discuss the regulations needed for fair lending practices in South Carolina.
    • Gentrification and Housing Displacement | Tuesday, February 6
      • Delve into the changing nature of Charleston and the imperative to protect Black families and communities from further displacement.
      • Investigate the economic drivers behind current displacement and identify policies and investments crucial for communities to prosper.
    • Supporting Equitable Entrepreneurship | Wednesday, February 7
        • Discuss policies and investments needed to support Black, Latino, and women entrepreneurs in starting, growing, and maintaining thriving businesses.
        • Discover strategies to ensure an equitable marketplace and foster a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
  • Why Attend? 
    • Candid Dialogue: Engage in candid and crucial dialogue on pressing issues that exacerbate racial inequity and economic insecurity in the South.
    • Networking: Connect with policymakers, nonprofit leaders, and community advocates who are driving positive change in the region.
    • Insightful Sessions: Gain insights from thought leaders and experts in sessions that trace the history of inequity, explore legislative advocacy for nonprofits, and envision an equitable South.
    • Art and Culture: Experience the vibrant cultural scene of Charleston with performances by local artists, including Singer-Songwriter Harlem Farr and Charleston Poet Laureate A$iahMae.
  • Speakers: Link to Speaker Images and Bios
    • John Simpkins, President and CEO, MDC
    • Rev. Fedrick A. Wilson, Live Oak AME Church of Vance, SC
    • Harlem Farr, Singer-Songwriter
    • A$iahMae, Charleston Poet Laureate
    • Marcus Amaker, Charleston Poet Laureate
    • Michelle Mapp, South Carolina ACLU
    • Bernie Mazyck, South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development
    • And many more! Visit event page for detailed speaker/session information.
    • Link to ALL speaker images/bios

Social Media Language, Handles and Hashtags

  • Social Media Language:
    • LinkedIn: Explore crucial topics with thought leaders at MDC’s State of the South event in Charleston, SC, Feb 5-7, 2024! Join us for food, art and insightful sessions on ending predatory lending, addressing housing displacement, and supporting diverse entrepreneurship. Experience the vibrant cultural scene of Charleston with performances by local artists, including Singer-Songwriter Harlem Farr and Charleston Poet Laureate A$iahMae. Your voice matters—register now! http://bit.ly/SOTSCharleston2024
    • Facebook: Delve into impactful discussions at MDC’s #State of the South event in Charleston, SC, Feb 5-7, 2024! Sessions on ending predatory lending, combating housing displacement, and supporting entrepreneurship await. Experience the vibrant food and cultural scene of Charleston with performances by local artists, including Singer-Songwriter Harlem Farr and Charleston Poet Laureate A$iahMae. Be part of the conversation—registration and details here: http://bit.ly/SOTSCharleston2024 #StateoftheSouth #ThrivingSouth #SoSCharleston2024 #SouthCarolinaEquity
    • Instagram: Join us for powerful sessions at MDC’s State of the South event in Charleston, SC, Feb 5-7, 2024! Explore topics like ending predatory lending, fighting housing displacement, and empowering entrepreneurship. Experience the vibrant food and cultural scene of Charleston with performances by local artists, including Singer-Songwriter Harlem Farr and Charleston Poet Laureate A$iahMae. Event and registration info at http://bit.ly/SOTSCharleston2024  #CharlestonEquity #StateoftheSouth #ThrivingSouth #SoSCharleston2024
    • Twitter/X: Art, Food, Culture & Exciting sessions await at MDC’s State of the South event in Charleston, Feb 5-7! Don’t miss out—learn more & register http://bit.ly/SOTSCharleston2024 #StateoftheSouth
  • Social Media Handles:
  • Hashtags:
    • #StateoftheSouth
    • #ThrivingSouth
    • #SoSCharleston2024

Graphics, Press Release for download