SC’s growing Latinx community plays important role in state’s culture, economy
The Latinx community is entrenched in the history of America, supporting the stability of the country.
It is the largest ethnic group in the United States growing from 50.5 million in 2010, to 62 million in 2020, about 52% of the total population growth of the country.
Much of that growth is concentrated in the south, accounting for 47% of the total Latinx population growth since 2010.
Through polylithic identities, the Latinx community has consistently informed the social, political, economic, and cultural dialogue of the country and South Carolina has benefited tremendously.
As a member of the University of South Carolina Faculty Hispanic and Latino Caucus, I understand the role the Latinx community plays in our great state.
The Latinx community in South Carolina is part of the history of South Carolina. By the 1990s, new South Carolinians descending from Mexico and Central America were greeted by Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Colombian South Carolinians who migrated south to work in textile and industrial manufacturing, and the military. These new community members found a home in South Carolina and added to the richness of the state in ways that positively impact our lives today.
The South Carolina Latinx community has grown significantly from 2010 to 2020, but the political landscape in South Carolina has not been as positive toward the community and is at best indifferent, and at worst xenophobic.
The policy discourse of South Carolina often oppresses the community due to deficit ideologies about immigration status, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, and inaccuracies about the economic influence of the community.
Tropes about immigration and economics are holistically false.
Nationally a majority of the Latinx community is born in the United States, and also contributes tremendously to the economic solvency of the country and South Carolina.
The South Carolina Commission on Minority Affairs reports that between 2007 and 2012 the Latinx community saw the largest increase in businesses of any minority group. This economic activity helps support all areas, and all communities.
South Carolina policy makers must recognize, however, that the continued success of the community requires in-depth, nuanced, support.
Organizations like PASOs and Acercamiento Hispano de Carolina del Sur (South Carolina Hispanic Outreach) ensures the community is supported through culturally responsive services. The South Carolina Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has continued to maintain a level of service to encourage economic investment.
The University of South Carolina-Upstate has also invested significant resources into opening the South Carolina Centro Latino.
These organizations, and many more, have helped the community tremendously, but policy makers must work to guarantee the continued safety and well-being of the community across the state.
As South Carolina closes another Hispanic Heritage Month, it is important to recognize the Latinx community is thriving in the Palmetto State, paving new ground in the arts, food, language and culture, despite political challenges.
Many Latinx families consider South Carolina home, a part of our history, and a part of our future. The pandemic brought new challenges and increased xenophobic rhetoric, but the community once again endured.
During this time, we celebrate the Latinx community, but we should take pause and remember how embedded the community is throughout the state.
As a state we should honor the unique identities of the community throughout the year. Finally, we should find opportunities to stand in solidarity with the Latinx community acknowledging their contributions which are reflected throughout our entire state.
Davíd G. Martínez, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership and Policies at the University of South Carolina.
This story was originally published October 15, 2021 at 10:00 AM.