The SC Progressive Network Education Fund launched the Modjeska Simkins School for Human Rights in 2015 to teach civics, community organizing skills, and a people’s history of South Carolina to students of all ages, backgrounds, experience, and interests. The four-month master class, led by Dr. Robert Greene II and a distinguished roster of guest speakers, is an intense, immersive experience unlike any in the state — or outside of it. Its role becomes more clear and critical with each year.

The Modjeska Simkins School has an 80-year-old heritage of organizing for radical, systemic change in our state and nation. It is strictly nonpartisan, and has no affiliation with any political party.

We do not react to the latest outrages of the current administrations at the local, state, or national levels. While we encourage protest — and reacting is necessary to mitigate damage — at the school we study and promote cures to the causes of the damage through radical change.

To clarify perhaps unfamiliar terms, we embrace the label “radical” as a call for fundamental, systemic change in South Carolina. We link ourselves to historical movements like Reconstruction-era “Radical Republicans,” and leaders like Modjeska Simkins, advocating for “radical togetherness.” We challenge entrenched power with a vision for justice, economic fairness, and racial equity, all of which fosters the “radical revolution of values” Dr. Martin Luther King called for in 1967. The Modjeska School is one manifestation of the Network’s programs for education and sound public policies for grassroots organizing.

By “systemic change,” we mean wholesale change beyond incremental fixes to transform economic and social structures, focusing purposefully on equity across race, class, and gender.

By “radical togetherness,” we mean purposefully unifying diverse groups to build collective power.

By “equity” we mean providing individuals with the specific resources and opportunities they need to achieve equal outcomes, recognizing that everyone has different circumstances. In contrast, “equality” involves giving everyone the same resources or opportunities, which may not address the unique challenges faced by individuals.

By “radical revolution of values,” we mean a fundamental shift in societal priorities, promoting human rights and shared well-being.

The SCPN Education Fund is not merely nonpartisan under federal and state laws governing tax deductions to and from foundations and donors. Our work and the Modjeska School are strategically anti-partisan, because we recognize that predatory capitalism thrives on war, racism, and poverty that is inherent in the maintenance and results of partisan politics, at the expense of human welfare. Ultimately, we cannot eradicate the causes of pain with the system that profits from it.

In the 16 classes, and some deeper dives on Sunday afternoons, students will be guided to examine the suppressed history that continues to affect us all. It is a serious commitment. These times require it.

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Class Protocols

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Spring Session 2026

The semester runs from March 2 through June 22, with classes meeting Monday evenings on Zoom and broadcast live from Columbia to groups at six partner sites. Orientation is Feb. 28.

Columbia 
GROW – HQ for the SC Progressive Network and Modjeska Simkins School
1340 Elmwood Avenue

Charleston
CAFE
6296 Rivers Avenue
Machinist Union Office Suite 310<
North Charleston

Lancaster
University of South Carolina – Lancaster
Native American Studies Center
119 South Main Street

Orangeburg
CASA Education Center
646 John C. Calhoun Drive

Pendleton
First Baptist Church
351 South Broad Street

St. Helena Island
Penn Center
Martin Luther King Drive

Sumter
University of South Carolina – Sumter
200 Miller Road