New group aims to raise $2 million for initiatives in the African American community

NORTH CHARLESTON (WCSC) - For the past year at Trident United Way, Quinetha Frasier has been working to bring black and minority business leaders together.

"The best way to be able to address any needs in education is to bring together the people who can make an impact over time - the time and treasure," Frasier said.

She is part of a new group called the African American Leadership Council.

The group is made up of people who have donated $1,000 or more to the Trident United Way, and want to make a difference in our community.

On Wednesday, they'll announce how they plan to raise $2 million for education.

"That two million dollar goal - we will have a specific route to get there and specifically what that money will be used for in education," she said.

Frasier says there is a lot to be done.

The Charleston County School District graduation rate currently stands around 80 percent.

By 2020, Frasier says the United Way wants to increase the graduation rate to nearly 90 percent.

To improve high school graduation rates, the AALC's goal is to ensure children in kindergarten are more proficient in vocabulary and third graders are reading at grade level.

"The American Leadership Council is a unique opportunity for professional persons and organization in the Tri-County area to united, to strengthen the community in education," Frasier said. "That is what we set out to do."

To learn more about the AALC and how to become a member,

Copyright 2015 WCSC. All rights reserved.