Governor Perdue Forms MLK Commission

Atlanta - Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that he is forming through executive order the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission (MLK Commission). The MLK Commission will be responsible for a variety of functions that will serve to strengthen and improve race relations in Georgia. Governor Perdue will direct the MLK Commission to serve as a vehicle for furthering the statewide dialogue on racial reconciliation, healing, and understanding.

"As we embark on our discussions about race and race relations in Georgia, I am also pleased to announce that I am forming a Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission," said Governor Sonny Perdue. "Dr. King's impact on Georgia and our entire nation is immeasurable. I look forward to working with this Commission to help further our dialogue on race and carry the principles of Dr. King to every corner of this state."

Previously, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission focused solely on the state holiday honoring Dr. King. Governor Perdue's MLK Commission will have expanded authority to address racial reconciliation and healing issues. Commission members will be announced in the coming weeks.

Governor Perdue also announced that two additional Racial Reconciliation Forums will be held before the end of the year - one to focus on present race relations in Georgia and one to focus on the future of race relations in the state. Additional details will be provided at a later date.

The following is the text of the Governor's Executive Order forming the MLK Commission.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission

WHEREAS: This country was founded on the belief in the rightful enjoyment of certain basic freedoms, guarantees and safeguards for all citizens, and the State of Georgia is fully committed to the protection of those rights for all who reside here; and

WHEREAS: The struggle to win and to ensure respect and understanding - regardless of race, religion, creed, color, age, ethnic origin or sex - has been long, and it continues everyday all across this state and nation and around the world; and

WHEREAS: Despite progress in recent years, further efforts are needed to advance the goals of racial reconciliation and healing;and

WHEREAS: There has begun in Georgia a public discussion on issues affecting race relations in this state, the continued discussion of which is healthy and productive towards developing improved race relations;

NOW THEREFORE, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME AS GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA, IT IS HEREBY

ORDERED: There is created the Georgia Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission to consist of women and men of recognized ability and achievement representing a diversity of backgrounds.

IT IS FURTHER

ORDERED: That the Commission be responsible for a variety of functions that serve to strengthen and improve race relations in Georgia including, but not limited to:

Providing advice and guidance to the Governor, state leaders, local officials, and community activists as to furthering the dialogue of racial reconciliation and healing;

Promoting racial harmony, understanding, and respect and good will among all citizens;

Promoting awareness and appreciation of the civil rights movement and advocacy of the principles and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; and

IT IS FURTHER

ORDERED: All executive departments, agencies, boards, commissions, and authorities shall cooperate with the Commission in the performance of its duties; and

IT IS FURTHER

ORDERED: That the Commission shall be administratively attached to the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget; and

IT IS FURTHER

ORDERED: That the members of the Commission shall be paid reasonable traveling expenses in accordance with State travel regulations while engaged in the business of the Commission; and

IT IS FURTHER

ORDERED: That the Commission shall meet no less frequently than quarterly, or upon the call of the Governor, to consider whatever business the Governor may deem appropriate.

This 15th day of October 2003

(Signed: Sonny Perdue)
GOVERNOR