Executive Order 01-03

State of Montana
Office of the Governor

EXECUTIVE ORDER CONTINUING THE MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. COMMEMORATIVE COMMISSION

WHEREAS,  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. summoned from every American and Montanan qualities that guide and sustain the American spirit and our nation's commitment to equality, justice, freedom and peace, and he awakened our national pride and the essential goodness of our people by leading an American nonviolent movement that enriched our moral purpose as a nation;  and

WHEREAS, this human rights movement advocated nonviolent methods of social change in the struggle for justice, equality and freedom, and raised the consciousness of our country through Dr. King's personal dream of a nation where all people are judged, not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character;  and

WHEREAS, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was recognized on November 2, 1983 by the United States Congress and the President of the United States in the enactment of legislation establishing the third Monday in January as a national holiday in celebration of Dr. King's birthday, beginning in 1986;  and

WHEREAS, the State of Montana recognizes the significance of Dr. King's life and accomplishments in human rights and passed Senate Bill 78 in 1991, which set aside the third Monday in January as Martin Luther King, Jr./Human Rights Day.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JUDY MARTZ, Governor of the State of Montana, by virtue of the authority vested in me under the laws and Constitution of the State of Montana, do hereby continue the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission.

I.          PURPOSE    

The purpose of the Commission is to:

A.        encourage appropriate ceremonies and activities honoring the legal holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.;

B.        provide advice and assistance to individuals, governments and private organizations concerning the observance of this holiday;

C.        promote throughout the state education and awareness of the principles of nonviolence and respect for human rights for all;

D.        seek to involve all sectors, private and public, in a conscious effort to recognize, resolve and resist racism;  and

E.        forward an annual report on its activities to the Governor.

II.          COMPOSITION

The membership of the Commission shall represent and reach out to particular groups within the community, such as ethnic minorities, elected officials, students, and groups associated with various religions, education, business, labor, youth, peace and justice, and civil and human rights. The names and addresses of members who shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor are submitted by separate letter to the Secretary of State.

A chair shall be appointed by the Governor.

The Commission is attached to the Office of Community Service for administrative purposes.

III.         DURATION

The Council shall exist for a period of two years from the effective date of this Order. This Order is effective immediately.