Arizona Commission of African-American Affairs

Revision Date: 
Friday, September 27, 2019

Authority

The Arizona Commission of African-American Affairs was established in 2010. Authority is found at A.R.S. §§41-531 through 41-534.

Function

The purpose of the Arizona Commission of African-American Affairs is to assist and support state and federal agencies in assisting African-Americans in this state to develop mutual goals, to design projects for achieving their goals and to implement their projects. The Commission also organizes the annual African-American Legislative Day in February. See Laws 2010, Chapter 271, Purpose.

History

Governor Napolitano established a nine-member Arizona Commission on African-American Affairs by executive order on July 27, 2007. The order outlined Commission authority and responsibilities. It also referred to a 2007 legislative appropriation of $125,000 to the Arizona Department of Administration in order to create the Commission. See Executive Order 2007-19. https://azmemory.azlibrary.gov/digital/collection/execorders/id/628/rec/120

Laws 2010, Chapter 271 established the Arizona Commission of African-American Affairs, consisting of 17 members. Nine members are appointed by the Governor to terms of three years. Of the appointed members, seven shall be African-American and two are not. The remaining members include the Governor and directors of various state agencies or their designees.

The measure outlined the powers and duties of the Commission, which included supporting state and federal agencies to assist African-Americans develop mutual goals; designing projects to achieve those goals; and implementing their plans. The Commission also advises the Governor; assists community groups to develop strategies and programs; serves as a liaison to federal, state and local agencies; conducts conferences; and organizes an Arizona African-American town hall.

The measure established the Arizona Commission of African-American Affairs Fund consisting of monies received as gifts, grants or fees collected at the town hall. The State Treasurer administered the Fund, which was exempt from lapsing.

Laws 2015, Chapter 12 authorized the Commission to administer the Fund, rather than the State Treasurer and made conforming changes to accomplish the change in responsibility.

Sources

  • Arizona Revised Statutes
  • Session Laws
    • Laws 2010, Chapter 271
    • Laws 2015, Chapter 12
  • Governor Napolitano Executive Order 2007-19
  • Related Collections at Arizona State Archives
    • Record Group 217 – Commission on African American Affairs
  • Arizona Commission of African-American Affairs. September 27, 2019 ksk