Minnesota State Wire

[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz announced today that through Executive Order 23-08, he will continue the Governor’s Council on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. The Governor’s Council on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday coordinates and executes observances of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Junior's birthday at the state level in Minnesota and ensures that Dr. King’s memory and his mission are kept alive. This Executive Order designates the administration’s Chief Equity Officer to serve as the Chair of the Council. The Chief Equity Officer leads the Office of Equity, Opportunity, and Accessibility, which connects external stakeholders with state government partners for the purpose of achieving equity and opportunity for everyone in the State of Minnesota. Individuals can apply to the Council on the Secretary of State’s website.

“People across Minnesota and the country are forever indebted to Dr. King for his tenacity, dedication, and sacrifice,” said Governor Tim Walz. “I am proud to continue supporting this council whose mission is to commemorate the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. by creating opportunities for people in Minnesota to honor and remember Dr. King’s memory.”

“We carry Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy with us each day as we work to dismantle systemic racism and discrimination in communities across Minnesota and create equitable opportunities for everyone to thrive,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “I look forward to working with the future Council members to ensure Dr. King’s memory and mission continue to inspire and guide the hearts and minds of Minnesotans.”

The council was first established by Governor Rudy Perpich in 1986 and has been re-established or continued by succeeding governors.

Original source can be found here.