GOVERNOR

GOVERNOR'S COORDINATING OFFICES

GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF COMMUNITY INITIATIVES

ORIGIN & FUNCTIONS

The Office coordinates community and volunteer service activities in Maryland; develops and coordinates the Governor's policy agenda affecting community programs and initiatives; advises the Governor on policies to enhance and improve the delivery of community and volunteer services; and serves as liaison to the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Community affairs services within the Executive Branch of Maryland government are surveyed and assessed by the Office. To encourage greater involvement and participation by community organizations and constituent groups in the formulation and implementation of public policy, the Office devises and implements a strategic plan. The strategic plan and annual reports are submitted to the Governor.

Appointed by the Governor, the Executive Director serves on the Maryland Council for New Americans, and the Governor's Commission on Service and Volunteerism.

Within the Governor's Office of Community Initiatives are the Commission on African-American History and Culture; the Office of Asian-Pacific American Affairs; the Governor's Commission on Asian-Pacific American Affairs; the Governor's Commission on Hispanic Affairs; the Commission on Indian Affairs; the Governor's Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs; the Governor's Office on Service and Volunteerism; and Volunteer Maryland (Executive Order 01.01.2007.18).

GOVERNOR'S COMMISSION ON AFRICAN AFFAIRS

Appointed by the Governor to four-year terms, the Commission consists of twenty-one members. The Governor also names the chair.

COMMISSION ON AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY & CULTURE

The Commission on African-American History and Culture originated in 1969 as the Maryland Commission on Negro History and Culture (Chapter 435, Acts of 1969). In 1971, it was assigned to Morgan State College by Executive Order. Under the Department of Economic and Community Development, the Commission was renamed in 1974 as the Commission on Afro-American and Indian History and Culture (Chapter 386, Acts of 1974), and as the Commission on Afro-American History and Culture in 1976 (Chapter 120, Acts of 1976). As part of the Division of Cultural Activities, the Commission joined the Department of Housing and Community Development in 1987 (Chapter 311, Acts of 1987). In 1988, the Commission was placed under the Division of Historical and Cultural Programs within the Department. In 1992, the Commission was redesignated as the Commission on African-American History and Culture (Chapter 290, Acts of 1992). Formerly under the Division's Office of Cultural and Educational Services, the Commission became part of the Office of Research, Survey, and Registration in 1992. In September 1995, the Commission moved to the Office of Museum Services, and in October 2005 transferred from the Department of Housing and Community Development to the Department of Planning. In July 2008, it moved to the Governor's Office of Community Initiatives (Chapter 521, Acts of 2008).

The Commission serves as the statewide clearinghouse for preserving evidence of and documenting the African-American experience in Maryland. It specializes in research assistance and collection of historical materials - art objects, memorabilia, manuscripts, photographs, and other articles of significance to African-American history and culture. For the community at large and the educational systems and institutions within the State, the Commission provides exhibits, programs, and resource materials. The Commission also participates in a con tinuing statewide survey to locate and identify sites and buildings of historical and cultural importance to the African-American experience in Maryland.

The State's annual observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday (January 15) is planned and coordinated by the Commission. Any available federal or private funds for the planning and execution of commemorative and educational activities in connection with that observance are received and administered by the Commission.

The Commission's nine members are appointed to four-year terms by the Governor with Senate advice and consent. Subject to the approval of the Governor, the Commission appoints the Director (Code State Government Article, secs. 9.5-401 through 9.5-408).

BANNEKER - DOUGLASS MUSEUM OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY & CULTURE