WHEREAS, members of the Black community have contributed significantly to the State and its government to the benefit of all of the people in the State; and

WHEREAS, the State must continue to be responsive to the special needs and concerns of its Black residents; and

WHEREAS, a mechanism must be established to ensure that members of the Black community have opportunities to participate in all levels of government;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mario M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the State of New York, do hereby order as follows:

I. Governor's Advisory Committee for Black Affairs

There is hereby created a committee to be known as the Governor's Advisory Committee for Black Affairs (the “committee”). The members of the committee shall be appointed by the Governor. A chairperson and vice chairperson shall be designated by the Governor. The members of the committee shall receive no compensation, but shall be entitled to reimbursement for any necessary expenses incurred in connection with the performance of their duties. The Governor shall designate an executive director of the committee who shall be responsible for its administrative functions.

II. Purpose and Responsibilities of the Committee

1. The committee shall identify and evaluate areas of particular concern to the Black community and submit recommendations to the Governor for his review. The committee shall place special emphasis on the following areas:

2. The committee shall create a panel, whose members shall be designated subject to the approval of the Governor, to address the unique concerns of the Black family, with particular emphasis on households headed by Black women. The Commissioner of Human Rights, the Director of the Women's Division and the Executive Director of the Council on Children and Families or their designees shall provide assistance and advice to the panel.

3. The committee shall establish subcommittees, which shall make recommendations concerning the special needs of various Black cultural and ethnic populations, including the Caribbean community. Such subcommittees shall periodically submit reports to the committee for its consideration and adoption.

4. The committee, in conjunction with the Governor's Executive Committee for Affirmative Action, shall review the implementation of affirmative action programs designed to increase employment opportunities for Blacks in State government.

5. The committee shall report on a regular basis to the Governor on its activities.

6. The committee may request and shall receive from any department, division, board, bureau, commission or agency of the State such assistance and data as will enable it to carry out its purpose and responsibilities hereunder.