MISSION and GOALS

• Reach out to youth of all ethnic, racial, economic, and religious backgrounds and help them discover their common humanity.

• Inspire youth to strive for excellence in all endeavors.

• Teach youth about Dr. King’s dream of peace and justice.

• Help youth to appreciate the strength of racial and cultural diversity.

• Inspire youth to reach beyond their boundaries to succeed in their endeavors.

The Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission is a state organization empowered to serve all Arkansans.  The Commission began its work in 1993 when Governor Jim Guy Tucker appointed a 25-member statewide Commission, including legislators, members of the general public, and high school students.

The Commission is also guided by Junior Commissioners.  These are Arkansas high school and college students who have demonstrated strong qualities of leadership and community service.  The Junior Commissioners have particular influence in advising the Commission in projects dealing with youth.

The Commission works closely with the King Federal Holiday Commission and the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change in Atlanta.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission was created in 1993 by Act 1216 of the Arkansas General Assembly to promote the legacy and philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

DuShun Scarbrough, Executive Director	DuShun.Scarbrough@arkansas.gov
Tim Lawson, Executive Assistant	Tim.Lawson@arkansas.gov
Jim Rorie, Chief Fiscal Officer	Jim.Rorie@arkansas.gov

The Commission Board Members

Mrs. Annie Abrams, Honorary Chair

Dr. Josetta Wilkins, Honorary Co-Chair

Atty. John Walker, Co-Chair

Mr. Odies Wilson III, Co-Chair

Other Members:
Elder Velmar Bailey
Jonathan Bell
Dr. Rose Bryant-Jones
Renee Bullock
C. Diane Charles
Booker Clemons
Rev. Oscar M. Conyears
Andre’ Good
Judy Green
Rev. Victor Johnson
Dr. Glendell Jones
James Miles
Andy Montgomery
Addie Morris
Jimmy C. Morris, JD
Derrick Newby, Jr.
Mija Nichols
Jim Porter
Johnny Stephens
Lewis White
Hank Wilkins, V
Stacy Williams
Lauren Wright

Quarterly Board Meeting Dates Board meetings are open to the public February 14, 2008 May 8, 2008 August 14, 2008 November 13, 2008

Enabling Legislation Link

Instructions to Access Page:
	Go to Arkansas General Assembly Click on Research Resources Click on Arkansas Code Click on Search Form In the query for: type Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission
Chapter 24 Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission Sec. 25-24-101. Creation - Members. 25-24-102. Duties. 25-24-103. Powers. 25-24-101. Creation - Members. (a) There is hereby created a commission to be known as the “Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission”. (b) The commission shall consist of twenty-six (26) members: (1) A representative of the Governor's Office, to be appointed by the Governor and to serve at the pleasure of the Governor; (2) Four (4) members to be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the President Pro Tempore of the Senate; (3) Four (4) members to be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Speaker of the House of Representatives; (4) Thirteen (13) members of the general public, to be appointed by the Governor, who shall be residents of the state, shall represent the various geographical areas of the state and various civic, social, religious, educational, labor, business, and artistic organizations, and shall be committed to resolving conflict and to upholding the humanitarian philosophy of Dr. King; and (5) Four (4) members of the general public, to be appointed by the Governor, who shall be residents of the state between the ages of sixteen (16) and nineteen (19), no more than one (1) of whom shall reside in the same congressional district. (c)(1) Members representing the general public appointed by the Governor shall serve for a term of three (3) years. (2) No member of the commission shall serve more than two (2) consecutive terms. (3) Vacancies in the membership shall be filled for the balance of the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointments were made. (d)(1) The Governor shall designate one (1) cochair of the commission from the general public membership. (2) The Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate shall jointly designate one (1) cochair of the commission. (e) Members of the commission shall be subject to removal from office by the cochairs when the actions or condition of a member shall be considered as sufficient cause for removal. (f) A majority of the commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. (g) Members of the commission shall serve without compensation but, to the extent moneys are appropriated therefor, may receive expense reimbursement in accordance with § 25-16-901 et seq. History. Acts 1993, No. 1216, § 1; 1997, No. 250, § 242; 1997, No. 968, § 1; 2001, No. 1288, § 24. 25-24-102. Duties. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission shall have the following duties: (1) To promote racial harmony, understanding, respect, and goodwill among all citizens; (2) To promote principles of nonviolence; (3) To promote among the people of Arkansas, by appropriate activities, both awareness and appreciation of the civil rights movement and advocacy of the principles and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.; (4) To develop, coordinate, and advise the Governor and the General Assembly of appropriate ceremonies and activities throughout the state relating to the observance of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday; and (5) To receive donations and contributions from individuals and public and private organizations in order to carry out its responsibilities. History. Acts 1993, No. 1216, § 2. 25-24-103. Powers. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission may employ such staff and consultants as authorized by law and fix their compensation, duties, authority, and responsibilities. History. Acts 1993, No. 1216, § 3.