LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Governor Gretchen Whitmer is continuing to try to help those who have been disproportionately challenged by the coronavirus pandemic and by a number of other health issues in Michigan.
During a press briefing on Wednesday, August 5th, the governor announced the creation of the Black Leadership Advisory Council, which focuses on African American issues in the state and hopes to elevate black voices in government.
The council is the first of its kind in Michigan and will consist of “16 voting members representing Black leadership in economics, public policy, health and wellness, technology, the environment, agriculture, arts and culture, and more. It will also product an annual report on its activities,” according to the governor’s press release.
The duties of the council include:
- Identifying state laws, or gaps in state law, that create or perpetuate inequities, with the goal of promoting economic growth and wealth equity for the Black community.
- Collaborating with the governor’s office and the Black community to promote legislation and regulation that ensures equitable treatment of all Michiganders, and seeks to remedy structural inequities in this state.
- Serving as a resource for community groups on issues, programs, sources of funding, and compliance requirements within state government in order to benefit and advance the interests of the Black community.
- Promoting the cultural arts within the Black community through coordinated efforts, advocacy, and collaboration with state government.
- Providing other information or advice or taking other actions as requested by the governor.
In a written statement, Governor Whitmer said, “We must confront systemic racism head on so we can create a more equitable and just Michigan. This is not about one party or person. I hope we can continue to work towards building a more inclusive and unbiased state that works for everyone.”
Those interested in becoming a part of the council can go to michigan.gov/appointments. Applications are due by Wednesday, August 19th.
The governor also signed another executive order recognizing racism as a public health crisis.
She is asking the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to make health equity a major goal and work with other state departments to examine data, develop and plan policies, and engage, communicate and advocate for communities of color.
“This pandemic has confirmed and highlighted the deadly nature of these preexisting inequities caused by systemic racism,” Governor Whtimer said.
Implicit bias training is also a requirement for all state employees. “Implicit, unconscious bias exists within each of us, and as public servants we have a duty to understand how our bias can impact the lives of others,” said Governor Whitmer.
It’s been almost five months since Michigan’s first case of COVID-19. The governor is continuing to stress the importance of wearing a face mask and is begging for more help from the federal government as cases continue to rise.
More on the coronavirus pandemic and the governor’s executive orders can be found at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.
