Gov. Chris Gregoire joins nearly 1,300 to commemorate African American Legislative Day

For Immediate Release: February 4, 2008

OLYMPIA – Nearly 1,300 adults and children joined Gov. Chris Gregoire, Sen. Rosa Franklin, Rep. Eric Pettigrew and King County Executive Ron Sims in commemorating African American Legislative Day, a day-long event raising awareness and advancing issues facing black people in Washington. The event also features motivational speakers, workshops and youth programs.

Gregoire’s remarks centered on the importance of bringing a seamless education system to all of Washington’s children. “The key to a better life for Washingtonians is an education system that prepares our children to thrive in a global economy,” Gregoire said. “In the past three years, we’ve made significant investments to create a world-class, seamless education system for all of us.”

The governor listed a number of critical investments that have been made, including all-day kindergarten for thousands of Washington children, a new focus on math and science in elementary and high schools, and more enrollment slots in colleges and universities.

“African American boys and girls are going to have a better chance to learn in school, and the disparity between them and white children will shrink with Representative Eric Pettigrew’s action agenda for education,” Sims said. “His legislation and Governor Gregoire’s efforts to provide a seamless education system for all are providing the strategic path that will help end the achievement gap and help more African American children have all the opportunities that a good education delivers.”

The event also kicks off February as Black History Month, a remembrance of important people and events in the history of black people, celebrated annually in the United States since 1926.

“This is a golden opportunity not only to celebrate the achievements of African Americans who have helped America become one of the greatest nations on earth, it’s also an opportunity for people to exchange ideas about solving issues that cut across racial and socioeconomic lines such as access to high-quality, affordable health care and ensuring the academic success of our children,” Franklin said.

“Civic engagement is very important,” Pettigrew said. “It’s imperative to stay engaged in the political process. I encourage people to come down and let us know what they think about issues and goals they’re working on, and, more importantly, to share ideas on accomplishing those goals together. We can only do it together.”

This event is sponsored by the Commission on African American Affairs. Created in 1992, the commission reaches out to Washington’s black communities, recommending policies and programs towards the advancement of black people.

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