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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