WHEREAS, Statistical studies chronicling the status of African-American males in American society reveal startling and disturbing conditions and trends; and
WHEREAS, By every indicia measuring achievement, success, and quality of life in American society, African-American males are facing a prodigious struggle for survival while fighting formidable opponents; and
WHEREAS, African-American males make up only 4 percent of the population of California, but are victims of 31 percent of the states’ homicides and comprise 38 percent of the state’s prison population; and
WHEREAS, National statistics indicate that one of every 22 African-American males will die as a result of homicide and that one of every six African-American males will be arrested by the age of 19 years; and
WHEREAS, African-American males make up less than 3 percent of California’s total college and university enrollment; and
WHEREAS, African-American males suffer from more debilitating health problems, a higher death rate, and a lower life expectancy than males in other ethnic and racial groups; and
WHEREAS, Between the years 1973 and 1988, the average real annual income for African-American males in the United States between the ages of 20 and 24 years fell by more than 50 percent; and
WHEREAS, There is no statewide repository of data available on the status of African-American males; and
WHEREAS, There should be a study to determine the California dynamics relative to the increasing misfortunes and the social distress affecting African-American males in American society; and
WHEREAS, The results of such a study will recommend what effective measures must be taken or encouraged by the Legislature to help alleviate or relieve some of the underlying causes that threaten the survival of African-American males; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby establishes the California Commission on the Status of African-American Males; and be it further
Resolved, That the commission shall consist of 21 members, with seven members to be appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly, seven members to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules, and seven members to be appointed by the Governor, in accordance with all of the following:
(a)
Appointments to the commission shall include, but not be limited to, members of the Assembly and Senate, professionals in the fields of criminal justice, health and social services, education, employment, and economic empowerment, and the media.
State officers or employees may be appointed to the commission.
(b)
The initial appointments to the commission shall be made not later than April 1, 1993.
(c)
Whenever an appointment to the commission is not made by April 1, 1993, the position shall be filled, on a temporary basis, by a person appointed by a quorum of the commission. A person appointed by a quorum of the commission shall, however, serve only until the appropriate appointing power makes a permanent appointment. For purposes of this paragraph, a quorum of the commission shall constitute 10 members, except that none of these 10 members shall have been appointed by a quorum of the commission.
(d)
The Speaker of the Assembly shall designate a chair for the commission from among the members appointed.
(e)
The Senate Committee on Rules shall designate a vice chair for the commission from among the members appointed; and be it further
Resolved, That members of the commission shall serve without compensation.
This measure shall be implemented to the extent that private funds are made available to the commission for the purpose of this measure for all program and administrative costs related to implementation and no state funds shall be used to implement this measure, except that the Legislature may provide existing staffing assistance and resources to the commission; and be it further
Resolved, That it shall be the duty and responsibility of the commission to do all of the following:
(a)
Appoint advisory committees with recognized expertise in the seven targeted areas listed in paragraph (b).
(b)
Conduct research to determine the nature and extent of the problems concerning African-American males in seven targeted areas: unemployment, education, criminal justice, social services, health, economic empowerment, and media.
(c)
Hold public hearings for the purpose of collecting data.
(d)
Identify existing federal, state, and local programs that address problems and solutions relevant to the targeted areas of study.
(e)
Develop community education and public awareness programs especially designed for African-American males.
(f)
Develop strategies to improve the social condition of the African-American males.
(g)
Solicit funds from the private sector for the purposes of travel reimbursement, staffing, publications, operational expenses, and any and all other expenses related to the commission; and be it further
Resolved, That the commission may meet or consult with any persons as may be able to assist the commission in carrying out its duties; and be it further
Resolved, That the commission shall report its findings and policy recommendations to the Legislature and the Governor, upon request, commencing January 31, 1994, and annually thereafter; and be it further
Resolved, That the commission shall be terminated on January 31, 1995, unless a later adopted concurrent resolution, which is chaptered before that date, deletes or extends the date.