It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Title 42 of the General Laws entitled "State Affairs and Government" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following chapter:

{ADD CHAPTER 77.1 THE RHODE ISLAND BLACK ACHIEVERS COMMISSION ADD}

{ADD 42-77.1-1. Commission established. -- ADD} {ADD There is hereby established a black achievers commission to consist of thirteen (13) members: one (1) of whom shall be designated chairperson and shall be appointed by the speaker of the house; one (1) of whom shall be designated co-chairperson and shall be appointed by the senate majority leader; and one (1) of whom shall also be designated as co-chairperson and shall be appointed by the governor. The chairperson shall select four (4) persons to serve on the commission. Each co-chairperson shall select three (3) persons to serve on the commission. Those persons selected to serve on the commission shall be members of Rhode Island's professional business community.

The commission shall engage the participation and cooperation of Rhode Island's entire professional and business community. The commission shall establish, maintain, develop and promote cultural ties among members of the minority community and shall focus on encouraging minority youths to take special interest in educational, social, economic, and other growth in the community by providing educational and informational programs to said youth. The commission shall also recognize members of the black community as "black achievers" those individuals who merit recognition as black leaders in their community and/or profession. The commission members shall be appointed for terms of two (2) years each. ADD}

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.