[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz announced today that through Executive Order 22-19, he will continue the Governor’s Council on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. The Governor’s Council on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday coordinates and executes observances of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Junior's birthday at the state level in Minnesota, and ensures that Dr. King’s memory and his mission are kept alive. This Executive Order will allow Governor Walz to appoint a rotating cabinet member to serve as Chair of the Council and fourteen additional members. For the coming year, the Governor has appointed Commissioner Steve Grove to serve as Chair. Applications for the Council are available on the Secretary of State’s website today, August 22.

“There is no place for hate or discrimination in Minnesota,” said Governor Tim Walz. “I am proud to continue supporting this Council whose mission is to carry on the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. by creating opportunities for Minnesotans to honor and remember Dr. King’s memory.”

“Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy inspires each of us to stand up against racism and discrimination in our communities, and to create equitable opportunities for everyone to thrive,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “I look forward to working with the future Council members to design a meaningful and memorable commemoration of Dr. King’s legacy.”

The council was first established by Governor Rudy Perpich in 1986 and has been re-established or continued by succeeding governors. Governor Walz first continued the council in April 2019.