It is the policy of the State of Illinois that the history of the African slave trade, slavery in America, the depth of their impact in our society, and the triumphs of African-Americans and their significant contributions to the development of this country is the proper concern of all people, particularly students enrolled in the schools of the State of Illinois.
It is therefore desirable to create a Commission that, as an organized body and on a continuous basis, will survey, design, encourage, and promote the implementation of education and awareness programs in Illinois that are concerned with the African slave trade, slavery in America, the vestiges of slavery in this country, and the contributions of African-Americans in building our country; to develop workshops, institutes, seminars, and other teacher training activities designed to educate teachers on this subject matter; and that will be responsible for the coordination of events on a regular basis, throughout the State, that provide appropriate memorialization of the events concerning the enslavement of Africans and their descendants in America and their struggle for freedom, liberty, and equality.
The public members shall be residents of this State, chosen with due regard to broad geographic representation and ethnic diversity, who have served actively in organizations that educate the public on the history of the African slave trade, the contributions of African-Americans to our society, and civil rights issues.
Each public member of the Commission shall serve for a term of 3 years, except that of the initial members so appointed: one member appointed by the President of the Senate, one member appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and 2 members appointed by the Governor shall serve for terms of one year; the member appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate, one member appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and 2 members appointed by the Governor shall serve for terms of 2 years; and one member appointed by the President of the Senate, the member appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, and 2 members appointed by the Governor shall serve for terms of 3 years. Public members shall be eligible for reappointment. They shall serve until their successors are appointed and qualified, and the term of the successor of any incumbent shall be calculated from the expiration of the term of that incumbent. A vacancy occurring other than by expiration of term shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment, but for the unexpired term only.
The State Board of Education may, subject to the availability of appropriations, hire additional staff and consultants to carry out the duties and responsibilities provided within this subsection (k).
20 ILCS 3405/22