Gov. Robert Bentley signed an executive order creating a Governor's Office of Minority Affairs on Wednesday, March 9.
The new office will advise Bentley on issues affecting minorities and women, according to a press release from the governor's office.
“Alabama has a unique history in promoting civil rights for minorities, and the courage and boldness of our citizens is a testament to the principles on which our state and country were founded,” Bentley said. “The newly created Governor’s Office of Minority Affairs will be a great resource and a new perspective on addressing minority and women’s issues."
Bentley also announced the new office on his Twitter account.
"It has been a while since the Alabama Governor’s Office has devoted a position solely to minority and women’s issues," Bentley said over Twitter. "Today changes that course, and brings a new found perspective on addressing minority and women issues."
Bentley said the new office was a part of his Great State 2019 Plan, which he announced at the State of the State address in February.
Bentley's plan is meant to address issues that have plagued Alabama.
“Poverty does not discriminate,” Bentley said in his State of the State address. “In Alabama, it knows no race, no region and no political party. The poverty rate is in double digits in Winston County, just as it is in Dallas County.”
Bentley appointed Nichelle Nix as the director the newly created office.
Nix was an attorney in the Governmental and Regulatory Affairs Division at the Birmingham law firm of Maynard, Cooper & Gale, P.C. She also served as legislative counsel to U.S. Rep. Artur Davis.
“I am honored to join the Governor’s Office and help support Governor Bentley’s efforts to create jobs, improve education and increase quality of life opportunities,” Nix said in a press release. “The opportunities and well-being of minorities and women will be my primary focus. I look forward to building broad coalitions to make Alabama a better state for everyone.”
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
