President Biden Announces Key Appointment of Rep. Billy Mitchell

April 21, 2023
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THE WHITE HOUSE

APRIL 21, 2023
President Biden Announces Key Appointment of Rep. Billy Mitchell

WASHINGTON – Today, President Biden announced his appointment of Georgia State Representative Billy Mitchell to the Presidential Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans.

The Presidential Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans aids in developing, implementing, and coordinating educational programs and initiatives for agencies such as the Department of Education. Specifically, the Commission provides advice to the President through the Secretary of Education on matters pertaining to educational equity and economic opportunity for the Black community. The Commission primarily focuses on: 1) promoting career pathways for Black students through programs such as internships, apprenticeships and work-based learning initiatives, 2) increasing public awareness of the educational disparities Black Americans face and providing solutions to these problems, and 3) establishing local and national relationships with public, private, philanthropic, and nonprofit stakeholders to advance the mission of equity, excellence, and economic opportunity for Black Americans.

Representative Mitchell, was previously elected to the City Council of the historic Stone Mountain in 1995. His colleagues then unanimously selected him to serve as Vice Mayor. Appointed Chair of the Finance Committee, he led the City to “outstanding financial status,” as reported by independent auditors. Among the ordinances he was most proud to author, Representative Mitchell granted the City the authority to erect the “Freedom Bell” in the middle of its downtown, commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s call – in his immortal “I Have a Dream” speech – to “let freedom ring, from Stone Mountain of Georgia!”

A depended upon leader in the Georgia General Assembly, where Rep. Mitchell is the elected chair of the Georgia House of Representative Democratic Caucus. He was also elected by his nationwide peers to serve as President of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) and now serves as President of the NBCSL Foundation. NBCSL members represent over seventy million Americans, and former members of NBCSL include almost 40% of the current Congressional Black Caucus and the 44th U.S. President. Mitchell was also elected to serve on the Executive Committee of the National Conference of State Legislators, which is the world’s largest legislative organization serving legislators and legislative staff in all of America’s 50 states and territories.

“I am indeed humbled, honored and gratified by President Biden’s confidence in my ability and for appointing me to this commission. Education is certainly at the forefront of any consideration for advancing economic opportunities and community improvement and I look forward to making a contribution,” said Rep. Mitchell.