Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to recognize and honor John Francis Wheaton, the first African American elected to the Minnesota legislature. The goal is to pay tribute to his efforts in advancing civil rights, racial justice, and public service in Minnesota by creating a permanent commemorative work on the State Capitol grounds.

Main Provisions

1. Commemorative Work:

   • A commemorative work will be installed on the Capitol grounds in Wheaton's honor.
   • The design process will be inclusive, involving a public call for artists and consultations with community leaders, civil rights organizations, historians, and the African American community.

2. Timeline and Reporting:

   • The design and site selection must be completed by December 31, 2026, and the installation by December 31, 2027.
   • Annual progress reports on the project, covering aspects such as design, funding, and community engagement, must be provided to the legislature.

3. Educational and Cultural Programs:

   • Educational materials about Wheaton will be developed for Minnesota's primary and secondary school curricula, including digital resources and classroom content.
   • The Minnesota Historical Society, along with African American cultural organizations, will offer programs like lectures, exhibits, and discussions about Wheaton's impact.
   • An annual "J. Frank Wheaton Legacy Day" will be established to celebrate his contributions and promote civic engagement.

4. Dedication Ceremony:

   • After the completion of the commemorative work, an official dedication ceremony will be held at the State Capitol. It will feature historical reflections, student presentations, and community discussions on representation in government.

5. Funding:

   • The bill appropriates funds from the general fund for the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board and the Department of Administration for implementing these initiatives, with the funding available until June 30, 2028.

Significant Changes

The bill introduces a new legal requirement to commemorate John Francis Wheaton through various public and educational initiatives, which highlights the significance of his contributions to state history and aims to inspire future civic engagement.

Relevant Terms

John Francis Wheaton, African American, Minnesota legislature, civil rights, racial justice, Capitol grounds, commemorative work, educational materials, cultural programs, J. Frank Wheaton Legacy Day, public service, civic engagement, representation in government.