The New Mexico Office of African American Affairs (OAAA) was enacted by the 44th New Mexico State Legislature in 1999 under House Bill 909 and an executive advisory committee was established by Executive Order under the administration of Governor Gary Johnson. Although the official operation of OAAA started with State Legislation, the hearts of OAAA lies with the many New Mexico residents statewide who felt that there was a need to address issues specific to the African American community.