The advisory commission shall have the following functions, powers and duties:

(a) Gather and disseminate information and conduct hearings, conferences and special studies on problems and programs concerning African-Americans;

(b) coordinate, assist and cooperate with the efforts of state departments and agencies to serve the needs of African-Americans especially in the areas of culture, education, employment, health, housing, welfare and recreation;

(c) develop, coordinate and assist other public and private associations and organizations with understanding the problems of African-Americans;

(d) develop, coordinate and assist other public and private associations and organizations to provide services to African-Americans;

(e) propose new programs concerning African-Americans;

(f) evaluate existing programs and proposed legislation concerning African-Americans;

(g) stimulate public awareness of the concerns and problems of African-Americans by conducting a program of public education;

(h) conduct training programs for community leadership and service project staff;

(i) accept contributions to assist in the effectuation of this section and seek and enlist the cooperation of private, charitable, religious, labor, civic and benevolent organizations for the purposes of this section;

(j) solicit, receive and expend federal funds to effectuate the purposes of this act and enter into contracts and agreements with any federal agency for such purposes; and

(k) establish advisory committees on special subjects.