SAN FRANCISCO — (AP) — California’s education chief Tony Thurmond says he plans to lead an effort that focuses on racism and implicit bias in California’s schools.

Thurmond announced his plan in emotional remarks Monday on the killing of George Floyd, saying he has struggled to answer his own children when asked “Why did this happen?” and could it happen to them.

Thurmond is the only elected government official in California who is African American. Thurmond said he will be initiating conversations with California school superintendents, educational leaders, parents and students but also go beyond the educational sphere and work with elected officials, police chiefs and government agencies.

“Now is the time to address racism and implicit bias in education,” he said.