Collage of photographs featuring a myriad of Black Coloradans throughout history. Most stare into the camera expressing different professions, communities, and identities within the Black communities of Colorado.

Colorado Black Equity Study

On June 4, 2024, Governor Jared Polis signed Senate Bill 24-053 (SB24-053) into law. SB24-053 established a Black Coloradan Racial Equity Study Commission and directed History Colorado to conduct evidence-based historical research of practices, systems, and policies of the State of Colorado that have harmfully impacted Black Coloradans. 

SB24-053 is a community-envisioned legislative measure that was carried and advocated for by the Black Caucus at the Colorado State legislature and is funded entirely by grants, gifts, and donations.

Click Here to Donate to the Colorado Black Equity Study

Over the next two years History Colorado will conduct evidence-based historical research and provide the Black Coloradan Racial Equity Study Commission with quarterly updates. History Colorado will also conduct community engagement sessions where the public may provide input based on lived experiences of practices, systems, and policies of the State of Colorado which negatively impact Black Coloradans.

At the conclusion of this research, the Black Coloradan Racial Equity Study Commission will hire a third party to conduct an economic analysis based on the research conclusions of History Colorado. This economic analysis will be submitted to the Black Coloradan Racial Equity Study Commission and used to draft a final report which will include any recommendations to address harms caused by practices, systems, and policies of the State of Colorado. 

This final report will be submitted to the following stakeholders and made publicly accessible through the General Assembly’s website:

  • The General Assembly of the State of Colorado
  • The Governor of Colorado
  • The Colorado State Board of Education
  • The Colorado Commission on Higher Education
  • The Attorney General of Colorado
  • The Health Equity Commission

After the Black Coloradan Racial Equity Study Commission submits its final report, the commission shall work with any parties necessary to implement the recommendations included in the report.

Community engagement is needed and welcome, please participate in these current opportunities!

Community Listening Sessions

Join the Colorado Black Equity Study team at History Colorado for a community listening session. Learn about the Study’s progress so far, and participate by providing guided input based on your own experiences. Open to the public.

Save the date and watch here for more information about these 2026 gatherings:

 

Group photo of Pueblo Community Listening Session.
Pueblo Community Listening Sessio
October 4, 2025
Photo by Joe Mazza, ReAnimate
Room full of table with participants in the CBES Listening Session engaged in discussion.
Denver-Metro Community Listening Session
September 13, 2025
Photo by Trevor Gass, ACT ONE Photography​​​

Research Updates and Articles

Research Updates

Research updates provided by History Colorado to the Black Coloradan Racial Equity Study Commission will be linked below as they become available.

Articles

See these publications based on research being completed for the study and get a deeper look at some of the findings

Opportunities

The photograph is a portrait, showing Robinson mid dance with her right hand upright in the air. She is wearing a colorful robe or shirt, and looking down as she moves.
A woman (Alice) stands in a suburban backyard and smiles lovingly while cradling her baby (Rich) in her arms. They are both wearing white blouses.
The negative shows two separate exposures of Cruter. Both exposures show only his head and bust. In the image on the left Cruter is looking into the camera, while the image on the right is of his profile. Cruter poses in his infantry uniform. He wears his wool service coat buttoned to the top and service hat. His collar disc is composed of two crossed rifles. On the sleeve of his right arm a Sergeant insignia is visible. A studio backdrop is visible behind him.
Portrait of Ada Belle Evans wearing a floral dress and leaning towards the camera.
A black and white photograph of Louis Armstrong sitting and playing his trumpet for a little girl.
Rolan Craig sitting in front of a brick wall surrounded by baskets of pink flowers.
A portrait, showing Leonder Taylor from the chest up and looking just off camera, wearing a worn brimmed hat and jacket.
A black and white photo of six African American women sitting around a small table set with teapots, plates, and cups.
Angela Davis in a black turtleneck, overcoat, and grey sweater with hoop earrings is seen smiling away from the camera.
Ron Ivory in a patterned short sleeved shirt leaning against a chair and smiling.
The image depicts a studio portrait of a young man. Only his bust and head are visible in the portrait. He is posed with his head looking to the left. The young man wears a lightly colored checkered three-piece suit with a white pin-stripe button down shirt. He also has on a plaid neckerchief tied into a bow.