Press Release

Community Members Welcomed to Engage on the Evaluation of Racial Equity for Black Coloradans

WHAT: The Colorado Black Equity Study team at History Colorado is hosting a series of Community Listening Sessions to offer the general public the opportunity to learn about the Study’s progress so far, and participate in an open discussion to share feedback based on their own lived experiences. Input from these sessions will help inform the evaluation of practices, systems and policies of the State of Colorado which negatively impact Black communities.

PRESS CONTACT:
Jeannie McFarland Johnson, Director of Marketing & Communications
720-840-1914 | hc_media@state.co.us

This stage of community engagement is part of the evidence-based historical research History Colorado is conducting for the Black Coloradan Racial Equity Study Commission, established by Senate Bill 24-053 (SB24-053). At the conclusion of this research, the Black Coloradan Racial Equity Study Commission plans to hire a third party to conduct an economic analysis based on the research conclusions of History Colorado. This economic analysis is scheduled to 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.

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. 

WHY: The Community Listening Sessions provide an opportunity for sincere engagement with the general public, ensuring that the work of the Colorado Black Equity Study is deeply rooted in community knowledge and informed by historically informed reconciliation and repair. By engaging in this work, History Colorado is honoring the stories of Black Coloradans who have made incredible contributions to the state and acknowledging disparities to build a more inclusive future.  

"I am humbled and honored to extend an invitation on behalf of the Colorado Black Equity Study Research Team and History Colorado to Black Coloradans and the community-at-large to join us in a safe space where people can share their stories and learn about our progress," said Chloé Duplessis, program manager for the Colorado Black Equity Study. "Each session will present an opportunity for Coloroadans to come together in historical and community engagement, and connect in real time as we elevate the importance of Black History because Black History is American History."

WHEN & WHERE: The following three Community Listening Sessions are scheduled for fall 2025:  

  1. Denver Metro Listening Session - Saturday, September 13, 2025
    1. 12-2 p.m. 
    2. History Colorado,1200 North Broadway, Denver, Colo.  
       
  2. Pueblo Listening Session - Saturday, October 4, 2025
    1. 12-2 p.m. 
    2. El Pueblo History Museum, 301 N Union Avenue, Pueblo, Colo.
       
  3. Statewide Virtual Listening Session - Saturday, November 1, 2025
    1. More information for online access to be posted online by mid-September. 

Additional listening sessions in other regions across Colorado will be scheduled for Spring 2026.

WHO: The Colorado Black Equity Study Community Listening Sessions are open to the general public. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. 

INFO: Additional information can be found at https://www.historycolorado.org/co-black-equity-study.