Black Coloradan Racial Equity Study Commission Hosts First-Ever Community Listening Session

SB24-053 directed History Colorado to study systemic racism in Colorado

DENVER, CO – On Saturday, the Black Coloradan Racial Equity Study Commission hosted their first community listening session at History Colorado. Participants learned about the study’s progress and provided input based on their own experiences.

Legislative members of the Black Coloradan Racial Equity Study Commission, established by SB24-053, include Senate President James Coleman, D-Denver, House Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, Senator Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs, and Representative Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora.

“This work is all about community,” said Coleman. “Community members first came together to envision a study on the historical and current experiences of Black Coloradans, which led to the Legislature passing SB24-053. Black Coloradans have lived with the impacts of systemic and historic racism for decades. Now that the study is underway, it’s time to return to where we started by listening directly to our community, our families, and our stories.”

“Community made the Black Coloradan Racial Equity Study Commission possible, and today’s listening session provided valuable insight, feedback and unforgettable oral histories,” said Bacon. “Community has been with us every step of the way as we dove deeper into the racial and systemic inequities that have negatively impacted Black Coloradans for decades. Today’s listening session was an important part of our work, and I will remember the community history shared with us today as we outline upcoming policy recommendations.”  

“We cannot understand the impacts of systemic racism in Colorado without hearing directly from the people most affected,” said Exum. “These listening sessions, which started today in Denver and will span across Colorado, are the very core of this study to uncover past harm and listen deeply to the lived experiences of Black Coloradans. This is a step toward healing and creating a more equitable future for all.”

“The idea for the Black Coloradan Racial Equity Study Commission started in the community, and today’s listening session was another piece of our data-driven collective efforts,” said Ricks. “Thank you to every person who shared their story with the commission; your insights and perspectives are important to highlight the past and current racial inequities in Colorado. Today is only the start; community listening sessions across the state will help guide our future policy recommendations.”

SB24-053 established a commission to direct History Colorado to conduct historical research across areas like economic mobility, housing, K-12 education, health care, and the criminal justice system. The study is funded entirely by grants, gifts, and donations, and they have already secured more than $1 million. Over the span of two years, History Colorado will conduct evidence-based historical research, conduct community engagement sessions, and provide quarterly updates. 

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. The final report will be made publicly accessible through the General Assembly’s website. 

Learn more about the Colorado Black Equity Study on their website.