In June of 2024, Governor Jared Polis signed SB24-053 “Racial Equity for Black Coloradans” into law. The groundbreaking legislation compels History Colorado to research historical racist practices, systems and policies of the state that generationally harmed the lives of Black Coloradans. The Colorado Black History Research Historian position – one of a team of four researchers – performs a pivotal role in the implementation of this legislation through historical examination and ongoing effects of the following (but not limited to) subject areas: access to asset and wealth building, including residential and commercial loans, capital investments, and grants for businesses; tax policy; k-12 education; postsecondary education, including higher education and workforce training programs; home ownership and access to housing as an owner or tenant; health disparities and access to health care; policing and police brutality; incarceration for crimes; and overall treatment of Black Coloradans in the criminal justice system.
