Celebrating Black History Month in Colorado

February is Black History Month! To start off the month, we will be highlighting a variety of events, programs, and resources that are available across the state throughout February. While this month is dedicated to Black history, it is not the only time of year where it is important to understand, reflect, and celebrate Black figures, Black history, and the Black experience in America. It is also a time to continue uplifting the work being done in Colorado by Black-led organizations, which are helping to build a better tomorrow for our kids, families, and communities. 

Throughout this month, it is important not just to focus on Black history, but to celebrate Black futures – our teachers, caretakers, parents, children, families, artists, leaders. We encourage you to look through the following resources and events to engage with during February and in the months that follow.  

Performances and events 

• New Normal  

• • Feb. 3 and 4, 1373 Grant Street (Feb. 3) and 5000 E Alameda Ave. (Feb. 4)
    As society strives to achieve social justice, this program raises our voices in solidarity with People of Color by sharing their music with the world.  

• Same Cloth  

• • Feb. 25, 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., Dazzle @ Baur’s
    Same Cloth is a Denver-based project led by keyboardist Solomon J. Chapman Sr. and vocalist JoFoKe. They combine the diverse traditions of Black American Music to create an energetically eclectic and emotionally elevating live music experience.  

• National Geographic Live – ‘Greenwood: A Century of Resilience’ with Alicia Odewale  

• • March 20, Newman Center for the Performing Arts
    A native of Tulsa, Okla., archaeologist Alicia Odewale is uncovering stories of resilience in the hundred years since the attack on Black Wall Street in the city’s vibrant Greenwood district. Considered one of the worst episodes of racial violence committed against Black people in American history, the Tulsa Race Massacre left a devastating toll on generations of survivors and their descendants. Join Odewale to discover how archaeology can be used as a tool for recovering lost stories, reclaiming a narrative, and pursuing restorative justice. 

• ‘The Color Purple’  

• • March 31–May 7, Wolf Theatre
    Beloved by audiences worldwide, Alice Walker’s “The Color Purple” traces one woman’s fraught journey toward freedom and self-love. This musical adaptation of “The Color Purple” features soul, gospel, jazz and blues vocals, underpinned by raw dialogue and a masterful plot.  

Resources 

• Center for Racial Justice in Education’s “Black History Month Resource Guide for Educators and Families”  
• Soul 2 Soul Sisters’ “Black Women Healing Resources” and “Ending Anti-Black Racism Resources.”  
• Colorado Black Health Collaborative’s resource directory  
• Facing History’s “Honoring Black Agency & Black Joy”  
• National Education Association’s “Black History Month Lessons and Resources”  
• Art in Action’s “Celebrating Black Artists: Black History Month Through a Creative Lens” 
• Black Mamas Matter Alliance’s newsletter 

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About Children's Campaign

The Colorado Children’s Campaign is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization committed since 1985 to realizing every chance for every child in Colorado. We advocate for the development and implementation of data-driven public policies that improve child wellbeing in health, education and early childhood. We do this by providing Coloradans with trusted data and research on child wellbeing and organizing an extensive state-wide network of dedicated child advocates. For more information, please visit www.coloradokids.org.