Lawmakers gather on the House floor at the Capitol on January 12, 2022, marking the start of Colorado’s 2022 General Assembly session. (Photo by Olivia Sun, The Colorado Sun)
June 24, 2024 Story by: Editor
Advocates for a new state law in Colorado have successfully raised the remaining $30,000 needed to launch a racial equity study. This milestone allows a committee to begin assessing the financial impacts of slavery, racism, and discrimination on Black Coloradans and the state’s economy.
Senate Bill 53, signed into law on June 4, establishes a commission to direct History Colorado in conducting historical research in areas like housing, economic mobility, education, healthcare, and the criminal justice system. The commission will then recommend corrective actions.
The bill did not come with state funding, so advocates had to raise $785,000 for the first year of the study, fearing the bill would not pass if it relied on state funds.
“My overall reaction is overwhelming gratitude,” said Sen. James Coleman, the lead sponsor of Senate Bill 53. He expressed surprise and honor at the Black community’s significant self-investment.
Last week, Coleman told The Colorado Sun that $30,000 was still needed for the first year of the three-year study. In just three days, this goal was met.
On Wednesday, Juneteenth, a fundraiser hosted by an unnamed community leader saw wealthy Black leaders in Colorado pledge the remaining funds needed to support Senate Bill 53. Coleman, who attended and spoke at the event, said the attendees quickly reached their financial goal.
Foundations and individuals, some donating $1,000 each, contributed to the swift fundraising success. The $785,000 raised so far came mostly from individual donations, foundations, and some corporate investors.
“Juneteenth definitely helped,” Coleman noted, appreciating community leaders who committed financially to the cause.
Senate Bill 53 requires a 14-member commission to be convened by September 1. This group will guide the three-year study, aiming to uncover how Black Coloradans have experienced and continue to face racial discrimination due to harmful state systems, policies, and practices.
John Bailey, director of the Colorado Black Round Table, was among the first donors to the fundraising effort and contributed again at the Juneteenth event. Having donated $3,500 to date, Bailey expressed willingness to give more if needed.
Bailey emphasized the importance of financial commitment to achieving equity, stating, “The only way to achieve fairness is to commit to being thoughtful and candid about past indiscretions. This particular scenario is very important in Colorado.”
The legislation aims to validate the harsh realities many Black people face, with the successful fundraising effort indicating strong support for the racial equity study’s goals.
Despite the racial wealth gap, Black communities have often led efforts to fund causes promoting equality, Bailey said, adding, “Our people always make sure that Black organizations have the money they need to do the things that need to be done.”
The study’s results will provide historical context to help Coloradans understand the roots of Black frustration and actions, Bailey said. “These are all manifestations of frustrations, to some extent, to prove to ourselves and other people that we are worthy.”
Dr. Ryan Ross, president and CEO of the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado, also contributed to the fundraiser. Having donated $6,000 from his own funds and his organization’s reserves, Ross underscored the importance of using data from the study to address past wrongs and promote equity.
“If everyone prospers, the state is stronger,” Ross said. He and Bailey were among the first five donors to the effort.
“Their advocacy helped us reach our goal,” Coleman said, acknowledging the critical role of these early supporters.
The fundraising effort for Senate Bill 53 is ongoing, with plans to raise nearly $420,000 for the second year and over $580,000 for the final year of the study. The organization CHIC Denver, which helps families break free from intergenerational poverty and violence, will deliver the first round of funding to the Colorado Black Racial Equity Study Cash Fund by August 1.
Bailey hopes the study’s findings will be integrated into school curricula and inspire other states to draft reparations legislation and corrective measures to address racial inequality. “We have to figure out how to deal with overcoming our personal pains so we can move toward collective joy for all of us,” Bailey said. Source: Urban Active
