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DENVER, CO – Speaker Julie McCluskie, in consultation with the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus of Colorado, has appointed Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Representative Naquetta Ricks to serve on the Black Coloradan Racial Equity Commission.
Created by SB24-053, the commission will direct a study to examine racial disparities and make recommendations surrounding the lasting effects of systemic racism in Colorado’s practices, systems, and policies. Assistant Majority Leader Bacon will serve as vice chair.
“I’m excited to get to work and support this critical effort to explore the role certain laws and policies have led to inequities Black Coloradans experience today,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “This commission will develop a deeper understanding of the impacts of such systemic racism as we specifically examine their lasting impacts. Importantly, the idea for this commission came from community-led engagement and I want to thank them for their diligence with this effort. It’s incredibly important that we understand the past to develop the tools to craft forward-thinking policy that will support Black Coloradans into the future.”
“Uncovering the historical harm to Black Coloradans is an important step forward in our healing and creating a more equitable future for us all,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora, sponsor of SB24-053. “This commission will work alongside History Colorado to research decades of systemic inequalities in our schools, our neighborhoods, and in statewide policies that will help us better understand their lasting impacts on Black Coloradans today. While painful, this racial equity study opens the door to future conversations and will help us craft future policies that will uplift Black families instead of putting barriers in front of them.”
“Colorado House Democrats were proud to support legislation to create the Black Coloradans Racial Equity Study, and it is an honor to appoint Assistant Majority Leader Bacon and Representative Ricks to the Commission,” said Speaker McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Their dedication, lived experiences and expertise will be invaluable for the commission and its work to build a more equitable and just Colorado.”
The Speaker also appointed the following individuals to the commission:
Dr. Darlene Sampson, to serve as a person who has expertise in quantifying the economic impacts on historically impacted Black Coloradans;
Ms. Charleszine “Terry” Nelson, to serve as a person who has expertise in researching the history and impact of slavery and systemic racism on Black Coloradans; and
Mr. Javon Brame, to serve as community member with a track record of public service with historically impacted Black Coloradans
SB24-053, signed into law by Governor Jared Polis on June 4, establishes 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. Racial equity studies, like the one outlined in SB24-053, can be used as tools to qualify and quantify past discrimination and make recommendations.
The study will also include an economic impact analysis of the racial discrimination determined by the study. Under this law, History Colorado would submit the study to the commission and any recommendations within two-and-a-half years. The work of the commission and the study is funded through gifts, grants and donations.