Colorado Black History
Forum To Shine A Spotlight On The Gripping Past Of African Americans In The Rocky Mountain West
By Cara DeGette
GPHN Editor
February is a month to highlight and hold up Black history. Pat Moreland, the vice chair of the local powerhouse House District 8 Democrats, is seizing the moment this year to host an event that shines the spotlight on Black culture and Black history in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain West.
During the event, presenters will highlight African Americans who have helped to shape the state and the region, including the gutsy Tuskegee Airmen who fought in World War II, and the Buffalo Soldiers, who comprised the 10th Cavalry Regiment of the US Army beginning in 1866.
The program also includes a history of Blacks in the Colorado Legislature, and the incredible story of the once-thriving Black Wall Street and the subsequent horrific Tulsa race massacre of 1921. What happened in — and to — Dearfield — a town and farming community in Weld County that was established as a place where Blacks could thrive and be successful. Learn about Lincoln Hills, the only vacation resort west of the Mississippi that catered to African Americans, and where legendary Black entertainers performed — from Ella Fitzgerald to Cab Calloway to Louis Armstrong.
Never heard of Stagecoach Mary, the first African-American female star route mail carrier in the United States? This is your chance. The event features numerous presenters, and also includes music, a sampling of cultural foods and the chance to learn the electric slide.
“My philosophy is, if you don’t know ask,” Moreland says. “If you are uncomfortable asking, let me help educate you. I’m not the be-all, end-all for Black history, but I know of where I came.”
The education fundraiser, which takes place Friday, Feb 24, is also designed to help restock the HD8 coffers for future Get Out The Vote efforts. The event is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Park Hill Golf Course Clubhouse, at 35th and Colorado Boulevard. Tickets range in price, and are available at dpod.org/hd8blackhistory.
