Black History Month in Colorado Springs

Fannie Mae Duncan, owner of the Cotton Club | Photo courtesy of the Pikes Peak Library District – Digital Collections.

Black History Month in Colorado Springs

Black History Month is here and in honor of this important annual event, we are so excited to share the powerful contributions that Black Americans have made in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region. Our city has been home to influential Black educators, activists, performers, musicians, artists and other individuals of distinction since the West became, well, the West. Read on to learn more about these amazing people, plus interesting facts about Black history in Colorado.

Black History and the West

You can’t discuss Black history in the state of Colorado without first exploring why so many Black citizens chose to move here. Thousands of Black Americans moved to the west following the Civil War to escape the dangers of oppression and lack of opportunities that came with living in states that were still deeply racist. The West presented new possibilities for creating the stable homes and united families denied to so many for so long. Furthermore, for many, westward migration was also symbolic — the first time that moving would be a choice instead of a command and a celebration of autonomy instead of a reminder of enslavement and control. 

The Pikes Peak region was a popular destination due to William J. Palmer’s declaration that the city’s local schools would be integrated. This was important to Black families who valued the ability to provide their children with a comprehensive education. Colorado Springs soon had a thriving community of Black families, businesses, farms and ranches. 

More Black Americans would follow in the 1900s. Again, these individuals and families sought to escape racism and increase their opportunities. That wave brought millions more citizens west, including here in Colorado Springs. It is important to note here that discrimination did not end with the move to the western half of the United States. Black Americans still did (and still do) face racism, violence and discrimination, including here in Colorado Springs. As then, as it is now, there was still work to be done. Fortunately, our city had plenty of people to do it. 

Notable Black Coloradans 

Lewis Douglass and Frederick Douglass, Jr.

As sons of the great Frederick Douglass, Lewis and Frederick Jr. had big shoes to fill. They were more than capable of accomplishing the task. They opened the first black school in Denver and ran multiple businesses in the city. 

Ada B. Evans

Ada B. Evans was the first black woman to be elected to mayor of Fairplay in 1974. In fact, she was the first black woman to win an election for any position in the state of Colorado. Her work as mayor was well-received and she won her subsequent election without an opposing candidate. 

Barney Ford

Barney Ford was a tenacious, intelligent businessman who escaped slavery and worked relentlessly to achieve success for himself while providing guidance to others. He taught himself to read and established multiple businesses in Denver. He used his influence to expand educational opportunities and enact powerful legislation to support equality. He also helped other slaves escape and offered support as they began their new lives. 

George Motley

Holley served for years as “the General’s Man,” a vital assistant to William J. Palmer who served under him during the Civil War. Historian Stokes Holley also considers Motley to be the city of Colorado Springs’ first mailman. 

Buffalo Soldiers

While not an individual person, as an entity, the Buffalo Soldiers were instrumental in protecting pioneers migrating westward. According to the National Museum of African American History, they even served as some of the state’s original park rangers for our country’s national parks. They were stationed all over Colorado (named the Colorado Territory at the time) and had a reputation as fierce, brave fighters. 

Hattie McDaniel

Hattie McDaniel was the first Black actor to win an Academy Award. Her nomination and subsequent award were for her portrayal of Mammy in Gone with the Wind. Before her acting career, Hattie lived in Denver and even attended East High School. 

Sam Cary

Sam Cary was the first Black attorney in Colorado. He was known for doing most of his work as a lawyer for free. 

Fannie Mae Duncan

This notable Colorado Springs resident opened the first integrated jazz club in the city of Colorado Springs.  The Cotton Club is still synonymous with forward thinking entrepreneurship in our city 70 years later. You can visit a bronze commemorative statue in downtown Colorado Springs celebrating one of our most renowned early business women.

Milton E. Proby

If you flew into the Colorado Springs Airport, then you have some first hand experience on the Milton E. Proby Parkway. Reverend Proby was a renowned Civil Rights leader and philanthropist in Colorado Springs. Proby came to our little berg in 1958 to become the Pastor of St. John’s Baptist Church where he created health and welfare programs including the St. John’s Food Bank. Proby met Dr. Martin Luther King Jr at a church conference when he was still a teenager and in 1963 participated in the peaceful March on Washington. He was the first Chairman of the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and worked to rename one of our city streets after Martin Luther King Jr.  Sixteen years later, a bypass of Highway 24 was renamed to honor Reverend Proby for his contributions to our city.

Ron Stallworth

Ron Stallworth was the first Black detective in the Colorado Springs Police. He was also the city’s first Black cadet. He is most well-known for infiltrating the Ku Klux Klan. A recent Spike Lee movie, BlacKkKlansman, is based on his experience. 

Black-owned Businesses in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is home to a variety of Black-owned business that you can support during Black History Month and every other day of the year. Check out the following links to discover a list of businesses, products and services in the Pikes Peak region:

Colorado Springs Black Business Network

This dynamic organization shares local Black-owned businesses and celebrates the accomplishments of the Black community in Colorado Springs. The organization’s reading corner contains a variety of books ranging from recognition to education to exploration of critical issues and efforts. 

The Colorado Springs Black Chamber of Commerce

This handy website offers the easiest way to search for Black-owned businesses online. You can search by name or review the directory. The Chamber also hosts workshops, lunch-and-learn events, community engagement activities and more. These events support local business owners with education and opportunities that help them grow their businesses here in Colorado Springs. 

Support Black Owned

Support Black Owned is a national website that allows you to search for Black proprietors in Colorado or any other place in the United States you might be traveling. That’s great for supporting businesses on the go, as well as spending your hard-earned dollars with local businesses here at home. 

Learn More About Black History in Colorado

We know that there are many, many more amazing individuals we were unable to recognize. If you would like to learn more about incredible Black Coloradans who have changed our community and our country for the better, we have recommendations for a few places to visit this month, or anytime of the year. We’ve also shared a few local organizations, museums and attractions that can help you expand your knowledge. 

The Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum

Visit the museum throughout February for interesting insights, unique facts and more surrounding Black history in Colorado Springs. Their year-round galleries are equally engaging: Any Place That is North & West, The Story of Us and COS@150. You can also learn more online with their mobile exhibit. 

The Pikes Peak Library

Featuring an impressive digital collection, the Pikes Peak Library offers robust resources you can access from the comfort of your own home. Read up on famous Black activists, military heroism and much more with the click of a mouse. 

The African American Historical and Genealogical Society of Colorado Springs

This small-but-mighty museum at Westside Community Center has carefully curated artifacts that celebrate culture and community while also solemnly recognizing the hardships of the Black experience. The museum’s purpose is to provide recognition, restore any history that can be pieced together from the African diaspora and create a place for others to learn and engage.