Updated: February 16, 2024
Learn about Black history in the Pikes Peak Region and continue to support Black-owned businesses. We love our community and these wonderful people who make Colorado Springs such an amazing place.
After the Civil War ended in 1865, Palmer – a former Union Army general – decreed that all children regardless of color would attend school together. Black families headed west with the promise of a more successful future for their children. [Source: Pikes Peak Library District]
Duncan, a Black woman and business owner, made incredible progress in Colorado Springs during one of the country’s most volatile times. While the rest of the country was deep in Jim Crow laws, Colorado Springs was comparatively progressive. Duncan was granted a loan to start her business. Her jazz venue, the Cotton Club, became famously known for its phrase “Everybody Welcome.” Located next to where the Pikes Peak Center is today, the club welcomed famous acts including Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington and Etta James. [Source: Rocky Mountain Food Tours]
Randall flew 75 combat missions in Korea, and in Vietnam was part of Operation Rolling Thunder. In 1965, he was shot down while flying his 44th mission to destroy a bridge near the border. Despite injuries, he avoided capture and radioed for help. After healing, he retired to Colorado Springs. Col. Randall’s recognitions include the Congressional Gold Medal, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal and Meritorious Service Medal. [Source: The Gazette]
The Carter Payne – now home to several local businesses like Local Relic, Immerse Cuisine and The Cellar – was built in 1897 as an African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church. The congregation once based in The Carter Payne Chapel has since moved to another location, but the historic building serves as an important piece of the city’s history. [Source: El Pomar Foundation]
The CSPM is hosting guided tours on select days for Black History Month.
Explore how since the founding of Colorado Springs in 1871, African Americans have continued to socially, politically, intellectually, culturally and economically shape the Pikes Peak Region.
The AAHGSCS’s mission is to ensure African-Americans are included as an integral part of the history of the Pikes Peak Region and our nation. Visit the museum to learn about the region’s rich African-American history.
The History Colorado app explores the people and stories that have helped shape the state with particular focus on traditionally underserved communities. Starting with History Colorado’s Black Heritage Trail, users can delve into the history and impact of African Americans in Colorado via audio stops, images, text descriptions from History Colorado’s extensive collection and more.
While Black History Month in February serves as an annual reminder, it’s vital to our region’s success to support Black-owned businesses every month. Here are several resources to leverage to find new businesses to support.
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Pikes Peak Opera League presents a Black History Month Celebration featuring Conservatory Scholarship Recipients. This program will feature Conservatory Scholarship winners, and there will be a special performance by Christiana Danaé in celebration of Black History Month. Dessert bites and decaf coffee will be served prior to the program.
Date: Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: 415 Sahwatch St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Cost: Free. Registration required.
February 10, 2024
In honor of Black History Month, join the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum and the Space Foundation Discovery Center for a FREE celebration of African American’s amazing achievements in aviation history. The Black Wings Family Day features family-friendly STEM activities, food trucks, and a historical performance by Gigi Coleman, the great niece of Bessie Coleman, the first female African American pilot.
Date: Saturday, February 10, 2024
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Hillside Community Center; 925 S. Institute St.
Cost: FREE; pre-registration required
2024 CSPM Exhibit
Black Wings: American Dreams of Flight examines the contributions of some of the most important African American aviators from the past and present who helped make the dream of careers in flight and space exploration possible.
Time: The CSPM Annex is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum Annex Exhibits; 121 S. Tejon Street, Suite 100
Cost: Free
February 2024 — July 6, 2024
The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College presents Clarence Shivers: Experimenting with Form.
A Tuskegee Airman—and career military person—one of Clarence Shivers’ most celebrated works is his statue dedicated to these pilots and their legacies, located at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Joining this highly selective as well as segregated group of aviators shaped the artist’s commitment to celebrating Black experience and creativity in his work. Whether images of friends, families, musicians, civil rights leaders, or others, Shivers represented his subjects with poignant and expressive insight.
Exhibit Dates: February 2 - July 6, 2024
Museum Hours:
Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Fridays: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Closed Sunday, Monday, Tuesday
Location: Fine Arts Center; 30 W Dale Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
General Museum Admission:
Adults: $10
Military and Seniors (55+ with ID): $5
Students & Teachers with ID, kids 12 and under: Free
FAC Members: Free
Additional Events:
February 2 - FAC Member Tour: Clarence Shivers: Experimenting with Form
February 9 - Clarence Shivers: Experimenting with Form Opening Celebration
February 17, 2024
Join Deerfield Community Center, Poetry719 and Lil Miss Story Hour for a Black History Month Celebration! Enjoy food trucks, vendors, story time for all ages, and a Black Voices Matter Open Mic feature Alpha the Musical. Story hour will feature Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o and No Mirrors in Nana's House by Yasaye Maria Barnwell. Join to celebrate Black history, creativity and excellence!
Date: Saturday, February 17, 2024
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Deerfield Community Center; 4290 Deerfield Hills Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80916
Cost: Free to attend. All ages!
February 25, 2024
OneBody Ent presents the 11th Annual Multi-Cultural Black History Program held at the Ent Center for the Arts. This is a donation only event and includes a fashion show, live musical performances and more!
Date: Sunday, February 25, 2024
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Location: Ent Center for the Arts; 5225 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Cost: Donation only
The Southern Colorado Juneteenth Festival is the biggest celebration of inclusion to ever be held at America the Beautiful Park…
Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum215 S Tejon St
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903
Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College30 W Dale St
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903
Space Foundation Discovery Center4425 Arrowswest Dr
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80907
United States Air Force AcademyI-25 Exit 156
USAF Academy, Colorado 80840
National Museum of WWII Aviation775 Aviation Way
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80916
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