Updated: May 29, 2025
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]
A young detective passionate about undercover work, Ron Stallworth was able to convince the Ku Klux Klan he was a prospective member despite being a Black man. Through months of phone calls and undercover meetings, Stallworth had become a card-carrying member. During operation he was able to gather critical information which likely prevented harm to many Colorado Springs minorities at the hands of the KKK. Stallworth wrote a memoir titled BlacKKKlansman, which was adapted into an Academy Award-winning film by Spike Lee. [Source: Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum]
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.
February 2025
This February, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum is hosting a Black History Month Tour, offering visitors a 60-minute guided tour to learn about the incredible stories, achievements and contributions of Black athletes in the Olympic and Paralympic movements.
Through expertly curated exhibits and powerful narratives, guests will explore the history and impact of these trailblazing athletes.
Date: February 2025
Time: daily at 12:00 p.m.
Location: The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum
Cost: varies, click the link to learn more
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Don't miss this soul-stirring celebration during Black History Month, where we honor the rich heritage and contributions of African American artists to the world of opera. Through powerful performances and inspiring narratives, we unite in paying tribute to the enduring legacy of resilience, creativity and cultural significance. This inspiring Black History Month celebration will leave you moved and uplifted.
Date: Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Colorado Springs, Conservatory, 415 Sahwatch St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Cost: Free. Registration required.
February 7, 2025
DUSTY & STONES is a continent-crossing journey story told through country music. The documentary intimately chronicles the remarkable ride of cousins Gazi “Dusty” Simelane and Linda “Stones” Msibi, a determined duo of struggling country singers from the tiny African Kingdom of Swaziland* who long for their big break.
When they are unexpectedly invited to record their songs in Nashville and to compete in a Texas battle of the bands, Dusty and Stones embark on their long-awaited first pilgrimage to the ancestral heart of country music.
*Known as Swaziland at the time of filming, the country was renamed the Kingdom of Eswatini.
The filmmaker (Jesse Rudoy) and producer (Melissa O. Adeyemo) will join us live via Zoom after the film screening for a Q&A.
Date: Friday, February 7, 2025
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Cottonwood Center for the Arts, 2nd Floor Theater, 427 E Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO, 80903
Cost: $8 + $1.43 fees online. $10 at the door (if available).
February 8, 2025
Now in its 16th year, Colorado Humanities’ Black History Live tour is an annual recognition each February of the significant contributions African Americans have made and continue to make to art, culture, economic development, education, human rights, medicine, public services, politics and sports.
This year’s statewide tour will feature the living-history portrayal of Harriet Tubman by nationally acclaimed scholar/actor Becky Stone. The portrayal will be performed in a Chautauqua format, which is a first-person dramatization of a historical figure. The speaker’s monologue typically lasts 40 minutes, followed by 20 minutes of Q&A, first in character and then out of character as the scholar/performer.
Date: Saturday, February 8, 2025
Time: 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Location: Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, 215 S. Tejon St. Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Cost: FREE; pre-registration required
February 12, 2025
As ICONS honors Black History Month, we acknowledge and champion the incredible contributions of artists who continue to shape our culture and community. Join us for an unforgettable night of celebration, unity and pride. Featuring Zachary Janzen, Cheerish Martin, Tiana Longmire, Leo Nova-Wolfe and other voices from our community.
Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Time: 8pm - 10:30pm
Location: ICONS, 16 E Kiowa St, Colorado Springs, CO, 80903
Cost: $20 per person
February 7 — September 6, 2025
Alisa Banks is a book, fiber and multimedia artist whose work explores the links between contemporary culture, her Louisiana Creole heritage and the African diaspora—including those of African descent who have been torn from their homeland. Alisa Banks: Unerased looks into these histories by digging into ancestral pasts.
The multi-dimensional works in Unerased challenge the systemic erasure of Black American history and honor Banks’s personal and ancestral roots. They also invite the viewer to consider home, terrain and body as forms of history, helping to foster pride, understanding and connectedness.
Exhibit Dates: February 7 - September 6, 2025
Museum Hours:
Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Fridays: 10:00am - 8:00pm
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 20, 2025 - FAC: Artist Talk with Alisa Banks
2025 CSPM Exhibit
In his poem, One Way Ticket, Langston Hughes eloquently described the exodus of millions of African Americans out of the South following the Civil War. Pushed out by repressive Jim Crow laws, acts of violence and intimidation, and economic and political repression, Blacks moved Any Place That is North and West. This permanent exhibit explores what they found when they arrived in Colorado Springs, the supportive community they created for themselves and the role they played in shaping the city we live in today.
Time: The CSPM Annex is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, 215 S. Tejon St. Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Cost: Free
The Southern Colorado Juneteenth Festival is one of the largest celebrations of inclusion ever to be held in Colorado Springs.
Attractions
Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum215 S Tejon St
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903
Attractions
Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College30 W Dale St
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903
Attractions
Space Foundation Discovery Center4425 Arrowswest Dr
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80907
Attractions
United States Air Force AcademyI-25 Exit 156
USAF Academy, Colorado 80840
Attractions
National Museum of WWII Aviation775 Aviation Way
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80916
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