Colorado : Nil Sine Numine

Colorado is a state in the Western United States. Colorado is bordered by Wyoming to the north, Nebraska to the northeast, Kansas to the east, Oklahoma to the southeast, New Mexico to the south, Utah to the west, and Arizona to the southwest. Colorado is nicknamed the “Centennial State” because it became a state one century after the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence. Colorado is known for its diverse geography, which includes alpine mountains, high plains, deserts with huge sand dunes, and deep canyons. The United States Census Bureau estimates that the population of Colorado was 5,695,564 on July 1, 2018, an increase of 13.25% since the 2010 United States Census.

Colorado is the 8th most extensive and 21st most populous U.S. state. The 2019 estimated population of Colorado was 5,752,736, an increase of 14.5% since the 2010 census. Colorado is the 21st most populous state in the United States. Colorado is bordered by Wyoming to the north; Nebraska to the northeast; Kansas to the east; Oklahoma to the southeast; New Mexico to the south; Utah to the west; and Arizona to the southwest. Colorado is nicknamed the “Centennial State” because it became a state one century after the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence. Colorado is known for its diverse geography, which includes alpine mountains, high plains, deserts with huge sand dunes, and deep canyons. According to the United States Census Bureau, as of July 1, 2018, Colorado had a population of 5,695,564 people, an increase of 13.25% since 2010. Colorado is currently ranked as the 8th most extensive state in America and 21st most populous. Colorado’s 2019 estimated population of 5,752,736 people ranks it as the 21st most populous state in the United States. Colorado is home to a large and diverse population.

According to the 2010 census, Colorado was home to 5,029,196 people. The state’s population was 56.4% non-Hispanic whites, 21.3% Hispanics or Latinos of any race, 10.0% African Americans, 2.1% Native Americans, 1.7% Asian Americans, 0.5% Pacific Islanders, 5.4% from some other race and 3.9% from two or more races.

Racism is a pervasive issue that has affected various communities in the United States, including Colorado. Despite being known for its natural beauty, mountain ranges, and snow-capped peaks, Colorado has experienced several incidents of racial discrimination throughout its history. The issue of racism in Colorado is complex and requires a comprehensive understanding of its historical and cultural contexts.

Historical Context

Colorado has a long and complicated history with racism, including discrimination against indigenous people and African Americans. During the 1800s, indigenous people were forced out of their ancestral lands and relocated to reservations. The Colorado gold rush of the 1850s brought in thousands of prospectors, which led to increased conflict with the indigenous people. This culminated in the Sand Creek Massacre of 1864, where over 150 Cheyenne and Arapaho people, including women and children, were killed.

Furthermore, African Americans who came to Colorado to escape racial oppression in other parts of the country also faced discrimination. In the early 1900s, black people were barred from owning homes in certain areas of the state, and racially restrictive covenants were often included in property deeds. Discrimination also took the form of employment discrimination, with black workers being paid lower wages and barred from certain occupations.

Current Context

Although Colorado has made some strides in recent years, there is still a long way to go in addressing racism in the state. There have been several high-profile incidents of racial discrimination in recent years, including the 2019 Elijah McClain case. McClain, a 23-year-old Black man, died after being stopped by police, placed in a chokehold, and injected with ketamine. The incident sparked protests and calls for police reform.

In addition to police brutality, racism also manifests itself in other forms, including housing discrimination, employment discrimination, and systemic barriers that prevent people of color from accessing education, healthcare, and other resources. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected communities of color in Colorado, highlighting the systemic inequities that exist in the state.

Addressing Racism in Colorado

Addressing racism in Colorado requires a multifaceted approach that involves acknowledging the state’s historical context and current realities. It also involves creating policies and programs that promote racial equity and inclusion. Some of the steps that can be taken include:

1. Dismantling systemic barriers that prevent people of color from accessing education, healthcare, housing, and other resources.
2. Providing adequate resources and support to communities of color, including mental health services, job training programs, and community outreach programs.
3. Encouraging diversity and inclusivity in workplaces, schools, and other institutions.
4. Creating accountability mechanisms to address incidents of racial discrimination and police brutality.
5. Educating people about the history and legacy of racism in Colorado and promoting cultural sensitivity and awareness.

Racism is a persistent problem in Colorado that requires collective efforts to address. It is crucial to acknowledge the state’s history and current realities, and take proactive steps to dismantle systemic barriers and promote racial equity and inclusion.

SUNDOWN TOWNS IN COLORADO

Sundown town, in U.S. history, a town that excluded nonwhite people—most frequently African Americans—from remaining in town after sunset.

Here is a current list of sundown towns in Colorado. This list has been created by Tougaloo College in Tougaloo, MS. This list is a work in progress. Some cities have been confirmed as sundown towns and some are listed for other or similar reasons.

Brush

Burlington

Cedaredge

Cherry Hill Village

Colorado Springs

Craig

Delta

Durango

Evans

Fruita

Longmont