The Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD) celebrates Black History Month (BHM) 2024. BHM is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their undeniable role in United States History. Black History Month has taken place every February since 1976. Black History Month honors the contributions and legacy of activists, civil rights pioneers, leaders in industry, politics, science, culture and vast accomplishments of monumental leadership in our country’s history. Each year, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, creates a theme for Black History Month. This year’s Black History Month theme is African Americans and the Arts. Find more about this year’s theme here: https://asalh.org/black-history-themes/
CCRD’s work is a direct result of African American history: the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title II of the Civil Rights Act and the Fair Housing Act of 1968. The Civil Rights of 1964, 100 years after the end of the Civil War, sought the right for equality for all races and creeds in America. The act created the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC) to ensure discrimination based on race, gender, religion, national origin, etc did not occur in places of employment and labor unions. In addition the act banned discrimination in public places such as, parks, restaurants, shopping stores,etc. Later in 1968, the Fair Housing Act passed, prohibiting discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of property.
The CCRD celebrates the achievements of African Americans and honors their role in U.S. History. CCRD recognizes the many accomplishments of prominent leaders in the African American community, such as Martin Luther King Jr, Medgar Evers, Daisy Bates, Rosa Parks, Thurgood Marshall, Audre Lorde, Bell Hooks, John Lewis and many more who helped shape equal employment, fair housing and fair access laws. The CCRD plays a vital role in upholding those rights and enforcing the Colorado Anti- Discrimination Act (CADA), through investigation and mediation.
As we recognize the influence of African Americans on the Colorado Civil Rights Division and the work we do for the Colorado community, the following quotes from our Federal Partners pay tribute to the important history of African Americans and how the fight for equality has shaped and continues to influence the nation on a federal level.
HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge shared, “During my tenure at HUD, we have supported more than a quarter of a million Black homebuyers through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). HUD launched a multi-million-dollar program that provides resources to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to address housing challenges in Black and underserved communities. We have made strides to root out discrimination in housing by strengthening our enforcement capabilities and investing in local fair housing organizations. We must continue this work to move our nation forward if we are to ensure Black and Brown children, of the future, can live in a country that lives up to the ideals of liberty and justice for all.” Secretary Fudge also shared this HUD Fact Sheet, compiling HUD’s most recent accomplishments of serving our nation's African American communities.
In A Message from Chair Charlotte A. Burrows for 2024 Black History Month EEOC Chair Charlotte A. Burrows stated, “Freedom from discrimination at work is the core of the EEOC’s mission. EEOC staff around the country are dedicated to that mission and understand how important it is to serve everyone who comes to us for help. Given America’s long history of racial injustice and discrimination, this work is particularly important for Black workers. This Black History Month, we remember the freedom songs that have helped civil rights advocates “[k]eep [their] eyes on the prize” as we continue the EEOC’s tireless work for racial justice and equality on behalf of the American people.”
To find more about the Title II and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,the Fair Housing Act and Colorado African American history, visit the resources below:
Civil Rights In American: Racial Discrimination in Housing
History of the Fair Housing Act
8 steps that Paved the Way to the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Title II: Public Accommodations Discrimination
History Colorado: Colorado's Most Influential African Americans
The Colorado Civil Rights Division continues to strive for equality for all when enforcing and educating the community, on the Colorado Anti Discrimination Act (CADA). CADA prohibits discrimination based on protected class in employment, housing, and places of public accommodation. The CCRD enforces CADA primarily through investigation, mediation and outreach and education. To learn more about the Colorado Civil Rights Division and protections from discrimination under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA), visit the Colorado Civil Rights Division website: Colorado Civil Rights Division.