Late last week, House Speaker Julie McCluskie announced the five individuals who will serve on The Black Coloradan Racial Equity Commission (Equity Commission). The Commission, established by SB24-053 on June 4, 2024, plans to address systemic racism affecting Black Coloradans.

The Speaker appointed Jennifer Bacon, Naquetta Ricks, Darlene Sampson, Charleszine “Terry” Nelson, and Javon Brame to serve on the Commission.

The Commission is tasked with directing a comprehensive study to identify and evaluate racial disparities and the enduring effects of systemic racism across various sectors in Colorado, including economic mobility, housing, education, healthcare, and criminal justice.

Bacon and Ricks are duly elected as Colorado legislators and proudly serve as members of the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus of Colorado. Dr. Sampson, a distinguished consultant specializing in race, diversity, equity, and inclusion, holds a prestigious Ph.D. from the University of Colorado, Denver. Terry Nelson, a dedicated native of Denver, has retired as the esteemed special collection and community resource manager for the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library, boasting an impressive career of over three decades of experience in libraries. Brame is eloquently described on his esteemed LinkedIn profile as a Consultant, Educator, and Philanthropist and currently holds the esteemed position of Vice Chair of the renowned philanthropic organization - Black Resilience in Colorado Fund (BRIC).

The study will guide research on historical and contemporary racial inequalities and will be funded through external gifts, grants, and donations. History Colorado will submit its findings and recommendations within two-and-a-half years.

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