Cultural and natural landmarks abound in the state of Colorado, but did you know our capital city is home to one of the most important centers for African American history? Visit the library to take in an exhibit or enjoy one of Colorado’s Black-owned restaurants and shops on a date night or while out with friends, or seek out volunteer opportunities to give back.
Part of the Denver Public Library system, the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library is located in the historic Five Points neighborhood and stands as a community hub and an invaluable resource for understanding the contributions of Black individuals to Colorado and the American West’s social, cultural, and political fabric.
A legacy project conceived by Denver’s first African American mayor Wellington Webb and his wife, Wilma, the library welcomes about 135,000 visitors per year and is home to a diverse range of materials, from rare books to personal archives, all dedicated to preserving the stories of African American communities in Colorado and the Western United States.
Visitors can explore exhibitions, participate in educational programs, and access unique resources that highlight the achievements and challenges faced by Black communities.
In addition to the research library, Webb oversaw the completion of the new Denver International Airport, the construction of Coors Field, as well as the expansion of the Denver Art Museum. He also added 2,000 acres of new parks and open space to the city, which is the largest addition of park land by any mayor in Denver.
Wilma Webb served as Denver’s First Lady for twelve years during her husband’s tenure. Prior to that role, she served for 13 years in the Colorado State Legislature after being elected in 1980. She was the first African American member of the Legislature’s Joint Budget Committee and helped in writing the state’s $4 billion budget in 1981. She was also instrumental in getting Colorado to adopt the Martin Luther King Jr holiday.
Equally important to Colorado’s cultural landscape is the thriving network of Black-owned businesses across the state. Visit Tea-Lee’s Tea House and Bookstore in Five Points (known as the “Harlem of the West”) where embracing the art of conversation is encouraged while sipping soothing tea, or enjoying soups, sandwiches, or pastries.
In Aurora, Mango House offers mouthwatering Somali donut holes, spicy Nepalese vegetable curry, sushi, Ethiopian dishes, and more. The multipurpose space includes a walk-in health clinic, community center, shops, and a food hall, and offers volunteer opportunities to give back to the community.
In Colorado Springs, head to the Caffeinated Cow which offers coffee and ice cream. A family and veteran-owned business, the focus is on community and locally sourced ingredients. Try the banana foster, a latte with caramel and banana, or a root beer float. With a variety of sandwiches and breakfast items, there’s something for everyone.
Black Diamond Grill in Copper Mountain serves up huevos rancheros and avocado toast for breakfast. Try the Black Diamond Burger for lunch or dinner, and the kids will love the chicken nuggets or grilled cheese.
The town of Silverton is known for its Skijoring event in February, but while you’re there enjoy the Golden Block Brewery. Various pizzas and craft beer make for a perfect spot to enjoy your time in this mountain locale. The Kathouse Kolsch, Lost Wages Lager, and Golden Bock pair perfectly with the Tree Hugger pizza, or the Rock House a sausage and pepperoni delight.
There are many ways to celebrate the contributions of the Black community in Colorado, whether that’s visiting the African American Research Library, dining at any of the Black-owned restaurants in our state, or volunteering.