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Arapahoe County proclaims February 2025 Black History Month; commissioners reflect on history and anti-racism
Summary
The Arapahoe County Board of Commissioners adopted a proclamation declaring February 2025 Black History Month and several commissioners offered personal remarks about Black history, diversity, equity and inclusion.
The Arapahoe County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 11 adopted a proclamation recognizing February 2025 as Black History Month and several commissioners used the public portion of the meeting to reflect on local history and diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
The proclamation, approved by unanimous voice vote, cites national observances of Black History Month, references the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, and calls on county government to promote inclusion and study of African American history. The proclamation text also notes the county’s efforts to evaluate diversity, equity and inclusion and references “the 72,000-plus African Americans in Arapahoe County.”
Why this matters: the proclamation is symbolic but provides the county’s official recognition and a platform for commissioners to highlight local history and ongoing DEI work. Commissioners used the adoption to name a pioneering local figure, discuss barriers to historical recognition and underscore the county’s role in promoting equity.
What commissioners said Commissioner Fields read the proclamation aloud for the record. Commissioner Warren Gully recalled Dr. Justina Ford — described in his remarks as the first Black female physician licensed to practice in Colorado — and summarized her professional obstacles and accomplishments, noting that she delivered thousands of babies after being denied hospital privileges.
Commissioner Campbell spoke at length about anti-racism and systemic disparate impact, urging recognition of structural barriers in banking, education and other institutions and urging use of government authority to dismantle those systems. Campbell also noted the board’s own changing composition and said the county should use its position to address inequities.
An unidentified commissioner who identified themself in the record as “the first Black person on the Board of County Commissioners” shared personal family history and reflections on ancestry and perseverance. That speaker described family genealogy and a family history involving forced separation and slavery; the remarks were presented as personal testimony in support of the proclamation’s purpose.
Board action and next steps Commissioner Baker moved to adopt the proclamation; Commissioner Campbell seconded. The board voted by voice vote with no recorded oppositions or abstentions and adopted the proclamation. Commissioners paused following the vote to take a commemorative photograph.
Ending The proclamation establishes the county’s formal recognition of Black History Month for 2025 and the commissioners’ remarks emphasized local history, the importance of DEI work and the county’s role in promoting inclusion.
