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Colorado House adopts resolution recognizing February 2025 as Black History Month
Summary
The Colorado House adopted House Joint Resolution 1009 recognizing February 2025 as Black History Month after extended floor remarks from members across the chamber; the resolution passed 64-0 with one member excused.
The Colorado House adopted House Joint Resolution 1009 on Thursday, recognizing February 2025 as Black History Month and highlighting the contributions of Americans of African descent to Colorado and the United States. The chamber voted 64 yes, 0 no, with 1 excused to adopt the resolution.
The resolution, introduced by Representative English, traces the observance from Carter G. Woodson’s creation of Negro History Week to the modern Black History Month and cites local and national figures, including Colorado pioneers and civil-rights leaders. Representative English moved the resolution and asked for it to be read at length before members offered floor remarks.
Lawmakers from both parties spoke in support and, in some cases, used the moment to reflect personally. Representative Joseph said the resolution offered a chance to honor family and community; she described her grandmother’s influence and how those personal histories are part of Black history. “Black history is about more than the famous trailblazers and activists. It's also about the regular grandmothers, fathers, and community members raising the next generation of leaders,” Joseph said.
Representative Ricks urged colleagues to treat Black history as part of American history and criticized the federal government’s refusal that year to formally recognize the month. “Black history is American history,” Ricks said, asking colleagues to “support this joint resolution and affirm that truth.”
Some members used their time to offer broader commentary. Representative De Graaf delivered a long critique of certain contemporary policies while saying he supports teaching history fully; his remarks drew extended floor time but did not change the outcome. Assistant Majority Leader Bacon closed the debate, urging support. “A vote for this resolution is a vote to recognize that black history is American history,” Bacon said.
After the final remarks, the House proceeded to a roll-call vote on the resolution. Mr. Schiebel opened the voting machine; the clerk recorded 64 ayes, 0 no, and 1 excused. The Speaker announced, “House Joint Resolution 1009 is adopted,” and members recessed briefly to greet guests attending the observance.
The resolution text included historical references to figures and events in Colorado history mentioned on the floor, and designated February 2025 specifically as Black History Month for the General Assembly. It also notes the Association for the Study of African American Life and History’s theme for 2025 and recounts local Black Coloradans’ contributions cited during debate.
The adoption of HJR1009 is ceremonial and does not create new law; it is a formal recognition by the General Assembly intended to acknowledge and commemorate the historical and present contributions of Black Americans in Colorado and nationwide.
Votes at a glance: HJR1009 — adopted, 64 yes, 0 no, 1 excused.
