Colorado's Black Caucus Pushes for Racial Disparity Study, Critics Decry Victimhood Narrative
The Colorado legislature's Black Caucus has put forth a bill aimed at addressing what they believe is long-standing racial disparities that affect Black Coloradans in various areas, including housing, healthcare, education, and incarceration. While proponents argue that it is time to confront racism, critics raise concerns about perpetuating a victimhood narrative with unnecessary legislation.
Spearheaded by Rep. Leslie Herod, a member of the Black Caucus, SB24-053 calls for a government-backed study into the enduring legacy of slavery, ongoing systemic racism, and their impacts on the state's Black community.
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Herod asserts that there has been a denial of discrimination and its contemporary effects, emphasizing the need to confront the truth. She believes that the data obtained from the study will shed light on the continuing impact of systemic racism and the responsibility to take action.
A more than a hundred years ago, the state witnessed high-profile lynchings and a strong white supremacist presence in the early 20th century. In the 1920s, the Ku Klux Klan infiltrated state politics, even leading to a Klan member becoming governor. Additionally, "sundown towns," all-white communities that barred Black people and often employed threats of violence, were prevalent throughout much of Colorado in the 20th century.
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Now that it appears the state will fund a study to document race inequities between blacks and whites, do you believe there is ongoing systemic racism in Colorado?
Yes
No
Not sure
While acknowledging the existence of racism, critics argue that it has evolved over time and does not resemble the overt discrimination of previous eras. Rep. Jennifer Bacon, the Black Caucus Chair, acknowledges that racism has transformed but claims it still persists in society today.
Advocacy groups have already presented data illustrating disparities faced by Black Coloradans, particularly in healthcare and housing. The Colorado Children's Campaign found that the Black infant mortality rate in the state is seven times higher than that of white infants. The Colorado Association of Realtors revealed that while 70% of White Coloradans own homes, only 42% of Black Coloradans do, representing the largest gap in the last decade.
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In addition to collecting data, the proposed study aims to develop policy solutions to address these racial gaps. The responsibility for conducting the study would fall upon the state's historical society, History Colorado.
The bill also establishes the Black Coloradan racial equity steering committee, comprising lawmakers, community members, and experts in legal, economic, and historical fields, appointed by the governor, Speaker of the House, and President of the Senate.
The funding for the study would rely on fundraising efforts rather than a direct appropriation from the state budget. It is contingent on History Colorado receiving $100,000 in gifts, grants, and donations. The bill is set to have its first legislative hearing on February 1, with the Black Caucus planning to introduce additional bills addressing inequities, including a specific focus on Black maternal mortality.