Proclaiming Colorado’s Black History - Museum of Boulder
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Welcome to “Proclaiming Colorado’s Black History!” My name is Anna Belle Riley. In 1864, I became the earliest known child of African heritage born in the ancestral lands of the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Utes. At that time, the United States Government called this area the “Colorado Territory,” which later became the state of Colorado in 1876. My family’s stories highlight themes that you’ll see in this exhibit:
Why did Black people choose to make Colorado their home? My father, Thomas J. Riley, came here in search of gold in the 1860s. Others came for different opportunities.
How did Black people build community? My dad, and his wife Louisiana “Lucy” Riley, settled in Denver. Like other African American migrants, they got jobs, resided in segregated neighborhoods, enrolled me in public schools, and we worshiped in Black churches.
How did Black people fight for social justice? During my lifetime, Black Coloradans protested against efforts to segregate where we learned and lived, to deny our right to vote, and to keep us from being full participants in society. Like today, we won some battles and we lost some. Yet, we always persevered.
What about Black accomplishment? This exhibit will share the stories of well-known Black Coloradans as well as some you may hear about for the first time. People like me!
How do Black folks feel about their future in Colorado? My future was cut short because I died at an early age, but my daughter carried on my legacy through her life and children, just as thousands of Black Coloradans have done.
I’m excited for you to experience my home state’s fascinating history through an African American perspective. I hope you enjoy this look at “Colorful Colorado!”
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