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HJR 25-1009

Black History Month February of 2025

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Judy Amabile and 83 co-sponsors

Declares February 2025 as Colorado Black History Month, honoring African American labor and civic contributions; ceremonial and educational, with no new laws or funding.

Signed by the President of the Senate
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Bill Summary · HJR 25-1009

Summary — HJR 25‑1009: Black History Month — February 2025

Status: Signed by the President of the Senate (02/08/2025)
Introduced: January 31, 2025
Type: House Joint Resolution (ceremonial recognition)

Purpose

HJR 25‑1009 formally recognizes February 2025 as Black History Month in Colorado. The resolution commemorates the historical contributions, labor experience, civic leadership, and sacrifices of Black Americans broadly and specifically highlights the history and achievements of Black Coloradans.

Key provisions / content

  • Officially declares February 2025 as Black History Month in Colorado and endorses the 2025 national theme designated by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH): “African Americans and Labor.”
  • Provides historical background on the origins of Black History Month (Dr. Carter G. Woodson, Negro History Week → Black History Month).
  • Describes and honors significant people, events, and institutions relevant to Colorado’s Black history, including:
    • Early Black settlers and laborers (e.g., Barney Ford, Clara Brown, Nat Love, James Beckwourth, Henry O. Wagoner).
    • Black political and civic leaders and milestones (e.g., early Black legislators, Dearfield homestead, fair employment laws, civil rights organizing, notable Colorado elected officials and community leaders).
    • Labor movement milestones (noting the 100th anniversary of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters in 2025).
  • Emphasizes themes of education, economic justice, civil rights, and the ongoing work to address inequities rooted in history.

Who is affected / impact

  • The resolution is ceremonial and declarative — it does not create new law, impose requirements, or allocate funding.
  • Intended effects are symbolic and educational: encouraging state agencies, schools, community organizations, and the public to recognize, commemorate, and teach about Black history and labor themes during February 2025.
  • Raises public awareness of Colorado’s Black history and honors contributions of Black Coloradans across sectors.

Sponsors and support

  • Introduced in the House by Representatives including Jennifer Bacon, Regina English and others; sponsored in the Senate by James Coleman and Tony Exum. The resolution lists many cosponsors from both chambers, reflecting broad legislative support.

Legislative timeline / actions

  • Introduced in House: 01/31/2025
  • House Third Reading Passed: 02/03/2025
  • Introduced in Senate / Assigned: 02/04/2025
  • Senate Third Reading Passed: 02/05/2025
  • Signed by Speaker of the House: 02/06/2025
  • Signed by President of the Senate: 02/08/2025

Note: As a joint resolution recognizing an observance month, HJR 25‑1009 is primarily symbolic and informational rather than regulatory or fiscal.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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