More than 225 people are expected to attend a reception Thursday night to celebrate the launch of an organization of black elected officials.
The Colorado Black Caucus includes Denver’s mayor, city council members, school board members, lawmakers and others from around the state.
The group was founded by state Rep. Angela Williams, D-Denver, who serves as its chair.
“All people should have an equal voice at the table,” she said. “Our issues are not separate from mainstream Colorado. To the contrary, they are the same.
The event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
Guests who have said they will attend include Trey Rogers, legal counsel for former Gov. Bill Ritter, and House Minority Leader Mark Ferrandino, D-Denver.
The most high-profile member of the caucus is Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, the city’s second black mayor although African-Americans comprise only 10 percent of its population.
“This caucus presents a great opportunity for African-American leaders throughout the city and state to come together to bolster collaboration,” said Hancock, who took office in July.
“I applaud this new group as well for its commitment to increasing civic engagement from within the African-American community.”
Other members of the Colorado Black Caucus, according to its invitation, are:
– Barbara Deadwyler and Jeff Walker, members of the Regional Transportation Board of Directors
– Joe Neguse, a University of Colorado regent
– Albus Brooks and Chris Herndon, Denver City Council
– Rene Bullock, Commerce City Council
– Nate Easley and Happy Haynes, Denver School Board
– State Rep. Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora
– Vory Moon, Centennial City Council
Williams also listed El Paso County Commissioner Darryl Glenn as a member, but he told the Colorado Springs Gazette although he exchanged e-mails with Williams he’s not a member.
Williams began planning the organization last summer.
“You may ask, ‘Why the need for Colorado Black Caucus?’ ” Williams said.
“I feel it’s important that we use our collective talents and strengths to forge strong partnerships in the communities in which we serve and advocate for the interests of African Americans, communities of color and the underserved.”
Lynn Bartels: 303-954-5327 or lbartels@denverpost.com
