Join us in paying tribute to the generations of African Americans who have become pillars in our Denver communities. In honor of Black History Month, we want to recognize and celebrate several incredible Black-founded and run non-profit organizations whose initiatives and impact have revolutionized 'access' to all human beings. These vital organizations are pillars of our community; without them, we would not be the incredibly vibrant city we are known for.
Youth Seen & Black Pride Colorado: Denver, CO
Youth Seen is dedicated to supporting and empowering the well-being of all youth and young adults in the BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ community. Through their incredibly robust services, including mental health, social programs, training, events, and education, they offer a safe space for hundreds of Denverites.
Struggle of Love Foundation: 12000 E. 47th Ave Suite #403, Denver, CO
SOL provides opportunities to underprivileged youth and or families that may not qualify for other community-based assistance programs. They offer a variety of services, including mentorship programs, sports programs, food initiatives, mental health services, and more. Awarded Program of the year by the federal government and nominated by Colorado Fatherhood Council, SOL prides itself on "showing our love to save our lives."
Second Chance: 224 Potomac St., Aurora, CO & 1391 Delaware Street, Denver, CO
Second Chance is Colorado's premier community re-entry program after incarceration. The organization strives to offer mentoring and vital resources to assist formerly incarcerated individuals so that they may enter the new chapter of their life as successful citizens and community members.
Curls On The Block | Denver, CO
Curls On The Block is an enrichment program for "girls of all curls and colors" to embrace, explore, and empower their natural selves while working to increase engagement, investment, and commitment to careers in the STEAM fields. In addition to their unique curriculum and classes, they host an inclusive pageant annually, with segments focused on cultural appreciation, active lifestyles, talent, and STEAM connection.
Rise 5280|Denver, CO
Equitable education is the mission of Rise 5280. Their programming empowers underprivileged young adults to strive for otherwise inequitable education opportunities, participate in healthy social and emotional behaviors, and in-depth career and fiscal planning.
Project Voyce|2900 Downing St. #1B, Denver, CO
Created by students for students, Project Voyce was founded in light of the temporary closure of Manual High School, a predominantly underserved public school with one of the city's highest free/reduced lunch rates. VOYCE stands for Voices of Youth Creating Equity. Through their programs, they foster and support youth leaders to address the inequities across underrepresented communities.
FrontLine Farming|Arvada and Denver, CO
Food accessibility has been an issue for decades, with thousands of food deserts across the United States. FrontLine Farming is a non-profit organization focused on food equity and accessibility, especially for marginalized communities in the Denver Metro. Through their farming program, they are able to sustain several programs, including Pay What You Can Farmstand, a no-cost grocery program, BIPOC Farmer apprenticeship, and Healing Foods, a program in which they donate over 25% of all produce grown to several food banks and shelters.
The Center for African American Health|3350 Hudson Street Denver, CO
The Center for African American Health focuses on empowering the Denver black community to make informed health decisions and take ownership of their personal health through education, advocacy, and collaboration. They strive to provide universal access to the over 704,000 African Americans who live in and around the city of Denver.
Black Business Initiative|Denver, CO
Known as BBI, the Black Business Initiatives first began as a workshop for first-time Black entrepreneurs, focusing on advocating for economic equity for Black communities and business leaders. Their dynamic and effective programs include trainings, events, one-on-one consulting for small businesses, economic equity consulting, and more.
Black Lives Matter 5280: 2713 Welton Street, Denver CO
A national chapter of the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, Black Lives Matter 5280 is grounded in Black love, power, and liberation. Working with residents and organizations in Denver, they strive to create a safe space for black love while building a collective power that strengthens our communities.
The Center for Trauma and Resilience|P.O. Box 18975, Denver, CO
Formerly known as the Denver Center for Crime Victims, the Center for Trauma and Resilience has been providing vital services since 1986, servicing over 165,000 victims of crime to date. Their dedicated approach to providing culturally and linguistically responsive services has created a safe avenue for victims who have been ignored or underserved to seek support.
Community Roots Art Festival (CRAFt)| Boulder, CO
We're fortunate to have a lively and vibrant art scene across Colorado but it's rarely inclusive.The Community Roots Art Festival is on a mission to offer free and unobstructed access to artists who simply want to share their work with the community. Every year they host an arts festival in Boulder, CO, focused on celebrating Black, Indigenous, brown, and other artists of color in Colorado. In addition to their annual event, they've fostered a strong community and local partnerships to support the development of artists in every aspect, from their art to their business.
Colorado Center for Change| 430 W 9TH Ave Denver, CO
Supporting Colorado's BIPOC youth has been a driving force behind the Colorado Center for Change mission. Their programs focus on creating initiatives surrounding prevention and intervention to break the cycle of incarceration while empowering the next generation of leaders.
These organizations support our minority communities while honoring black legacies throughout the year, so please, make a habit of supporting artists, organizers, makers, and businesses all year long. To learn more about Black-owned and led organizations and businesses in the Denver Metro area, visit the Denver Black Pages. It is a phenomenal initiative to assist business owners in marketing their goods, services, and events to Denver Metro's Black residents and visitors.
Socials