Coloradan Conversations Anti-racism

Portraits of Coloradan Conversation essayists in front of a colorful background

From Discussion to Action

We’re so glad you joined us for the first-ever Coloradan Conversation. Now, it’s time to move discussion into action. Take a look at the wide array of opportunities and resources available — from giving to volunteering to learning, your participation matters.

[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddho-8u8ETg]

CU Boulder Diversity, Equity and Inclusion giving opportunities 

The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion; if you’d like to learn more about CU Boulder’s Inclusion, Diversity and Excellence in Academics (IDEA) Plan or if you would like to make a gift in support of the IDEA Plan programs, please reach out to Donor Relations Senior Program Manager John Barrall and he will guide you to a point of contact on campus that aligns with your area of interest.

CU Boulder Anti-Racism I course

CU Boulder offers a free, self-paced online course on anti-racism, developed by Shawn O’Neal, a doctoral candidate in ethnic studies and Jennifer Ho, professor of ethnic studies and director of the Center for Humanities and the Arts (CHA).

Anti-Racism I is an introduction to the topic of race and racism in the United States. The primary audience for this course is anyone who is interested in learning about race/racism in the U.S.

CU Libraries learning opportunities

Join the CU Libraries book club by logging into the Forever Buffs Network and opting into the “CU Libraries” group. Book club details will be posted in the network. 

Explore CU Libraries’ additional resources on anti-racism including books to read, videos to watch, podcasts to listen to and more. 

Conversation Leaders

Albus Brooks (RelSt’01) is the vice president of business development and strategy for Milender White, a Development and Construction firm operating in Southern California and Colorado. In 2011, Albus became the youngest African American ever elected to Denver City Council, serving two terms on Denver City Council. He is the co-creator of Colorado’s largest affordable housing fund and has made great strides for marginalized populations across the state. 

Benilda “Benny” Samuels (MJour’94) currently serves as the vice president of programs for Rose Community Foundation. Her previous roles have included COO for Nurse-Family Partnership, (which serves more than 36,000 young women and their babies across the nation) and several senior roles at Mile High United Way, Denver Health and Hospital Authority and the Denver Department of Human Services. Her work has spanned the issues of health, education and poverty as she has worked towards building and expanding access to services for vulnerable populations. 

As the chief diversity officer for the University of Colorado, Theodosia Cook helps develop and implement system-wide policies and initiatives that promote diversity, equity and inclusion at the university. Prior to her career at CU, Cook led diversity and inclusion efforts at Dartmouth College. Theodosia holds a BA in Political Science from Sewanee: The University of the South and an MA in Education Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University.