AURORA | Community organizations in Aurora and Denver are joining forces to mark Black History Month with two free public events in February that will bring together elected officials, faith leaders, advocates and residents for discussion, recognition and community engagement.
A panel discussion at one February event dubbed, “What’s Next for Aurora,” will focus on future priorities and challenges facing the city and its Black community.
The Colorado Black Round Table announced that it is collaborating with Black elected officials, businesses, faith leaders and community organizations from across the metro area to host events in Aurora and Denver this year.
Other organizations are offering a bevy of Aurora events as well across Black History Month in February.
The first CBRT event is scheduled for Feb. 12, on the main campus of the Community College of Aurora. The program is slated for 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. in Heritage Hall in the Fine Arts Building, 1600 E. CentreTech Parkway.
The event is free and no registration is required.
A community reception begins at 5 p.m., followed by the Black History Month program at 6 p.m. Organizers said the event will feature remarks from Colorado state Senate President James Coleman, along with comments from other Colorado elected officials.
An update on Justice for Black Coloradans, a statewide initiative, presented by its director, Yarkenda Payne is part of the agenda.
A panel discussion on “What’s Next for Aurora” is scheduled as well.
The Aurora event will conclude with a Colorado Black Round Table Black History Month Community Service Award ceremony.
Honorees this year include Community College of Aurora President Dr. Mordecai Brownlee, Arapahoe County Commissioner Rhonda Fields, Aurora community advocates Barbara Shannon Bannister and Everette Brinson, Aurora Public Schools Superintendent Michael Giles, Rocky Mountain NAACP State Conference President Omar Montgomery, Aurora NAACP President the Rev. Thomas Mayes, Colorado Interfaith Alliance Chief Executive Officer Shara Smith, Greater Metro Denver Ministerial Alliance President the Rev. Odie Kennedy, the Aurora Sentinel newspaper, and the Dayton Street Opportunity Center.
A second CBRT Black History Month event is slated for Feb. 21, in Denver at the Zion Senior and Community Resources Center, 5151 E. 33rd Ave.
That event will begin with a Black History Month community meet-and-greet coffee hour at 9 a.m., followed by a program at 10 a.m. The program will include presentations and a panel discussion led by Smith on “Building Capacity in Black Community Through Black Community Organizations.”
The Denver program will also feature another Justice for Black Coloradans update, as well as a Black and Brown community “hot topics” conversation focused on the use of Flock Safety technology in Denver.
A recognition ceremony will be part of the program, with the Colorado Black Round Table presenting a Community Service Award to Richard Lewis and the RTL Foundation. The organization will also present its Regis Groff–Paul Sandoval Mile High Spirit Awards to Judge Gary Jackson and to Nita and Rudy Gonzales.
Following the program and recognition ceremony, a candidate forum and a Black History Month community reception are scheduled to begin at noon.
Organizers said both events are free and open to the public and are intended to celebrate Black history while fostering dialogue, civic engagement and collaboration within the community.
More Black History Month events
Other events in and near Aurora for Black History Month in February.
Tween Movie Club: Celebrating Black Voices at the Aurora Public Library
A special movie viewing geared toward ages 9-13 that highlights films focused on Black stories, creators, or characters. The library provides snacks and refreshments, and the screening is followed by an informal discussion encouraging youth to engage with themes of identity, history and representation. This is a great way for families to explore Black culture through age-appropriate cinema in a communal space.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Thursday, Feb. 12, 4 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Place: Aurora Public Library – Central Activity Room, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway
Cost: Free
Info: 303-739-6600 and auroraco.libnet.info/events
Library Teen Roundup: Black History Jeopardy at Aurora Public Library
Teens ages 12-18 are invited to test their knowledge of Black history in a game-show style Jeopardy competition. Participants will play in teams or individually, answering questions drawn from Black history, culture and achievements, with snacks and prizes provided. This engaging activity builds knowledge and community among youth.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Thursday, Feb. 26, 4 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Place: Aurora Public Library – Central Activity Room, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway
Cost: Free
Info: 303-739-6600 and auroraco.libnet.info/events
Tween Family Movie and Cultural Conversation at the Aurora Public Library
Although not exclusively listed as a Black History program on the library calendar, this Tween Movie Club screening is scheduled during the Black History Month and specifically celebrates Black voices in film, making it a relevant cultural event for families and youth.
Black History Live 2026: African Americans in the West at the Aurora Public Library
This dramatic historical presentation brings to life the story of York, the only Black member of the Lewis & Clark Expedition, through performance and interpretation. The program is part of Colorado Humanities’ Black History Live tour and is designed to educate all ages about underrepresented figures in Western history. It includes context, Q&A and an exploration of African American contributions to U.S. expansion westward.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Feb. 21, 2 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Place: Aurora Public Library – Central Large Community Room, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway
Cost: Free
Info: 303-739-6600; auroraco.libnet.info/events
Homeschool Day: Black History – Aurora History Museum
Part of the museum’s monthly Homeschool Days series, this event introduces students ages 5–12 to the history of Dearfield, an early 20th Century Black agricultural settlement in Colorado. Participants use primary sources and hands-on exploration to understand the community’s founding, everyday life and legacy. Siblings and adults are welcomed. Unique activities are designed to complement homeschool curricula.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Monday, Feb. 2, 9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Place: Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway
Cost: $8 per student and includes one adult
Info: 303-739-7000; auroragov.org/museum
Black Chefs in the White House with Adrian Miller at the Aurora History Museum
Award-winning culinary author Adrian Miller, known for “The President’s Kitchen Cabinet,” discusses the influential role of African Americans in shaping U.S. presidential cuisine. Miller’s talk combines food history, cultural narratives and personal insights, exploring how Black chefs and culinary traditions have intersected with American political life.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Feb. 12, 6 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Place: Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway
Cost: Free, but registration is recommended
Info: 303-739-7000 and auroragov.org/museum