Overview
The Colorado Black Women for Political Action (CBWPA) is a political, non-partisan organization that was incorporated in 1977 by thirteen Black female community activists. The founders envisioned the CBWPA as a vehicle to effect meaningful participation in the political process for all Black people living in Colorado, but particularly for Black women. Moreover, it involves Black women on boards and commissions, builds coalitions with similar organizations, provides job information, and brings about political awareness in Colorado. Ways CBWPA has historically worked to engage people were thorough targeted engagement activities including:
Encouraging involvement in the total political process
Facilitating educational activities to help the electorate be informed in community, local, and national issues
Sharing ways that community members can fully utilize governmental programs
Initiating accountability and oversight in governmental agencies and elected officials
Actively participating in voter education, registration, and participation.
Mission, Purpose, and Strategic Foci
Mission: Colorado Black Women for Political Action (CBWPA) is a non-partisan, non-profit organization impacting the community since 1977.
Today, the organization’s steadfast commitment to the vision of its founders is evident through its programs and services. Its members seek, daily, to infuse Colorado politics with the strength and perspective of the Black woman.
CBWPA’s efforts are focused on:
Educating our community on issues and how to organize
Bringing important issues to the forefront
Training future leaders
Collaborating to generate forward-looking ideas
Ensuring that positions relevant to our community are heard
Getting results by active participation in the process
Providing a voice for the African American community
Founding and the Early Years
The founders were the Honorable Rosemary B. Marshall, Angie Barrett Andoin, Warrie Duncan, the Honorable Allegra “Happy” Haynes, Fannye Belle Evans, Senator Gloria T. Tanner, Glenda Barry, Shirley Sims, Cleo N. Breeze, Mary “Lea” Singleton, Wilma M. Taylor, Glenda Swanson-Lyle, and Agnes Hart-Combs. They adopted a motto of “Political Maturity: The Key to Political Power”.
CBWPA was the "brainchild" of State Senator Gloria Tanner, and she sought out women who were major names in politics in Colorado to form the organization in 1977. CBWPA founders had a strong desire to have a more consistent presence with the Colorado political landscape. The founders wanted to establish a systematic approach to citizens understanding political systems and Black women embracing their positions as organizers and active participants in the political process in the interests of Black women specifically and the Africana diaspora. Senator Gloria Tanner had run multiple campaigns for Blacks in Denver including Regis Groff, and wanted to teach other women to not only be the backbone of campaigns, but to envision themselves as holding political office. The founders expressed a heavy emphasis on members' participation on boards and commissions and improving Black representation in congress.
The founders also wanted members to be in service to the community through impacting policy and laws through active training in understanding how to run for office, suggest laws, lobby for laws with lawmakers, and serve as witnesses for law testimony. Additionally, the organization wished to conduct a “blind” endorsement process and raise money to support prospective candidate training.
Organizational Initiatives Includes: Education and recruitment for appointment to boards and commissions
Emphasizing Black women’s position as a “political force” and forcing politicians to pay attention to the needs and interests of Black women and Black people through a common voice
Supporting Black women across the state of Colorado and being “seen”
Advocacy
Making room for new generations to express their needs and interests through opportunities for education and partnership
Executive Board Members are nominated in November and once elected serve two year terms. Chairwomen serve one year terms and are either elected or appointed depending on the position. Offices were located at 2841 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80207 through the 1990s. CBWPA conducts an active membership drive yearly and includes activities geared toward recruiting new members that encompasses membership teas and other social events.
The bi-monthly newsletter, Catalyst (1981-current), shared information on meetings, but also larger community issues such as reapportionment (redistricting), employment opportunities, legislative session meeting dates and minutes, CBWPA endorsed candidate profiles, birthdates, and celebrations, school board policy updates, city task force updates, health department updates and everything else concerning Black life in Colorado including Miss Black Colorado pageants, protests, community marches, and ways people can get involved with CBWPA or other Black organizations in the area. The newsletter also featured letters written to CBWPA from legislators updating members and providing information about initiatives and ways the community can be involved. Catalyst was operated by an elected editor that worked with an editorial board through the 1990s.
CBWPA continues to educate the community on social issues affecting Black people in an effort to uphold its founding principles through email newsletters, social media posts, and during general meetings. Due to the COVID pandemic of 2020, all CBWPA meetings have been virtual with opportunities for in-person events bi-monthly. CBWPA works to partner with Black organizations and Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) businesses to present events and activities.
Past Presidents
Hon. Gloria T. Tanner 1977-1981
Hon. Rosemary Marshall 1981-1983
Cleo N. Breeze 1983-1985
Linda Gibson 1985-1987
Jennie Davis 1987-1991
Wilma M. Taylor 1991-1995
Vel Garner 1995-1999
Donna L. Murray 1999-2001
Wilma M. Taylor 2001-2005
Geri Grimes 2005-2008
Hon. Leslie Herod 2008-2009
Elma Joyce Hairston 2009-2014
Maya Wheeler 2014-2016
Halisi Vinson 2016-2019
Tamara DeBrady 2019-2021
Bianka Emerson 2021-2025
Colorado Springs Chapter Presidents
Janelle Caperton 1979-1983
Michelle Drew 1983-1985
Faye Wilson 1985-1987
Historical Organizational Events
General Meetings- Emphasis on Community Education
Regular community events including Talking Politics Happy Hours, Book signings for authors, Crawfish Boils, or other events at Black businesses or Blair-Caldwell African-American Research Library
CBWPA Day at the Capitol
Candidate Bootcamps
Community Marches including MLK Day Marade, Juneteenth Parade
Advocacy for those formally [1] incarcerated to have voting rights and [2] Reproductive rights] and Women's Equal Pay Day Demonstrations
Endorsement Process for general elections
Voter Mobilization Activities
Candidate Speed Dating
Canvassing, Mailers, Postcard Writing, etc.
Youth Mentorship or Engagement including bootcamps or political training events or supporting youth organizations and legislation they are supporting
Annual Luncheon-- "A Tribute to Black Women"
CBWPA began hosting its annual fundraising luncheon, “A Tribute to Black Women” [3] to bring the community together to celebrate the accomplishments of Black women in Colorado in the areas of service and activism] in 1980. Starting as a main membership drive and fundraiser for the year, the luncheon evolved into a well-known event attended by up to one thousand Black Coloradans.
The program includes keynote speakers who are influential Black women political figures. Important women in media usually serve as MC of the festivities including Colorado’s news anchors, radio personalities, and journalists. Beginning in 1993, [4] the event was considered the yearly tribute to the accomplishments of Black women with specific themes for each luncheon].
The awards presented at the luncheon include recognition of Black women in business, education, politics, community service, the arts, and human rights. A committee of CBWPA members volunteer to review applications to determine recipients. For a short time, scholarships were also awarded to students attending local colleges.
Luncheon themes:
1980-1992: A Tribute to Black Women
1993: The Time Is Now: Recommit
1994: Proud and Determined
1995: African American Women Millennium Year 2000 and Beyond
1996: Echoes from your Own Background
1997: Tribute in Jazz
1998: Defining the Future to Maintain the Legacy
1999: Reclaiming Our Sisters
2000: Continuing our Journey
2001: Honor, Celebrate and Thank Colorado Black Men
2002: Black Women Continuing to Change Our World for Tomorrow
2003: Sharing Our P.R.I.D.E
2004: Program "Vote 2004. Your Future Depends on It!"
2005: Political Maturity: The Key to Political Power
2006: Knowledge, Information, Power, Media, Make the Connection
2009: Continuing to Celebrate Black Women
2010: Commit Now!
2012: Anniversary Celebrating thirty- five years 1977-2012
2013: Amplifying and Expanding Partnerships
2014: Securing Our Future
2015: Leaders of the Past, Legacy of the Future
2016: From Eve to Today, Celebrating Generations
2017: Courageous Women: A Call To Activism
2018: Economic Liberation
2019: Reclaiming Our Time: Women Who Slay
2020: Was the first year since 1980 that the luncheon did not take place due to heavy restrictions during the 2020 COVID pandemic
2021: Holding Up Democracy
2022: Black Women Lead
2023: Embracing the Past to Shape Our Future
2024: Keep Rising to The Top
Notable Luncheon Speakers
1980: First Annual Luncheon. Honorees: Dorothy King, Sr; Delecia “Dee Dee” Reed; Sarah Cousins Sims; Gloria T. Tanner; June C. Waller; Mildred Pitts Walter. The first keynote speaker was Juerta P. Smith who was serving as Regional Director of the Federal Trade Commission.
1981: Hon. Maxine Waters was the keynote speaker for the 2nd annual luncheon. Congresswoman was serving in the California Assembly and was serving as Majority Woman at the time. Her article in Fortune Magazine, “In Search of a Liberal Agenda” was released that August propelling her into political stardom.
Shirley Franklin(2012), former mayor of Atlanta
Hon. Nina Turner (2016), former Ohio State Senator
Maggie Anderson(2018), author of Our Black Year: One Family's Quest to Buy Black in America's Racially Divided Economy
Rev. Leah Daughtry (2022), Political Operative, former CEO of the Democratic National Convention (2008, 2016).
Congresswoman Johana Hayes (2023), Educator and Current Congresswoman from Connecticut.
Notable Luncheon Awardees
Distinguished Award Recipients:
Dr. Sharon Bailey (multiple years)
The Honorable Leslie Herod
Cleo Breeze (multiple years)
Dr. Evie Dennis
Mildred Taylor
Cleo Parker-Robinson (multiple years)
Rosalind “Bee” Harris
Dr. Syl Morgan Smith
Rachel B. Noel
The Honorable Wilma Webb
Khadija Haynes
The Honorable Elbra Wedgeworth
The Honorable Rosemary Marshall
Maisha Fields
Anna Jo Haynes
Omar D. Blair
Jeff “Brother Jeff” Fard
Mayor Michael B. Hancock
Chief Roderick Juniel
The Honorable Penfield Tate
The Honorable Mayor Wellington Webb
Notable Members
Senator Gloria Tanner (1935-2022)-- CBWPA founder and public political activist; the first Black woman to serve as a state senator in Colorado.
The Honorable Wilma Webb-- former representative for the Colorado House of Representatives from 1980-1993, former first lady of Denver; the first woman to serve as First Lady and Elected Official in Colorado.
The Honorable Rosemary Marshall- CBWPA founder and former elected member of the Colorado General Assembly in 2000. Pioneering advocate for financial literacy courses in schools.
Cleo Breeze (1935-2022)- CBWPA founder, Educator and political advocate and winner of numerous community awards
The Honorable Allegra “Happy” Haynes-- CBWPA founder and former Denver City Council elected official and aide to multiple elected officials.
Khadija Haynes-- Political strategist and community activist
The Honorable Leslie Herod-- Former CBWPA president and elected representative of House District 8
The Honorable Elbra Wedgeworth-- Only person to serve in all three branches of Denver's city government.
Rev. Dr. Regina Groff-- Community advocate and minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church
Dawn Bookhardt-- Attorney and community advocate; Chair of the Board of Trustees of Metropolitan State University
References
CBWPA, (2024). Organizational Website. https://www.cbwpa.org/about-us/ The Colorado Black Women for Political Action
Davidson, J. (2014). "Colorado Black Women for Political Action honors seven leaders." https://www.denverpost.com/2014/10/09/colorado-black-women-for-political-action-honors-seven-leaders/
Davidson, J. (2015). "Colorado Black Women for Political Action honors 12 leaders". https://www.denverpost.com/2015/04/08/davidson-colorado-black-women-for-political-action-honors-12-leaders/
DenverCBS4, (2022). "Colorado First Black Woman Senator Dies". CBSNews. https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/colorado-gloria-travis-tanner-senate/
Denver Public Library (2024). https://archives.denverlibrary.org/repositories/2/archival_objects/304409 other social events
History Colorado (2020). Celebrating Women's Equality Day. https://www.historycolorado.org/celebrating-womens-equality-day
Narine, S., (2024). "Colorado Black Women for Political Action". Urban Spectrum, February 29, 2024. https://www.denverurbanspectrum.com/2024/02/29/colorado-black-women-for-political-action/ political
Toomer, L., (2024). "Colorado bill would improve access for eligible incarcerated voters." Colorado Newsline. https://coloradonewsline.com/2024/03/01/colorado-voting-access-incarcerated-voters/.
Overview
The Colorado Black Women for Political Action (CBWPA) is a political, non-partisan organization that was incorporated in 1977 by thirteen Black female community activists. The founders envisioned the CBWPA as a vehicle to effect meaningful participation in the political process for all Black people living in Colorado, but particularly for Black women. Moreover, it involves Black women on boards and commissions, builds coalitions with similar organizations, provides job information, and brings about political awareness in Colorado. Ways CBWPA has historically worked to engage people were thorough targeted engagement activities including:
Encouraging involvement in the total political process
Facilitating educational activities to help the electorate be informed in community, local, and national issues
Sharing ways that community members can fully utilize governmental programs
Initiating accountability and oversight in governmental agencies and elected officials
Actively participating in voter education, registration, and participation.
Mission, Purpose, and Strategic Foci
Mission: Colorado Black Women for Political Action (CBWPA) is a non-partisan, non-profit organization impacting the community since 1977.
Today, the organization’s steadfast commitment to the vision of its founders is evident through its programs and services. Its members seek, daily, to infuse Colorado politics with the strength and perspective of the Black woman.
CBWPA’s efforts are focused on:
Educating our community on issues and how to organize
Bringing important issues to the forefront
Training future leaders
Collaborating to generate forward-looking ideas
Ensuring that positions relevant to our community are heard
Getting results by active participation in the process
Providing a voice for the African American community
Founding and the Early Years
The founders were the Honorable Rosemary B. Marshall, Angie Barrett Andoin, Warrie Duncan, the Honorable Allegra “Happy” Haynes, Fannye Belle Evans, Senator Gloria T. Tanner, Glenda Barry, Shirley Sims, Cleo N. Breeze, Mary “Lea” Singleton, Wilma M. Taylor, Glenda Swanson-Lyle, and Agnes Hart-Combs. They adopted a motto of “Political Maturity: The Key to Political Power”.
CBWPA was the "brainchild" of State Senator Gloria Tanner, and she sought out women who were major names in politics in Colorado to form the organization in 1977. CBWPA founders had a strong desire to have a more consistent presence with the Colorado political landscape. The founders wanted to establish a systematic approach to citizens understanding political systems and Black women embracing their positions as organizers and active participants in the political process in the interests of Black women specifically and the Africana diaspora. Senator Gloria Tanner had run multiple campaigns for Blacks in Denver including Regis Groff, and wanted to teach other women to not only be the backbone of campaigns, but to envision themselves as holding political office. The founders expressed a heavy emphasis on members' participation on boards and commissions and improving Black representation in congress.
The founders also wanted members to be in service to the community through impacting policy and laws through active training in understanding how to run for office, suggest laws, lobby for laws with lawmakers, and serve as witnesses for law testimony. Additionally, the organization wished to conduct a “blind” endorsement process and raise money to support prospective candidate training.
Organizational Initiatives Includes: Education and recruitment for appointment to boards and commissions
Emphasizing Black women’s position as a “political force” and forcing politicians to pay attention to the needs and interests of Black women and Black people through a common voice
Supporting Black women across the state of Colorado and being “seen”
Advocacy
Making room for new generations to express their needs and interests through opportunities for education and partnership
Executive Board Members are nominated in November and once elected serve two year terms. Chairwomen serve one year terms and are either elected or appointed depending on the position. Offices were located at 2841 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80207 through the 1990s. CBWPA conducts an active membership drive yearly and includes activities geared toward recruiting new members that encompasses membership teas and other social events.
The bi-monthly newsletter, Catalyst (1981-current), shared information on meetings, but also larger community issues such as reapportionment (redistricting), employment opportunities, legislative session meeting dates and minutes, CBWPA endorsed candidate profiles, birthdates, and celebrations, school board policy updates, city task force updates, health department updates and everything else concerning Black life in Colorado including Miss Black Colorado pageants, protests, community marches, and ways people can get involved with CBWPA or other Black organizations in the area. The newsletter also featured letters written to CBWPA from legislators updating members and providing information about initiatives and ways the community can be involved. Catalyst was operated by an elected editor that worked with an editorial board through the 1990s.
CBWPA continues to educate the community on social issues affecting Black people in an effort to uphold its founding principles through email newsletters, social media posts, and during general meetings. Due to the COVID pandemic of 2020, all CBWPA meetings have been virtual with opportunities for in-person events bi-monthly. CBWPA works to partner with Black organizations and Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) businesses to present events and activities.
Past Presidents
Hon. Gloria T. Tanner 1977-1981
Hon. Rosemary Marshall 1981-1983
Cleo N. Breeze 1983-1985
Linda Gibson 1985-1987
Jennie Davis 1987-1991
Wilma M. Taylor 1991-1995
Vel Garner 1995-1999
Donna L. Murray 1999-2001
Wilma M. Taylor 2001-2005
Geri Grimes 2005-2008
Hon. Leslie Herod 2008-2009
Elma Joyce Hairston 2009-2014
Maya Wheeler 2014-2016
Halisi Vinson 2016-2019
Tamara DeBrady 2019-2021
Bianka Emerson 2021-2025
Colorado Springs Chapter Presidents
Janelle Caperton 1979-1983
Michelle Drew 1983-1985
Faye Wilson 1985-1987
Historical Organizational Events
General Meetings- Emphasis on Community Education
Regular community events including Talking Politics Happy Hours, Book signings for authors, Crawfish Boils, or other events at Black businesses or Blair-Caldwell African-American Research Library
CBWPA Day at the Capitol
Candidate Bootcamps
Community Marches including MLK Day Marade, Juneteenth Parade
Advocacy for those formally [1] incarcerated to have voting rights and [2] Reproductive rights] and Women's Equal Pay Day Demonstrations
Endorsement Process for general elections
Voter Mobilization Activities
Candidate Speed Dating
Canvassing, Mailers, Postcard Writing, etc.
Youth Mentorship or Engagement including bootcamps or political training events or supporting youth organizations and legislation they are supporting
Annual Luncheon-- "A Tribute to Black Women"
CBWPA began hosting its annual fundraising luncheon, “A Tribute to Black Women” [3] to bring the community together to celebrate the accomplishments of Black women in Colorado in the areas of service and activism] in 1980. Starting as a main membership drive and fundraiser for the year, the luncheon evolved into a well-known event attended by up to one thousand Black Coloradans.
The program includes keynote speakers who are influential Black women political figures. Important women in media usually serve as MC of the festivities including Colorado’s news anchors, radio personalities, and journalists. Beginning in 1993, [4] the event was considered the yearly tribute to the accomplishments of Black women with specific themes for each luncheon].
The awards presented at the luncheon include recognition of Black women in business, education, politics, community service, the arts, and human rights. A committee of CBWPA members volunteer to review applications to determine recipients. For a short time, scholarships were also awarded to students attending local colleges.
Luncheon themes:
1980-1992: A Tribute to Black Women
1993: The Time Is Now: Recommit
1994: Proud and Determined
1995: African American Women Millennium Year 2000 and Beyond
1996: Echoes from your Own Background
1997: Tribute in Jazz
1998: Defining the Future to Maintain the Legacy
1999: Reclaiming Our Sisters
2000: Continuing our Journey
2001: Honor, Celebrate and Thank Colorado Black Men
2002: Black Women Continuing to Change Our World for Tomorrow
2003: Sharing Our P.R.I.D.E
2004: Program "Vote 2004. Your Future Depends on It!"
2005: Political Maturity: The Key to Political Power
2006: Knowledge, Information, Power, Media, Make the Connection
2009: Continuing to Celebrate Black Women
2010: Commit Now!
2012: Anniversary Celebrating thirty- five years 1977-2012
2013: Amplifying and Expanding Partnerships
2014: Securing Our Future
2015: Leaders of the Past, Legacy of the Future
2016: From Eve to Today, Celebrating Generations
2017: Courageous Women: A Call To Activism
2018: Economic Liberation
2019: Reclaiming Our Time: Women Who Slay
2020: Was the first year since 1980 that the luncheon did not take place due to heavy restrictions during the 2020 COVID pandemic
2021: Holding Up Democracy
2022: Black Women Lead
2023: Embracing the Past to Shape Our Future
2024: Keep Rising to The Top
Notable Luncheon Speakers
1980: First Annual Luncheon. Honorees: Dorothy King, Sr; Delecia “Dee Dee” Reed; Sarah Cousins Sims; Gloria T. Tanner; June C. Waller; Mildred Pitts Walter. The first keynote speaker was Juerta P. Smith who was serving as Regional Director of the Federal Trade Commission.
1981: Hon. Maxine Waters was the keynote speaker for the 2nd annual luncheon. Congresswoman was serving in the California Assembly and was serving as Majority Woman at the time. Her article in Fortune Magazine, “In Search of a Liberal Agenda” was released that August propelling her into political stardom.
Shirley Franklin(2012), former mayor of Atlanta
Hon. Nina Turner (2016), former Ohio State Senator
Maggie Anderson(2018), author of Our Black Year: One Family's Quest to Buy Black in America's Racially Divided Economy
Rev. Leah Daughtry (2022), Political Operative, former CEO of the Democratic National Convention (2008, 2016).
Congresswoman Johana Hayes (2023), Educator and Current Congresswoman from Connecticut.
Notable Luncheon Awardees
Distinguished Award Recipients:
Dr. Sharon Bailey (multiple years)
The Honorable Leslie Herod
Cleo Breeze (multiple years)
Dr. Evie Dennis
Mildred Taylor
Cleo Parker-Robinson (multiple years)
Rosalind “Bee” Harris
Dr. Syl Morgan Smith
Rachel B. Noel
The Honorable Wilma Webb
Khadija Haynes
The Honorable Elbra Wedgeworth
The Honorable Rosemary Marshall
Maisha Fields
Anna Jo Haynes
Omar D. Blair
Jeff “Brother Jeff” Fard
Mayor Michael B. Hancock
Chief Roderick Juniel
The Honorable Penfield Tate
The Honorable Mayor Wellington Webb
Notable Members
Senator Gloria Tanner (1935-2022)-- CBWPA founder and public political activist; the first Black woman to serve as a state senator in Colorado.
The Honorable Wilma Webb-- former representative for the Colorado House of Representatives from 1980-1993, former first lady of Denver; the first woman to serve as First Lady and Elected Official in Colorado.
The Honorable Rosemary Marshall- CBWPA founder and former elected member of the Colorado General Assembly in 2000. Pioneering advocate for financial literacy courses in schools.
Cleo Breeze (1935-2022)- CBWPA founder, Educator and political advocate and winner of numerous community awards
The Honorable Allegra “Happy” Haynes-- CBWPA founder and former Denver City Council elected official and aide to multiple elected officials.
Khadija Haynes-- Political strategist and community activist
The Honorable Leslie Herod-- Former CBWPA president and elected representative of House District 8
The Honorable Elbra Wedgeworth-- Only person to serve in all three branches of Denver's city government.
Rev. Dr. Regina Groff-- Community advocate and minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church
Dawn Bookhardt-- Attorney and community advocate; Chair of the Board of Trustees of Metropolitan State University
References
CBWPA, (2024). Organizational Website. https://www.cbwpa.org/about-us/ The Colorado Black Women for Political Action
Davidson, J. (2014). "Colorado Black Women for Political Action honors seven leaders." https://www.denverpost.com/2014/10/09/colorado-black-women-for-political-action-honors-seven-leaders/
Davidson, J. (2015). "Colorado Black Women for Political Action honors 12 leaders". https://www.denverpost.com/2015/04/08/davidson-colorado-black-women-for-political-action-honors-12-leaders/
DenverCBS4, (2022). "Colorado First Black Woman Senator Dies". CBSNews. https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/colorado-gloria-travis-tanner-senate/
Denver Public Library (2024). https://archives.denverlibrary.org/repositories/2/archival_objects/304409 other social events
History Colorado (2020). Celebrating Women's Equality Day. https://www.historycolorado.org/celebrating-womens-equality-day
Narine, S., (2024). "Colorado Black Women for Political Action". Urban Spectrum, February 29, 2024. https://www.denverurbanspectrum.com/2024/02/29/colorado-black-women-for-political-action/ political
Toomer, L., (2024). "Colorado bill would improve access for eligible incarcerated voters." Colorado Newsline. https://coloradonewsline.com/2024/03/01/colorado-voting-access-incarcerated-voters/.