July 3, 2025
Statement from Colorado Black Women for Political Action
on the Censorship of CU Regent Wanda James
Colorado Black Women for Political Action stands in unwavering solidarity with CU Regent Wanda James — the first Black woman on the University of Colorado Board of Regents in 44 years and the first Black regent in 12 years — who was recently censured for calling out racist imagery.
Regent James objected to university-funded research that depicted Black people in degrading, dehumanizing ways — dehumanizing portrayals that have no place in our institutions. Although those offensive images were removed, the Board’s decision to spend $500,000 of taxpayer funds investigating her objection is an affront to every Coloradan. That half-million dollars could have supported student scholarships, mental-health services, or diversity initiatives. Instead, it was used to punish a voice speaking truth to power.
During the censure hearing, Regents Illana Spiegel and Elliot Hood — both white — told Regent James that she didn’t have to be so vocal about the images. And Hood mentioned, once the images were removed, she should’ve been fine with that, however she kept speaking out against it. In other words they told her to “do your job” quietly, effectively saying “shut up and dribble.” This echoes the silencing of LeBron James when he spoke against racial injustice and mirrors Colin Kaepernick’s professional blackballing for peacefully kneeling against police brutality. These are not isolated incidents but part of a broader campaign to muzzle Black voices that challenge systemic racism. Regent James’ censure confirms that in America, a Black person is welcome in a predominantly white institution only so long as they conform to its terms — but the moment they speak out, the institution will spend half a million dollars investigating them.
In 2024, CBWPA adopted the theme, “Keep Rising to the Top” in response to efforts to suppress Black women in leadership. We have witnessed nationally Dr. Claudine Gay, Harvard’s first Black president, compelled to resign after a politically motivated campaign of criticism; Dr. Candia-Bailey, whose tragic suicide followed sustained mistreatment by her white male superior at Lincoln University; and the Fearless Fund’s struggle to secure philanthropic support for Black-women-owned businesses. And locally, we witnessed smear campaigns against local Black female leaders, former State Rep. Leslie Herrod and, recently, Boulder City Council member Taishya Adams.
We call on the University of Colorado to:
- Cease punitive investigations into regents, faculty, or students who speak out against racism or bias.
- Redirect resources saved from these investigations to student scholarships, inclusive training, and diversity programs.
- Adopt a clear, enforceable policy prohibiting retaliation against anyone who objects to racist or biased practices.
We affirm that:
- Black women belong at every decision-making table — and our voices are never “unfitting” simply because we demand equity and respect.
- Speaking truth to power is not a breach of duty; it is its highest expression.
- The fight for racial justice in higher education is far from over.
Colorado Black Women for Political Action will continue to champion Regent James and all those who dare to challenge injustice.
We will not be silenced. We will keep rising — together.
April 3, 2024
Dear Members and Friends of CBWPA;
It is critical that we protect Black women and acknowledge and stand against misogynoir that is present in society. The 2024 theme for CBWPA is Keep Rising to the Top for the very reason Black Women, particularly in positions of success have been attacked by racist groups designed specifically to derail their career success or besmirch their character. Black women have historically been the target of anti-blackness in the workplace and subjected to negative stereotypes. It is important to foster an environment where sexual assault victims and survivors can speak out about their experiences and seek retribution and justice; however, at the same time, we must stand with Black women who are the victims of smear campaigns based in no truth or evidence.
We stand with Leslie Herrod.
January 11, 2021
Dear Members and Friends of CBWPA;
What we saw last Wednesday was an attack on our people, on our country and our democracy. These actions were encouraged by a divisive President and a complicit Republican party that fed lies about the election to undermine our democracy and pathetically hold on to power that they do not deserve and have not earned.
Whenever Black people peacefully protest for justice, we are seen as a threat that must be eliminated using violent tactics. But when white supremacists and extremists threaten our democracy and innocent lives - their blatant violence goes unchecked! We had an unrighteous angry mob of white supremacist storm our nation’s Capitol. That is insurrection and treason – this is what terrorism looks like! And yet, one insurrectionist lamented to a journalist, “This is not America,” a woman said to a small group, her voice shaking. She was crying, hysterical. “They’re shooting at us. They’re supposed to shoot BLM, but they’re shooting the patriots.” (The Nation: https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/capitol-trump-insurrection-explosions/)
Through our democratic process, voters have decided who will lead this country. We condemn the actions of those who have stormed the Capitol and those in power whose response has been underwhelming. We support our country’s processes and stand by our newly elected leadership to ensure the crimes committed against the people of this country are addressed.
Make no mistake, what we saw on Wednesday was the perfect illustration of what systems look like when they interact with Black people, other communities of color, and our allies, versus what it looks like when it deals with White Supremacists. Colorado Black Women for Political Action will continue to hold all of our elected officials accountable and demand that there needs to be a serious reconciliation with law enforcement and communities of color. On this we will not concede.
The Struggle Continues,
CBWPA Executive Board .
THE MOVEMENT TO SAVE BLACK LIVES
Over the past six weeks or so we have seen that the nation has finally collectively realized something that we here at CBWPA have known for the past 43 years. 1. Racism is alive and well in America; 2. Systemic discrimination has and is impacting the wellness of our community, and 3. Black lives do matter.
CBWPA is an activist organization. Activism has many facets - but any person or organization that is trying to change the status quo is a disruptor. We disrupt by being a voice for the community, by helping change policies that negatively impact our community, and by creating or advocating for policies that positively impact our community. We believe in change, not charity.
We are not interested in symbolic acts that are not followed by policies that create measurable change! Creating a Juneteenth holiday, taking down a statue, or wearing a Black Lives Matter tee shirt is meaningless as long as tax-payer paid police are still killing us, as long as tax-payer protected banks are still denying us loans, and as long as tax-payer subsidized corporations are stifling our opportunities!
If you believe as we do that America owes us meaningful, measurable, change then Join Us!
Below is the Black Bill of Rights created by our members.
