Black Community Resources
Welcome to Denver! Regardless if you are new to the DU community, or are simply looking for more information on Black-tailored resources, you are at the right place. This page will go over the myriad of on and off campus resources for the Black community.
The university has a multitude of groups and organizations, alongside inclusive physical and social spaces for Black faculty, staff, and students. As for off campus resources, whether you are looking for community support or fellowship including information on financial professionals, restaurants, creatives, or salons and barbershops, we hope this resource page will help you feel at home in the Mile High City.
"Denver strives to preserve the diversity, culture and character of the Mile High City, while ensuring every resident has the opportunity to make a home, get a job and build a future."
- Mayor Michael B. Hancock
Black, Indigenous & People of Color (BIPOC) Affinity Groups & Organizations
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Staff of Color Association (SOCA)
Staff of Color Association Officers
The Staff of Color Association (SOCA) is committed to promoting the interests and advocating for staff at the University of Denver from historically unrepresented races and ethnicities. We honor and celebrate the diversity of our cultures and actively contribute to the University by:
- Co-Chair: Waltrina DeFrantz-Dufor, Waltrina.DeFrantz@du.edu
- Co-Chair: Katia Miller, Katia.Miller@du.edu
Please visit the SOCA webpage for more details
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Faculty of Color Association (FOCA)
The DU Faculty of Color Association (FOCA) is a voluntary empowerment and advocacy group composed of faculty members from under-represented racial and ethnic groups within the University community. Meetings are held monthly on alternating Tuesdays and Wednesdays - send an email to DU-FOCA-subscribe-request@du.edu to join the listserv and receive notifications.
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Association of Sisters in Higher Education (ASHE)
Association of Sisters in Higher Education (ASHE) supports, empowers, and mentors Black women at the University of Denver through cultural fellowship, enrichment, and an exchange of ideas. The group is not exclusive to black women; therefore we value and welcome all women faculty and staff at the University of Denver. However, the core focus of group discussions, activities, and initiatives will be issues that are germane to black women.
Co-Chairs: Yasmaine Ford, Yasmaine.Ford@du.edu and Natley Farris, Natley.Farris@du.edu
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Black@DU
The mission of Black@DU is to provide an atmosphere of cultural and social networking among Black staff and faculty at the University of Denver. This organization is dedicated to improving the quality of the Black experience at DU by fostering a campus climate that is inviting, unified, encouraging, and promotes upward mobility. Black@DU exists to enhance communication and champion diversity, inclusion, opportunity and social justice—while challenging racism within the University.
Co-Chair: Nashwa Bolling (Nashwa.Bolling@du.edu) & Effley Brooks (Effley.Brooks@du.edu)
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Sistah Network
Sistah Network
Sistah Network is committed to helping Black women who are graduate students at the University of Denver contend with the pervasive challenges they face related to graduate student socialization and academic persistence. Examples of community development include two meetings per quarter, quarterly writing workshops, faculty and resource connections, and defense practices.
Liaison: Anthea Johnson Rooen, Anthea.Johnson@du.edu
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Black Student Alliance (BSA)
The University of Denver's Black Student Alliance is an organization dedicated to promoting cultural awareness and solidarity on campus. One of our organization's main focuses is to foster the personal development of our membership, and to encourage them to become active community contributors.
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Black Graduate Student Alliance (BGSA)
The Black Graduate Student Association (BGSA) at the University of Denver (DU) was founded on 18 February 2011. It is a student organization by, for, and about graduate and professional students at DU who identify as Black and/or African American.
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African Students United (ASU)
The mission of ASU-African Students United is to create a space to celebrate educate, and participate in the understanding of the many rich, diverse cultures of Africa. Through African cultural events, we will introduce multiple features of African food, dance, music, etc. The organization's purpose is to serve African students and allies at the University of Denver to create an inclusive institution. We plan to make an impact on the outside African community through service projects, community outreach, etc. We also encourage college seeking African students to seriously consider making DU their new home. This would help Du create a space where cultural diversity is truly present on campus. African Student United (ASU) ultimately aims to make this a celebrated and appreciated identity on campus.
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Excelling Leaders Institute (ELI)
The Excelling Leaders Institute (ELI) seeks to create an open and inclusive campus environment for students from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds as they transition to DU. ELI is a four year leadership development and community-building program that focuses upon and accentuates the strengths of all participants.
Please visit the ELI webpage for more details
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Black Alumni Affinity Group (BAA)
Affinity Groups at DU are a great way to stay connected in an area of personal interest. Groups are organized specifically around a special interest or unifying purpose.
The African American Alumni Association or "A4" exists for the purpose of recognizing and upholding the value of higher education while honoring the history and legacy of African Americans. Our goal is to promote lasting connections among Black alumni, students, staff and faculty. We value a sense of shared community and giving back to the world by affecting the future.
Membership in A4 is open to DU alumni, staff, faculty and students (past and present) who identify as African American, Black, or as people of African descent, including, but not limited to, people from North America, South America, the Caribbean and Africa.
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Black Law Students’ Association (BLSA)
Black Law Students’ Association (BLSA)
The goal of the Black Law Students’ Association (BLSA) is to provide assistance for incoming students of color and promote an atmosphere that will facilitate learning by all students. We sponsor and cosponsor numerous events featuring speakers covering a wide range of topics including minority participation in law firms, public interest concerns and other relevant legal issues. We also participate in mentoring programs and support various community activities. BLSA provides academic, social and emotional support.President: Aron Assefa
Please visit the BLSA webpage for more details
On Campus Spaces for the DU Black Community
Student BIPOC Lounge
The mission of The Cultural Center (TCC) is to create an environment where students of color, and LGBTQ+ students can critically engage their historical legacies and enhance their educational, intellectual, and personal/professional interest in race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, socioeconomic, and cultural sensibilities. TCC provides a haven for respite and dialogue for students as they navigate their journey at the University of Denver.
Located on the 3rd floor of the Commons in Room 3400.
Student Inclusion & Belonging and Family Resources Suite
The Student Inclusion & Belonging suite houses FIRST@DU, Inclusion & Equity Education, The Cultural Center, Black Community Initiatives and Native American & Indigenous Initiatives with Diversity Equity and Education, IRISE, and New Student and Family Programs. Students participating in these programs are encouraged to utilize this space to have student meetings, eat, and socialize.
Located on the first floor of the Community Commons, Room 1200
Denver Black Pages - Little Black Book
Denver Black Pages's annual Resource and Entertainment guide contains a list of select businesses, things to do, places to go, and resources in the Metro Denver Area that are essential for the newcomer or the longtime resident to keep handy in print and on their mobile phone.