CO HJR1020

Summary of HJR25-1020: Recognition of African American Veterans

• Colorado General Assembly formally honors African American veterans who have served in every U.S. military conflict from the Revolutionary War through Iraq and Afghanistan, despite facing segregation, discrimination, and limited opportunities

• Highlights historical service numbers: approximately 180,000 African Americans served in the Civil War Union Army (10% of total force), over 380,000 in WWI, and more than 1.25 million in WWII

• Recognizes specific Colorado figures including Tuskegee Airmen Lieutenant Colonel Clarence Shivers and Colonel James Harvey III, Cathay Williams (first African American woman to serve in U.S. military, memorialized in Pueblo), and Lieutenant Colonel John W. Mosley Jr. (VA clinic in Aurora dedicated in his honor, opened February 2025)

• Commits the legislature to support equitable access to benefits, health care, and resources for African American veterans, and encourages educational initiatives and historical institutions to preserve their stories

• Directs copies of the resolution be sent to veteran organizations including the Congressional Black Caucus, Tuskegee Airmen Inc., Colorado VFW, and American Legion Department of Colorado