Lecture Series: A Touch of Colorado Springs’ Black History

About the Program:

The African-American Historical and Genealogical Society of Colorado Springs (AAHGSCS) works to ensure that African-Americans are included as an integral part of the history of the Pikes Peak Region and our nation. The organization’s goals are to instill a sense of pride in the youth and to expose the broader community to the culture and contributions of Black people. AAHGSCS works to promote interest in African-American genealogy and to encourage the study of Black History, accumulate and preserve African-American genealogical materials, assist members with their research and to acquire and share African-American historical and genealogical information. Join Candice McKnight, CEO and President of AAHGSCS, to learn more about the work of the society and Black history in the Pikes Peak Region.

About the Presenter:

Candice Rucker McKnight is a third-generation Colorado native and the founder of the first African-American Museum in Colorado Springs. In 2000, she founded The African-American Genealogical Society of Colorado Springs (AAGSCS) and in 2003, per the request of Lu Lu Stroud Pollard, she assumed leadership of the Negro Historical Association (NHACS), founded in 1981 by some of the region’s most noted members of the community. Since the NHACS and the AAGSCS had many similarities, including many of the same members, it was decided that it would be best to bring both groups together. In 2005, NHACS and AAGSCS created a new board and re-named the new organization the African-American Historical and Genealogical Society of Colorado Springs (AAHGSCS), incorporating the names of both groups.  AAHGSCS has set up historical and genealogical booths for various events networking with countless organizations. In addition to this, members have given presentations, workshops, receptions and have sent newsletters all over the U.S.

For 2022, we are thrilled to return to an in-person format. Out of an abundance of caution, we are limiting the number of attendees to allow for the social distancing according to CDC guidelines. While the series is free, reservations are required. Reservations for each lecture will open two weeks in advance of the program. When you arrive for a lecture, we will have a check-in process for registered guests and provide guidance on where to sit in the Division 1 Courtroom. Masks are strongly encouraged.

If you cannot join us for the in-person program, a recording of the lecture will be available the week after the event to watch at cspm.org/lectureseries. Due to the ongoing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, we reserve the right to move the lecture to a virtual format. Please check www.cspm.org/lectureseries for any updates.