First Regular Session
Seventy-fifth General Assembly
STATE OF COLORADO
REVISED
LLS NO. R25-0790.02 Faith Marcovecchio x4331
HJR25-1020
House Committees Senate Committees
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 25-1020
C
ONCERNING RECOGNITION OF AFRICAN AMERICAN VETERANS .101
WHEREAS, The military history of African Americans spans from1
the arrival of the first enslaved Africans during the colonial history of the2
United States to the present day; and3
WHEREAS, Throughout the history of the United States, African4
Americans have honorably served in every military conflict fought by the5
nation, often facing segregation, discrimination, and limited opportunities6
while courageously defending our nation; and7
WHEREAS, African Americans, despite being confined by the8
segregation prevalent in our country, still chose the path of military9
service to prove their worth as people and citizens; and10
WHEREAS, Through their dedication and valor, African11
SENATE
Final Reading
February 11, 2025
HOUSE
Final Reading
February 7, 2025
HOUSE SPONSORSHIP
English and Carter, Bacon, Camacho, Jackson, Joseph, Ricks, Armagost, Barron, Bird,
Boesenecker, Bottoms, Bradfield, Bradley, Brooks, Brown, Caldwell, Clifford, DeGraaf,
Duran, Espenoza, Feret, Froelich, Garcia, Garcia Sander, Gilchrist, Gonzalez R., Hamrick,
Hartsook, Johnson, Keltie, Lieder, Lindsay, Lindstedt, Luck, Lukens, Martinez, Mauro,
McCluskie, McCormick, Paschal, Phillips, Pugliese, Richardson, Rutinel, Rydin, Sirota,
Smith, Stewart K., Stewart R., Story, Suckla, Taggart, Titone, Valdez, Velasco, Weinberg,
Willford, Winter T., Woodrow, Woog
SENATE SPONSORSHIP
Exum and Coleman, Amabile, Baisley, Ball, Bridges, Bright, Carson, Catlin, Cutter,
Danielson, Daugherty, Gonzales J., Hinrichsen, Jaquez Lewis, Jodeh, Kipp, Kirkmeyer,
Kolker, Liston, Lundeen, Marchman, Michaelson Jenet, Pelton B., Pelton R., Rich, Roberts,
Rodriguez, Simpson, Snyder, Sullivan, Weissman, Winter F.
Shading denotes HOUSE amendment. Double underlining denotes SENATE amendment.
Capital letters or bold & italic numbers indicate new material to be added to existing law.
Dashes through the words or numbers indicate deletions from existing law. American service members demonstrated their unwavering commitment1
to the ideals of democracy and equality, even when those ideals were not2
extended to them, and they ultimately helped to lay the groundwork for3
the broader civil rights movement; and4
WHEREAS, Even though many African American men and5
women have tragically lost their lives in service to their country, these6
and countless other African Americans chose the path of military service7
to prove their worth, regain a sense of dignity, and secure a place of honor8
within a society that often denied them fundamental rights. Through their9
bravery, resilience, and determination, these individuals not only served10
in defense of our nation but also fought for their right to stand as equals11
alongside their fellow service members; and12
WHEREAS, The military has long served as a unique arena in13
which African American men and women could rise through the ranks,14
challenging societal limitations and breaking barriers that confined them15
to second-class status; and16
WHEREAS, Despite facing segregation, discrimination, and17
unequal treatment both within and outside of military service, African18
American veterans persevered, demonstrating excellence, leadership, and19
a deep commitment to duty, thus paving the way for future generations of20
African American service members to continue the fight for equality,21
justice, and respect within the armed forces and throughout American22
society; and23
WHEREAS, African American veterans have played pivotal roles24
in every war fought by the United States, including the Revolutionary25
War, the War of 1812, the Mexican American War, the Civil War, the26
Indian Wars, the Spanish American War, both World Wars, the Korean27
War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, and conflicts in Iraq and28
Afghanistan, demonstrating exceptional bravery and dedication; and29
WHEREAS, During the Civil War, approximately 180,000 African30
American soldiers served in the Union Army, making up nearly 1031
percent of its total force, and an additional 19,000 served in the Navy; and32
WHEREAS, During World War I, more than 380,000 African33
Americans served in the United States military, many of whom faced34
segregation and discrimination while making invaluable contributions to35
the war effort; and36
1020
-2- WHEREAS, During World War II, more than 1.25 million African1
Americans served in the United States military, including in combat and2
support roles, while also breaking barriers that paved the way for the3
desegregation of the armed forces; and4
WHEREAS, Despite the dedication and sacrifice of African5
American service members, many military authorities have historically6
been skeptical of their patriotism, questioning their loyalty and7
commitment to the nation they bravely served. This skepticism persisted8
from the time before the end of slavery through Reconstruction and well9
into the twentieth century. Even as African Americans fought valiantly in10
wars such as the Civil War, World War I, and World War II, they were11
often relegated to segregated units, given less prestigious assignments, or12
denied the recognition they deserved; and13
WHEREAS, This unjust treatment continued until the landmark14
military desegregation policies of 1948, when President Harry S. Truman15
issued Executive Order 9981, which sought to end segregation within the16
armed forces. However, even after this official policy change, African17
American veterans continued to face barriers to full equality in the18
military, struggling against systemic racism, discrimination, and unequal19
opportunities for advancement, despite their proven dedication to20
defending the very freedoms that often eluded them in civilian life; and21
WHEREAS, The implementation of Executive Order 9981 marked22
a turning point in United States military history, leading to the gradual23
integration of African Americans into all branches of the armed forces24
and paving the way for broader civil rights advancements in American25
society. However, despite this order, desegregation of the military was not26
fully realized for several years, and all-African-American units persisted27
well into the Korean War, with the last all-African-American unit not28
being disbanded until 1954; and29
WHEREAS, Despite their unwavering service, African American30
veterans have historically been denied equal rights and benefits, including31
access to the GI Bill, housing assistance, and other veteran services,32
highlighting the need for continued advocacy and justice; and33
WHEREAS, While African American service members continue34
to demonstrate vigilance and resilience in all aspects of military service,35
there remains much work to be done in the pursuit of equality,36
opportunity, and recognition. African American men and women have led37
1020
-3- the charge in advocating for a more inclusive military, clearing a path for1
future generations to serve with dignity and pride. Their tireless efforts2
have not only secured a place for them within the military but have also3
opened doors for other African Americans to excel in leadership roles,4
advancing both military service and broader societal progress; and5
WHEREAS, The African American community takes great pride6
in the enduring legacies left by those who have served, and they continue7
to build upon the foundation of excellence, determination, and courage8
laid by those who came before, ensuring that their contributions are9
remembered and that their history serves as an inspiration for the next10
generation of service members and leaders; and11
WHEREAS, The Tuskegee Airmen, the first group of African12
American military pilots in the United States armed forces during World13
War II; the Buffalo Soldiers; the Montford Point Marines; and countless14
other African American military units and individuals have left an15
indelible mark on United States history, inspiring future generations and16
reshaping the armed forces; and17
WHEREAS, The late Lieutenant Colonel Clarence Shivers and18
Colonel James Harvey III stand as towering figures in African American19
military history, particularly in the context of the Tuskegee Airmen.20
Lieutenant Colonel Shivers, a distinguished member of the Tuskegee21
Airmen, served with bravery and distinction during World War II in the22
332nd Fighter Group, which was known for its distinctive red-tailed23
aircraft and played a significant role in escorting bombers during missions24
over Europe. His legacy is immortalized with a statue dedicated to him at25
the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, symbolizing26
his remarkable contributions to the United States Air Force and the27
struggle for equality in military service. Shivers retired in 1969, having28
proven himself an integral part of the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of29
pioneering African American pilots who shattered racial barriers in30
aviation; and31
WHEREAS, Colonel James Harvey III made his mark as one of32
the first African American officers in the United States Air Force.33
Harvey's leadership and service during and after World War II continue34
to inspire future generations of airmen. As a member of the Tuskegee35
Airmen, he helped pave the way for the eventual integration of the United36
States Air Force and contributed to the desegregation of the military. Both37
men's careers exemplify the courage, resilience, and professionalism of38
1020
-4- African American service members in the face of adversity, making them1
iconic figures in the history of Colorado military service; and2
WHEREAS, Cathay Williams made history in 1866 as the first3
African American woman to serve in the United States military. She4
joined the 38th United States Infantry Regiment, which was stationed in5
the western frontier during the post-Civil War era. She was honorably6
discharged and passed away in Colorado, and her memorial is in Pueblo;7
and8
WHEREAS, Wanda James, a distinguished veteran of the United9
States Navy, made history as the first African American woman to be a10
part of the Naval ROTC program at the University of Colorado Boulder.11
Her groundbreaking service in the Navy paved the way for future12
generations of African American women to pursue military careers. In her13
continued commitment to public service and higher education, James14
currently serves as a member of the University of Colorado Board of15
Regents, where she has made a profound and lasting impact on the lives16
of students, advocating for inclusive policies and supporting initiatives17
that foster academic excellence, diversity, and leadership development18
within the university community; and19
WHEREAS, Leslie Summey is a United States Navy veteran. She20
is the first African American person to ever be elected as a Commissioner21
on the Arapahoe County Board of County Commissioners and was sworn22
into office January 9, 2023. Her current term expires January 2027. She23
serves as the first African American chair of the Arapahoe County Board24
of County Commissioners; and25
WHEREAS, The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion,26
known as the "Six Triple Eight", was an all-African American, all-female27
unit during World War II, playing a critical role in maintaining morale28
and communication between United States soldiers stationed overseas and29
their families back home. This battalion, which served in Europe, was30
tasked with sorting and delivering delayed mail to troops, facing31
tremendous challenges due to the sheer volume of undelivered packages.32
The women of the 6888th, led by Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adams33
Earley, displayed incredible determination and dedication, working34
around the clock to ensure that soldiers received their letters and supplies;35
and36
WHEREAS, The 6888th's contributions were overlooked for many37
1020
-5- years, but their service was integral to the success of wartime efforts and1
a milestone in the integration of women into the military. The 6888th is2
now recognized as one of the most important units in African American3
and women's military history; and4
WHEREAS, John W. Mosley Jr. persevered through adversity5
throughout his life, inspired by his father, John W. Mosley Sr. Mosley Sr.,6
born into slavery, migrated west to Colorado in the 1880s, during the7
silver boom, seeking opportunity. In an era of Jim Crow laws, Mosley Sr.8
secured employment as a Pullman porter, one of the few jobs available to9
African American workers at the time; and10
WHEREAS, In 1939, John W. Mosley Jr. enrolled at the11
Agricultural College of Colorado (now Colorado State University),12
becoming the first African American letterman in the school's history.13
Many refer to him as the Jackie Robinson of CSU athletics. In 1998,14
Mosley Jr. was inducted into the CSU Sports Hall of Fame, and in 2009,15
he was admitted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame; and16
WHEREAS, After college, Mosley Jr. joined the Tuskegee Airmen17
and trained as a bomber pilot, one of the first African Americans to do so.18
Lieutenant Colonel Mosley served for over 25 years on active and reserve19
duty, including during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam20
War. He participated in the Berlin Airlift, achieved the rank of command21
pilot, and served as both a trainer and mentor to young pilots. Mosley Jr.22
often remarked, "I had to fight in order to fight!"; and23
WHEREAS, In 2015, Aurora Public Schools dedicated a P-824
school to Mosley Jr. and his wife, Edna. The school, Edna and John W.25
Mosley P-8, opened on October 1, 2015, near Airport Boulevard and26
Second Avenue in Aurora, Colorado, and currently serves over 90027
students; and28
WHEREAS, In 2021, Congress proposed a bill to dedicate the29
newly built VA community-based outpatient clinic in Aurora, Colorado,30
to Lieutenant Colonel Mosley. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on31
January 27, 2025, and the clinic opened its doors to veterans on February32
3, joining the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, which serves33
over 100,000 veterans annually; and34
WHEREAS, The contributions of African American veterans35
extend beyond the battlefield, as they have continued to serve their36
1020
-6- communities as leaders, activists, educators, and public servants; and1
WHEREAS, Recognizing the sacrifices and achievements of2
African American veterans is essential to ensuring their legacy is honored3
and their stories are preserved for future generations; and4
WHEREAS, We formally acknowledge and honor the5
extraordinary service and sacrifices of African American veterans6
throughout United States history; now, therefore,7
Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the Seventy-fifth8
General Assembly of the State of Colorado, the Senate concurring herein:9
That we, the General Assembly, in recognition of the heroic efforts10
and significant sacrifices of African American veterans:11
(1) Support efforts to ensure African American veterans receive12
equitable access to benefits, health care, and resources that they have13
rightfully earned through their service;14
(2) Encourage educational initiatives, museums, and historical15
institutions to highlight the contributions of African American veterans,16
ensuring their stories are shared and celebrated;17
(3) During Black History Month and beyond, commit to18
recognizing African American veterans' valor, perseverance, and19
patriotism, affirming our dedication to justice, equality, and the honor of20
their sacrifices; and21
(4) Encourage the commemoration of African American veterans22
throughout both the Senate and the House of Representatives.23
Be It Further Resolved, That copies of this Joint Resolution be sent24
to the Congressional Black Caucus; the National Black Caucus of State25
Legislators; the Retired Enlisted Association; the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.;26
the Colorado Black Women for Political Action; State Commander Carol27
Thomas, Department of Colorado Veterans of Foreign Wars; American28
Legion Department of Colorado; the United Veterans Coalition of29
Colorado; the Colorado Disabled American Veterans; the Mountain30
States Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America; Colonel James H.31
Harvey III; Mrs. Peggy Chivers, the wife of the late Lieutenant Colonel32
Clarence Chivers; and Aaron Futrell, grandson of John W. Mosley Jr.33
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