CU Boulder Chancellor Justin Schwartz and CU President Todd Saliman have announced a $2 million investment over five years for the Center for African & African American Studies (CAAAS).
The announcement was made during a celebration of the start of Black History Month, which coincides with the fifth anniversary celebration of the center, the 150th anniversary celebrations of the campus and the 100th anniversary of Black History Month.
Founded in 2021, the CAAAS supports teaching, research, creative work and community engagement focused on the histories, cultures and lived experiences of people of African descent. The center serves the entire CU Boulder campus while strengthening connections with communities in Boulder and across Colorado.
“CAAAS is a young, growing, vibrant center that serves all of CU Boulder and connects to the community in Boulder and across the state,” said Chancellor Justin Schwartz. “This investment allows the center to continue meeting its mission to support students, faculty, staff and outreach commitments to the state as we look toward CU Boulder’s next 150 years.”
Saliman emphasized the systemwide importance of the investment, noting that the CAAAS reflects the University of Colorado’s responsibility to serve communities across the state through education, research and engagement.
“I’m so happy my office can help support this amazing center. It was created through impressive student and faculty collaboration. It’s really a special place because it is simultaneously academic, research and student life centered,” said Saliman. “It helps to build knowledge and the learner while it also builds community—and that’s what we are all about.”
The investment will provide sustained support for the CAAAS programs, student services, faculty initiatives and community partnerships over the next five years.
“I’m grateful to everyone who believed in the idea before it was fully formed,” said Reiland Rabaka, director of the CAAAS. “Every year, we push ourselves to do a little more for Colorado. It isn’t always easy, and it certainly isn’t inexpensive, but the work matters. I don’t just want a center, I want a world-class center. A beacon of hope, a sanctuary, a powerful and beloved community committed to research, scholarship and the stubborn belief that anything is possible.”
