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RMHS Honors and Celebrates Black History Month

February 13, 2023

Each year in February, we celebrate Black History Month, a time to learn about and honor the heritage and accomplishments of Black Americans over the course of our nation’s history. The intention of Black History Month also includes acknowledgment that the contributions of African Americans have largely been left out of popular history and education, and because of this, we take this month to intentionally shine a light on the many meaningful contributions that Black Americans have made and continue to make to science, culture, art, and countless other areas of American life.

At RMHS, honoring Black History Month is a natural extension of our organizational commitment to becoming an anti-racist organization. As part of our mission, we maintain an active Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Advisory Council and a full-time DEI Manager who all work together to lead our work toward this goal. With their guidance, RMHS facilities regular DEI training for all employees, educating and empowering staff to accept and celebrate diversity, and helping RMHS to become a more inclusive and welcoming organization to both those we serve and those we hire.

“Racism is a contagious virus which has been spread far too long and too wide to be able to undo overnight. I wish it were that simple. Anti-racism is, however, an obtainable goal, and RMHS is committed to getting there, one way or another,” said Adija Diamant, DEI Manager at RMHS. “I know we can get there because of all the wonderful folks that help make up our amazing organization.”

There are many ways to honor Black History Month, and this year, RMHS invites you to support Black-owned businesses in the Denver community. Here are some incredible Denver-based Black- owned businesses, from restaurants to hair salons to activewear companies, that you can support with your business and patronage this month and every month.

Food and Beverage

Endless Grind Coffee (Aurora)

Endless Grind Coffee is a Black woman owned, fair trade coffeehouse with coffee roasted and served in traditional Ethiopian fashion. Reviewers praise the pleasant atmosphere and delicious, skillfully served coffees. Visit their website to learn more!

Jessie’s Smokin’ NOLA (Centennial)

Jessie’s Smokin’ NOLA is an authentic New Orleans/Cajun restaurant, collocated with a craft brewing company. Patrons love their po boys, crawfish etouffee, and fried catfish. Their menu and precise location are on their website.

Hair and Apparel

ICONI Activewear

ICONI Activewear is a Black woman and veteran owned business that sells affordable, high-quality activewear for everyone. This Denver-based business has been featured on Oprah, Women’s Health, People, and many other media outlets. Ten percent of their profits are donated to nonprofits. Check out their website to learn more.

More Than Curly Salon (Centennial)

More Than Curly Salon is a Black woman owned salon that specializes in all types of curly hair. Owner Melissa has spent many years of her career perfecting her curly hair cutting and styling techniques and serves the Denver area as an expert in the field. Find their location, services, and more on their website.

Events and Services

Around the Clock Movers

Around the Clock Movers is a top-rated moving company that serves all of Colorado and offers cleaning and carpet cleaning services alongside office and house move services. Their comprehensive and user friendly website directs customers to the services they need.

TJ Weddings, Events & Design (Aurora)

TJ Weddings, Events & Design creates events that reflect their customers’ personalities and visions with smooth execution and the promise to get the best value for their budget. They organize weddings, corporate events, décor and design-specific requests, and many other types of events. Learn more on their website.

Local Black History Month Resources

As you support local Black-owned businesses, don’t forget to check out the extensive resources listed on the official Mile High City website for current Black History Month local events and year-round attractions that provide tourists and residents alike with ways to expand their knowledge about the contributions of Black Americans.

There is always room to acknowledge and honor the accomplishments of the thriving Black community in the United States, and yet there is so much more work to do. Throughout this year and every year, RMHS values and honors the achievements of the Black community as we continue our journey toward becoming an anti-racist organization and hope to inspire others to do the same.