Colorado Black Women for Political Action to Host Black Women’s Summit and Tribute Luncheon

Black Women’s Summit, Youth Empowerment Summit and 47th Annual Tribute Luncheon remind women to “Rest, Resist and Repeat.”

For almost half a century, Colorado Black Women for Political Action (CBWPA) has worked to ensure that Black women are participants in the civic processes that drive local advancement and nationwide change. 

Conceptualized by State Senator Gloria Tanner, CBWPA was founded by 13 women in 1977, and has become one of the state’s most influential political advocacy organizations. Its mission is rooted in advancing the political, social and economic empowerment of Black women and their communities.

CBWPA’s legacy is safeguarded under the direction of its current president, Bianka Emerson, a campaign strategist and advocate who is actively guiding the organization through one of the most turbulent political climates in recent history. 

Despite recent attacks on initiatives meant to create equitable conditions at every level, Emerson is motivated to continue her work as a conduit for civic engagement.  

“We always show up for the concept and the idea of democracy,” she says.  

“We show up for the collective.”

On Friday, Oct. 3 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., CBWPA will convene its second annual Black Women’s Summit at the Sheraton Downtown Denver Hotel. A Youth Empowerment Summit will accompany the day’s events from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.. 

The 47th Annual Tribute to Black Women Luncheon and Awards Ceremony will be held on Saturday, Oct. 4, featuring MSNBC commentator, keynote speaker and former advisor to U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, Symone D. Sanders Townsend. 

Combined, the events are expected to draw hundreds of participants from across Colorado, with inspiration, empowerment and a celebration of Black women’s excellence and leadership.

A Weighted Theme

The theme of this year’s summit is “The 92: Rest, Resist, Repeat,” inspired by the 92 percent of Black women who cast their ballots in support of former Vice President and 2024 presidential candidate, Kamala Harris, during the last election cycle.

“We created that theme in homage to the 92 percent of Black women who voted in support of democracy,” Emerson says. 

“We did support the Black woman who was highly educated and qualified for the job, but we also supported the notion and idea of democracy.”

For the emboldened leader, the theme is also personal.

“After the election, I was just exhausted,” she admits. 

“It was a huge letdown for Black women… I felt extremely betrayed. We showed up for democracy, but democracy did not show up for us.”

That sense of fatigue, Emerson adds, has made the need for rest and healing critical, even as Black women continue to lead movements for change. 

“We can continue to protest and organize, and we organize the heck out of everything that we do, but it’s like, ‘okay, I’ve done all I can do. I need rest.’”

Conversation & Clarity

CBWPA plans to use the summit to address urgent challenges facing Black women, from job losses to health disparities. Emerson notes that since January, more than 300,000 Black women nationwide have lost employment.

“How do we get above that? Is it entrepreneurship? Is it organizing to create more policy? Is it organizing to make sure that there’s a comeback in the 2026 election?” she asks.

The summit’s panels will tackle these and other questions through a wide-ranging set of discussions. Among them:

• Economic Empowerment and Wealth Protection: the protection of Black women’s wealth. 
• Reproductive Justice: Teaching Black women how to advocate for their bodies in the medical room. 
• Entrepreneurship: Encouraging Black women to explore pathways to business ownership. 
• Political Leadership: Guidance on how to run for office, write public policy and serve on boards and commissions.
• Advocacy 101: Advocating for housing opportunities, economic opportunities, education, health disparity and criminal justice.

Superwoman Syndrome

A central feature of this year’s summit is the Youth Empowerment Summit, held in partnership with the University of Colorado Wellness Center. 

With a curriculum designed for Black girls ages 12 to college youth, the interactive forum will  introduce participants to civic duty from an early age. 

“The curriculum was created specifically for us, and the theme is ‘Superwoman Syndrome: Taking Off My Cape, Saving Myself’” Emerson says.

“The whole point is making sure that our young girls understand who they are, especially in the society and the world that is telling them any and everything, with the influence of social media.” 

In addition to teaching young women that their responsibility is not just to advocate for everyone else, the event will encourage them to show up for themselves and stand for what they believe in, even when it’s difficult. 

A collaboration with the African Leadership Group (ALG) will provide additional support for girls balancing the expectations of African culture at home with the realities of American society.

Rest, Resist, Repeat & Recognize Greatness

Following the summit, CBWPA will host its annual luncheon and awards ceremony, which recognizes Black women in education, arts, science and technology, community service and youth leadership.

“The community has the opportunity to nominate the women who they want to see win those awards,” Emerson says. 

For her, the summit and luncheon are both a celebration and a call-to-action for Black women who are inspired to take a new approach – one that centers health, healing and self-preservation. 

Believing that education is the true source of tangible change, she challenges herself and others to turn education into action while breaking cycles and breaching barriers. 

Editor’s note: To learn more and register for the summit and luncheon, visit www.cbwpa.org.