CU Invests $2M in Center for African & African American Studies

The investment will provide sustained support for the center's programs, student services, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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The University of Colorado has announced a $2 million investment in the Center for African & African American Studies (CAAAS) on the CU Boulder campus. The funding will support the center's teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement focused on the histories, cultures, and lived experiences of people of African descent.

Why it matters

The investment in CAAAS comes as the university aims to strengthen connections with communities in Boulder and across Colorado, while also celebrating the 100th anniversary of Black History Month. The center serves as a beacon of hope and a powerful community committed to research, scholarship, and the belief that anything is possible.

The details

The $2 million investment will provide sustained support for CAAAS programs, student services, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships over the next five years. Founded in 2021, the center supports teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement focused on the histories, cultures, and lived experiences of people of African descent.

  • The investment in CAAAS was announced on February 4, 2026.
  • February is Black History Month, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026.

The players

University of Colorado

A public research university system with campuses across Colorado, including the Boulder campus where the Center for African & African American Studies is located.

Center for African & African American Studies (CAAAS)

A center at the University of Colorado Boulder that supports teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement focused on the histories, cultures, and lived experiences of people of African descent.

Reiland Rabaka

The director of the Center for African & African American Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Reiland Rabaka, Director, Center for African & African American Studies (University of Colorado news release)

The takeaway

The University of Colorado's $2 million investment in the Center for African & African American Studies demonstrates the institution's commitment to supporting research, scholarship, and community engagement focused on the histories, cultures, and lived experiences of people of African descent. This investment comes at a significant moment, as the nation celebrates the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, underscoring the center's role as a beacon of hope and a powerful community dedicated to advancing knowledge and understanding.