CU Boulder will invest $2 million over five years in the Center for African & African American Studies (CAAAS) to support teaching, research, and community engagement focused on people of African descent.

The announcement came at a celebration marking Black History Month and the center’s fifth anniversary.

CAAAS, founded in 2021, serves the CU Boulder campus and strengthens connections 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.

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.

The new investment will support CAAAS programs, student services, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships.

“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,” said Reiland Rabaka, director of CAAAS.