A new Colorado law is set to change how students learn about Black history — and it’s no longer just assigned to the shortest month of the year.

​In House Bill 25-1149, every public school from kindergarten to the 12th grade in the state is required to integrate a comprehensive Black history and cultural studies plan into their curriculum by 2028. And that plan must be for the entire school year.

In a recent interview with CBS, Denver Public Schools’ Director of Black Student Success, Michael Atkins, shared that the change is overdue. “We know our story is not just confined to just 28 days,” he said, calling the bill a way to embrace the Black experience “365 days a year.”

Atkins shared that history must also go beyond teaching only slavery and trauma, because students need to see how Black people have shaped technology, politics, culture, and everyday life.

"African Americans have really contributed to our current state of living," Atkins said to CBS. "That needs to be heard, taught, and observed to our most precious asset, which is our babies. This bill not only benefits our Black students. This bill benefits all students."

The law was signed by Gov. Jared Polis in June 2025, and it goes beyond a single unit or elective class and aims to weave Black stories, contributions, and struggles through multiple grades and subjects.

A 17-member advisory committee was also created to help the Colorado Department of Education write new standards focused on Black contributions and experiences.

“Here in Colorado, we understand the importance of teaching a full, honest history – one that recognizes the achievements, contributions, and experiences of Black Americans,” said Tony Exum, one of the Bill’s sponsors, in a statement to local news. “Implementing a standardized Black history curriculum in our public schools ensures that students of all races and backgrounds receive a more complete education that prepares them to be informed, engaged citizens and honors the extensive contributions of Black Americans in shaping our state and nation.”

The law also sets up a free, bilingual resource bank so teachers everywhere, from small districts to larger city schools, can access lessons, readings, and videos without having to build curriculum and lesson plans from scratch.