Connected and Innovative:
Utah’s Thriving Black Community
Utah’s Black, African American, and African communities have long shaped the story of our state — past, present, and future. From the earliest Black pioneers who journeyed west with the first Latter-day Saint settlers who were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to today’s educators, entrepreneurs, artists, and community leaders, their legacy continues to grow. This vibrant history includes trailblazers who laid the foundation and modern changemakers who are building bridges and creating opportunities across Utah.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights Commission during MLK Day at the Delta Center 2025.
Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights Commission
Established by executive order in 1991 and later written into state law, the Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights Commission brings together leaders from across Utah’s public, private, and nonprofit sectors. The Commission honors Dr. King’s legacy by encouraging nonviolence, respectful dialogue, community engagement, and acts of service that strengthen understanding and unity throughout the state. Its efforts include resources like the “A Day On, Not a Day Off” toolkit for MLK Day, youth-focused events with the Utah Jazz and Utah Hockey Club, statewide town halls, and public art contests such as “Many Stories, One Utah” — which led to the creation of Utah’s MLK license plate. Through these efforts, the Commission continues to inspire connection, shared values, and meaningful civic participation.
Black Utah: Stories from a Thriving Community
“Black Utah: Stories from a Thriving Community” is a powerful collection of interviews that celebrates the voices shaping Utah today. Featuring entrepreneurs, artists, educators, and civic leaders, the book highlights individuals such as Ballet West Principal Artist Katlyn Addison, Rev. France A. Davis, and Rep. Sandra Hollins, Utah’s first Black woman legislator. Through dozens of personal stories, the book paints a rich and expansive portrait of Black life in Utah.
Supporting Businesses: Utah Black Chamber
The Utah Black Chamber empowers Black entrepreneurs and professionals by expanding access to education, funding, and networking opportunities. Rooted in a mission to promote prosperity and economic wellness, the Chamber supports Black-owned businesses across the state through strategic programming such as the Financial Capacity Program, professional development webinars, and community-building events. Under the leadership of CEO Dr. Sidni L. Shorter, the Chamber serves as both an economic champion and a cultural bridge, building statewide growth while providing a support system where professionals can connect, thrive, and uplift one another. With chapters in Salt Lake City, Utah County, Northern Utah, and Southern Utah, the chamber works to reach communities across the state.
Celebrating Freedom: Utah Juneteenth Festival
For more than 150 years, Juneteeth has been recognized by several states to commemorate the day enslaved Black Americans in Texas first learned of their emancipation through a proclamation made by United States President Abraham Lincoln. Through the years, Juneteenth has become a time to celebrate the pursuit of freedom and unity. In 2022, Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox signed a law marking Juneteenth National Freedom Day as a state holiday. This was made possible through the support of Rep. Sandra Hollins, Utah’s first Black female legislator, and key leaders such as Betty Sawyer, director of Ogden’s Project Success Coalition, who has overseen the state’s largest annual Juneteenth Festival for more than 30 years.
Vibrancy of Stories: Afro Utah Festival
The Afro Utah Festival, produced by the GK Folks Foundation, is an annual celebration of African heritage held in Salt Lake City. This vibrant, free event showcases rich traditions through live music, dance, art, and food, offering Utahns the opportunity to experience and deepen their understanding of African American, Afro-Caribbean, Afro-Latino, Afro-European, Afro-Asian, and broader Black immigrant cultures. Established to bring together Utahns in unity and promote love, the festival brings together local Black-owned businesses, food vendors, visual and performing artists, and educators for an immersive experience in cultural connection and community pride.
Preserving Culture: Sema Hadithi
Sema Hadithi African American Heritage and Culture Foundation is dedicated to uncovering, preserving, and sharing the often untold stories of African American history in Utah. Meaning “Tell the Story” in Swahili, Sema Hadithi takes on history to build unity and understanding among all of Utah’s communities. Through scholarly research, cultural preservation, and storytelling, the foundation highlights the significant contributions of African Americans to Utah’s history while connecting communities. Sema Hadithi ensures that these narratives are remembered, celebrated, and recognized as part of Utah’s broader history by curating exhibits, partnering with local organizations, and creating spaces for dialogue. Through this work, the foundation honors the past, contributes to the present, and inspires future generations.
Magnify Utah’s Community Pages capture organizations that support communities through resources, connections, and opportunity-building. The information does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Utah Department of Cultural and Community Engagement (CCE), Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs, or divisions associated with CCE. The intent of this resource is to centralize information, not to endorse. The Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs reserves the right to accept or reject any submission or suggestion that does not align with the mission of Magnify Utah.