Arie Taylor

Arie Parks Taylor
Colorado State Representative
1927 - 2003
Inducted 2004

In 1972 Taylor became the first African-American woman elected to the Colorado State House of Representatives, where she addressed a myriad of issues faced by women and the poor during her six terms in office.

Arie Parks Taylor had many firsts in her life. She was the first African American woman to become Chief Clerk of the Denver Election Commission; the first African American woman elected to the Colorado House of Representatives; and the first African American woman in Colorado to serve as Clerk and Recorder. She arose from humble beginnings as guardian for her 10 brothers and sisters, then graduated from Ohio’s Miami University, and joined the Women’s Air Force (WAF). She moved to Denver in 1958. During her six terms in the House, she chaired the State Veterans Affairs Committee, and she sponsored legislation creating treatment centers for sickle cell anemia and hemophilia, and allowing women to obtain credit in their own names.

“Arie Taylor lived a life of meaning and one that was rich in consequence.” — U. S. Congresswoman Diana DeGette, 2003 memorial tribute