Gloria Tanner

Gloria Tanner
Colorado State Senator
1935 -
Inducted 2002

A lifetime of political activism has earned Gloria Tanner a revered place in Colorado’s political history. As the first African American woman to serve as a Colorado state senator, she held office from 1994 to 2000.

She served in the State House of Representatives for a decade prior, where she held leadership positions. During her 17 years in office, Tanner initiated and sponsored legislation on key issues such as workplace discrimination, parental responsibility, civil rights for women and minorities, and adoptive parents’ rights. After retiring from political office, she has shared her political skills and insights with the next generation by establishing the Senator Gloria Tanner Leadership and Training Institute for Future Black Women Leaders of Colorado, and the Colorado Black Women for Political Action.

“I can do it, I don’t care what the obstacles are . . . my limitations are mine, not yours. If you want to place them I will overcome them.” — Senator Gloria Tanner