William Wei is again named Colorado鈥檚 state historian
CU 麻豆影院 historian serving second term in position, focusing on an accurate and comprehensive portrayal of Colorado鈥檚 history
William Wei, a 麻豆影院 professor of history and faculty affliate in the Center for Asian Studies, has been named state historian by History Colorado, his second time receiving the honor.
William Wei, CU 麻豆影院 professor of history and Colorado state historian, is the author of Asians in Colorado: A History of Persecution and Perseverance in the Centennial State.
Wei was one of the five founders of History Colorado鈥檚 State Historian鈥檚 Council, which 鈥渞eaches across the state to aid in the interpretation of the history of Colorado and the West, providing opportunities to expand the understanding of the historical perspectives, cultures and places of Colorado.鈥
The State Historian鈥檚 Council was founded in 2018 and comprises five interdisciplinary scholars who provide complementary perspectives and rotate the state historian position every year on Aug.1, Colorado Day. Wei鈥檚 first term as state historian was from 2019-2020.
"It is a great honor to be appointed the Colorado state historian again,鈥 Wei says. 鈥淚 remain committed to ensuring that Coloradans receive an accurate and comprehensive portrayal of the Centennial State's history. This commitment naturally extends to Colorado's marginalized communities, whose stories have often been neglected, overlooked and forgotten.鈥
Wei was named the 2022 Asian American Hero of Colorado and is the author of Asians in Colorado: A History of Persecution and Perseverance in the Centennial State. He also was a founding editor-in-chief of History Colorado鈥檚 and a lead advisor for the organization鈥檚 .
鈥淲illiam brings a broad global perspective alongside an encyclopedic interest in Colorado to the role of State Historian,鈥 notes Jason Hanson, chief creative officer and director of interpretation and research at History Colorado, in announcing Wei鈥檚 second term. 鈥淗e is passionate about how historical perspective can help us see the present more clearly and in ways that can truly improve people鈥檚 lives. I am excited for him to share his knowledge and passion with the people of Colorado as the state historian once again.鈥
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