When newcomers arrive in Colorado, they often ask, “Where are all the Black people?”
Often touted as Colorado’s most diverse city, the City of Aurora is home to approximately 16.6 percent Black residents compared to 8 percent in Denver and 6 percent in Colorado Springs. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 160 languages are spoken throughout Aurora Public Schools, and 30.1 percent of the city’s residents were born outside the U.S.
“The Gateway to the Rockies” is home to Colorado’s largest concentration of Black residents, and its diversity is what Aurora City Council candidate Rob Lee Andrews believes makes the state’s third-largest city a hidden gem.
If elected at-large, he plans to retain that diversity by supporting small businesses and giving residents an “opportunity to flourish and grow.”
Andrews envisions an ideal Aurora as having “a dense population;” identifying the revitalization of Colfax as a priority area. He would like to bring in more businesses, and even envisions the addition of new sports teams. He also describes developing “a downtown that flourishes and makes people want to stay.”
Fit for a Franchise
As a former athlete, sports are top of mind for Andrews who says, “We’re in the top 60 cities for population in America with no sports team, whether minor league or major league. We have nothing that attracts sales tax revenue. We’ve got to bring that in.”
It’s a vision that echoes Denver’s boom years within the last decade – a growth story that continues to unfold more each day.
Born and raised in Colorado Springs, his journey to city council candidacy was sparked by his mother, a CNA who died when he was just 17.
“She would always take me to go vote and then ask me who to vote for,” he recalls.
After early civic lessons ignited his desire and aspirations to enter the political arena, he was appointed to the Judicial Performance Review Commission by Governor Bill Ritter at age 24.
Andrews’ father, a construction worker who died when he was 28, is credited for instilling his heart for service, which he has applied through his work with Obama for America, on several boards and through positions across local, state and federal government. His extensive experience laid the foundation for his work as a social entrepreneur, and prepared him to help others knock down barriers to employment.
A Step Toward Service
In 2023, Andrews was a candidate in Aurora’s Mayoral Election. He dropped out of the race two months shy of election day, announcing that with “too many folks in the race that had similar views and values,” he didn’t want to split the vote.
His campaign for Aurora City Council is centered around three major priorities: affordable housing, economic security and public safety.
“We have to make sure fire, police, teachers, nurses have a place where they can live and work in Aurora,” he says.
“Economic security goes along with that because we’ve got to make sure that we keep people here and we have registered apprenticeships for these folks, so they have representation while they’re working here. Lastly, we must ensure that public safety is paramount and the only way we’ll be able to do that is together.”
Fueled by his faith and supported by his wife and children, each of whom plays a role in his campaign, he is committed to his pursuit of the at-large position and efforts to shift the perception of the city.
Wanting to move the suburb from out of the capital city’s shadow, he faces an uphill battle. For strength, he leans on the words in Luke 12:48: “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”
Best Foot Forward
With community outrage following the 2024 police shooting death of Kilyn Lewis, internal conflict within Aurora City Council and rising national tensions targeting immigrants and initiatives based on diversity, equity and inclusion, Andrews recognizes and welcomes the challenge of leadership. Counting the opportunity to run for elected office as a privilege, he is not backing down despite unprecedented social and political unrest.
Boasting an extensive resume and diverse experience as preparation for such a time as this, he awaits Nov. 4 with a calm demeanor, putting his best foot forward and maintaining an optimistic attitude about what’s next.
Editor’s note: To learn more about Andrews’ campaign, visit www.andrewsforaurora.com/.
