The Honorable Peter C. Groff is the founder and executive director of the University of Denver’s Center for African American Policy. Developed and implemented by Mr. Groff, the Center is a non-profit organization whose mission is to work for and achieve a positive change in the present and future lives of African Americans through academics, the arena of public discourse, community and public service. In addition to his role as Executive Director, Mr. Groff is a Senior Lecturer in the University of Denver’s Public Policy Program and the Publisher of the Center’s websites: blackpolicy.org and ascentpress.org. Senator Groff is co-author of “Standing in Gap: Leadership for 21st Century.”
Senator Groff, who is called the “Conscience of the Senate,” currently serves as President of the Colorado State Senate and is the first African American in Colorado to hold that post. Mr. Groff became Colorado’s sixth African American State Senator when he was appointed to the Colorado State Senate on February 10, 2003 and was elected to a full term on November 2, 2004. He represents Senate District 33 in the City and County of Denver. Senator Groff was elected to the Colorado House of Representatives in 2000 and was reelected in 2002. During his legislative career, Senator Groff has passed landmark legislation prohibiting racial profiling, requiring booster seats for young children, creating the Office of Health Disparities and securing tens of millions of dollars to combat health disparities and is a leading spokesman on education reform.
Mr. Groff serves as Chairman of the State Veterans and Military Affairs Committee and is a member of the Appropriations, Legislative Council and Legal Services Committee. Senator Groff is the highest ranking elected African American in the state of Colorado.
For his dedication of time and energy, Senator Groff has been recognized with various and sundry honors and awards.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Senator Groff was raised in Denver, Colorado and is a product of Denver Public Schools. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications with a minor in Political Science from the University of Redlands (CA), and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver, College of Law and is a member of the Colorado Bar. He is married to the Rev. Regina C. Groff. Rev. Groff is the Pastor of the historic Campbell Chapel AME Church in Denver, Colorado and a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Denver. Both are parents to Malachi Charles and Moriah Cherie.
