From Science Teacher to Mayor: How Colorado’s Fairplay Leader Made History

Ada Belle Evans had an unexpected journey to becoming a politician. She started as a science teacher and went on to become the first elected Black mayor of Fairplay, Colorado.

In April 1974, she won the election by just 65 votes, defeating the incumbent by 20 votes.

Fairplay is a small town known for its welcoming spirit, famously named to encourage everyone to “play fair.” Ada began teaching science at Fairplay’s middle and high school in 1966, while her husband, Ray, commuted from Denver to work as a music teacher.

Ada was known for her intelligence and friendly nature. Her daughter, Rachelle Burrell, shared, “She did not set out to be a politician. But she saw things in the community that she wanted to change.”

As mayor, Ada made significant contributions. She worked to secure federal funds for improving parks and building a recreation center. Frustrated by rough roads that ruined her shoes, she took action to get many of them paved.

Her focus was always on rural communities. “She had a heart for rural communities and felt they didn’t receive enough attention,” Rachelle said. The Evans family was the only Black family in Fairplay during that time, but they enjoyed a fulfilling life there, filled with sledding in the snow and riding bikes around town. Rachelle recalled, “It was a nice growing up.” Cheri Evans, Ada’s other daughter, added, “My experience was good from kindergarten through high school.”

Ada taught every science class at the school and inspired her students to be curious and eager to learn. Rachelle remembered, “That’s what she taught us, to always seek knowledge.”

Ada’s legacy still resonates in Fairplay. Cheri recalled a local saying, “Oh, she got us on the map.” Many in the community appreciated her efforts.

The sisters now live in North Carolina. After retiring, Ada moved east to be closer to them. She passed away in 2011 at the age of 78. Rachelle recalls visiting their old family home, now a health center. She shared, “I broke down crying. The trees that our father planted are still there. It felt fitting that the property is now a place for healing.”

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