American Indian Movement post urges Native Americans to "avoid downtown" during Columbus Parade

A hoax e-mail declared that the annual Columbus Day Parade had been canceled -- which it won't be even if the weather is miserable tomorrow according to Richard SaBell, the spectacle's top organizer. As for demonstrations, which have been a regular feature of the event for years, SaBell noted that...

By Michael Roberts

October 9, 2009

[
        {
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Inline Content - Mobile Display Size",
          "component": "12017618",
          "insertPoint": "2",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
        },{
          "name": "Editor Picks",
          "component": "17242653",
          "insertPoint": "4",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18838239",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17261320",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18838239",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - Leaderboard Tower - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17261321",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        }
      ]

A hoax e-mail declared that the annual Columbus Day Parade had been canceled -- which it won't be even if the weather is miserable tomorrow according to Richard SaBell, the spectacle's top organizer. As for demonstrations, which have been a regular feature of the event for years, SaBell noted that protester turnout has been down in recent years -- and a post on the American Indian Movement blogspot suggests that the trend will continue (unless the item is intended as ominous subterfuge). Specifically, the "Advisory for October 10 -- Columbus Hate Speech Parade" reads, "Colorado AIM advises all Native elders and children to avoid downtown Denver, especially the area near the Columbus Hate Speech Parade, on Saturday, October 10, 2009."

Curious, as is the fact that the Transform Columbus Day Alliance website hasn't been updated since last year. Is it possible that the various anti-Columbus organizations out there have decided to move on? Probably not. But these signals, coupled with the inclement weather anticipated for the weekend, imply that tomorrow's parade won't be causing a crush at area police stations. Wouldn't that be an unexpected discovery?

Become A Member

BEFORE YOU GO...
Can you help us continue to share our stories? Since the beginning, Westword has been defined as the free, independent voice of Denver — and we'd like to keep it that way. Our members allow us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls.

Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

Follow:

Facebook: 111180895657427

Twitter: @mikerobertscolo