Welcome Matters to All Residents: In Defense of Belonging in Denver

This week, Mayor Mike Johnston took the stand in front of members of Congress to defend the city’s policies on immigration matters. As a proud business owner in Denver, I am frustrated and deeply disappointed by the theatrics and the wasteful use of Congressional time to publicly shame and punish municipal leaders who are only looking to support all of their constituencies – including the most vulnerable.

My job as a restaurateur is to take care of people from the moment they walk in the door, to create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere for all — as well as to provide delicious meals and drinks. As a business owner, I am concerned about the lack of care for the well-being of the people who contribute to my business and my community. From the suppliers and vendors, to the people who grow our food, to our customers — I consider them all integral parts of my community. We, as business owners, focus on having a sustainable business, and these attacks are creating an unstable and unsustainable supply chain.

Mayor Johnston understands this, and the commitment to creating a welcoming community by ensuring all residents feel safe to live, work and do business in Denver is a noble cause. He testified before Congress after being subpoenaed as part of the effort by the administration to “defund” so-called “sanctuary" cities — when there is no such thing. Instead, it is more divisive rhetoric to divide us instead of bringing us together. Simply, Mayor Johnston did what is best for Denver and in the interest of all people who want to live and work without fear, in communities where people are valued and can build their futures in our vibrant city.

At a time when so many real issues are challenging our communities locally and nationally, it is deeply troubling that the nation’s attention is pulled away from the most basic issues impacting all of us: wealth inequality, rising inflation, the housing crunch and growing hopelessness for so many in our country. Scapegoating and blaming immigrants for these issues is morally wrong and counter to this nation’s values. As a purveyor of food, gathering and connection, I know that food can help shape opinion, as can kindness.

As the theater of this absurd hearing plays out in the media, I am reminded of the message on the Statue of Liberty: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to be free.” The time calls for standing up for the most vulnerable in our communities and for our collective well-being. It means standing up to bullies and those who wish to punish the residents of this city for political purposes.

I am proud that Mayor Johnson had the courage to defend the city of Denver in Washington, to take a stand for decency, kindness and belonging for all in the Mile High City — including immigrants.

Terence Rogers is the chef/owner of Sullivan Scrap Kitchen and the TBD Foods family. He started working in kitchens in 2011 and has slung pizzas in Vermont, created sandwich masterpieces on food trucks in Boston and Denver, and cooked farm-to-table fine-dining meals in Boston, New York and Denver under award-winning chefs.

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