While smaller turnouts at recent protests suggest some fatigue and slower momentum, more action is planned during the next two weeks for women's rights, federal science workers, national parks and more. Find more information below, and check back for updates.
May 17: Colorado for Public Lands
With news about federal plans to sell off or privatize public lands like national parks and forests, the Wilderness Society is organizing a protest at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 17, at the State Capitol in support of preserving the country's natural beauty. The Wilderness Society is a national conservation group with regional offices in Denver.
"Politicians in D.C. are pushing efforts to sell off, privatize and undermine protections for the lands that define Colorado’s heritage and way of life...whether you're hiking the Colorado Trail, fly fishing along the Arkansas River, or camping," says the Wilderness Society. "That’s why we’re gathering...to stand together, raise our voices and defend the public lands that belong to all of us."
Although the Wilderness Society is putting out flyers with a 10 a.m. start time, its online agenda lists "sign building and grassroots advocacy" planned at 9 a.m., and the group's permit reserves the Capitol's west steps from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The agenda also includes speeches from "leaders in the environmental and conservation fields" from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and time to "meet local advocates and take action" from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Wilderness Society expects about 400 people to show, according to its permit.
Every Monday: All In for Jeanette Vizguerra
In March, Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Jeanette Vizguerra, a Mexican immigrant living in Denver who became nationally recognized after taking sanctuary from ICE in a local church in 2017. Shortly after, weekly protests against her arrest and possible deportation started outside the ICE detention facility at 3130 Oakland Street in Aurora, where she's being held.Each weekly protest usually starts at 6 p.m., but specific details often aren't available until the day of the event; the action could include a candlelight vigil, live music or speeches by activists and community leaders.
Groups with causes ranging from immigrant rights to racial justice have organized these protests, including the Aurora Unidos Community Service Organization, the Denver branch of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, and the Middle East Justice Project, which organized the most recent rally.
Every Friday: Protest Outside Congressman Gabe Evans's office
Since February, protesters have been gathering outside of 10701 Melody Drive, the Northglenn office of Republican Congressman Gabe Evans, "to urge him to have the courage to speak with us, his constituents," reads the event description. Since winning Colorado's 8th Congressional District in November, Evans has called for tougher immigration enforcement and supported Trump's policies, frustrating some of his constituents."We plead with him to defend our constitution and our democracy," reads the event description. "We voice our concerns about our government's words and actions that look more like a dictatorship with each passing day."
Protesters meet at 11 a.m. every Friday at the congressman's office; the gatherings are now being organized by a local chapter of Indivisible, a progressive political group. Previous gatherings were loosely organized by local protesters but managed to attract Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez during her Colorado visit on March 21.
Every Saturday: Protest for Indigenous and LGBTQ+ Rights
People are invited to join a weekly protest at the Colorado State Capitol every Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. to support Indigenous and LGBTQ+ rights.
"All past governments have failed to help the Indigenous," a Reddit user wrote in a May 5 post inviting people to the gathering. "The people have the power, Indigenous rights means environmental rights, equality rights for ALL individuals. Please come join us. Please bring Sage or any Medicine. All are welcome to join."
The protest on May 17 will overlap with the tail end of the Colorado for Public Lands protest organized by the Wilderness Society. Anyone interested in updates can find information on the r/DenverProtests Subreddit and the weekly listings posted there.
Send information on additional actions to [email protected].
