Bennito L. Kelty
Audio By Carbonatix
President Donald Trump has been in his second term for nearly eight months, and his administration’s radical policies regarding immigration and mass deportations, public lands, LGBTQ+ rights and other hot-button issues have led to numerous large protests in Denver, including two in June that resulted in dozens of arrests by police, and a rally by Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez that drew over 30,000 people.
However, after protests drew thousands of people to downtown Denver in the spring and early summer, demonstrations have seen smaller turnouts in July and August. Still, local activists remain committed to various causes and are hopeful people will have more energy as the November election nears, with weekly protests and larger events planned later in the month.
Find more information below on gatherings around town, and check back for updates.
Tuesday, September 16: Grito en Colorado: A Day Without Latinos
Scheduled on Mexican Independence Day, this event is part of a planned day of no economic activity by Latinos. Supporters will gather at the Colorado State Capitol’s west steps from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with celebrations, protests and speeches taking place throughout the day. Plans include speakers, music, food and other celebrations of Mexican culture, but the message of the event remains clear: “Honor our roots, and take a stand against ICE and injustice,” a flier reads. Find out more at Grito en Colorado’s Instagram page.
Saturday, October 18: No Kings Part Two
The first No Kings rally was part of a national day of protest that brought thousands of people out across major cities, including Denver, where around 5,000 people descended on the State Capitol to voice their opposition to Trump and his administration. National and local organizers with 50501 and other groups hope to recapture that momentum with another No Kings protest on Saturday, October 18, at the State Capitol’s west lawn. More information about the Denver protest is expected to drop soon.
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 a 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 r/DenverProtests Subreddit posts weekly listings, too. What did we miss? Send information to editorial@westword.com.
