June 29, 2020 04:20 PM UTC

What you can do to fight back this week (June 29)

• 0 Comments
• by: ProgressNow Colorado

Like these alerts? Click here to subscribe.

Dear {{ user.first_name|default:”Friend”|title }},

In the last few weeks, thousands of people have contacted us demanding justice for Elijah McClain of Aurora. Elijah was murdered last August after being stopped by Aurora police with no suspicion of a crime, brutally tackled and placed in a carotid hold, then forcibly injected with sedatives by paramedics. On the way to the hospital for treatment of these injuries, he went into cardiac arrest and a few days later, Elijah was dead.

The district attorney didn’t press criminal charges. But in 2020, that’s not going to fly.

This past weekend, thousands of peaceful protesters took to the streets in Aurora to remember Elijah McClain, and call for justice for Elijah and Black men who die at the hands of police far too often in this country. Unfortunately, this peaceful protest devolved into another scene of unnecessary police violence. Former Republican Congressman Mike Coffman, now Aurora’s Mayor, bears responsibility for an attack by Aurora Police Saturday night on a peaceful musical performance in honor of Elijah.

To the thousands of people who have messaged us in the last few weeks calling for justice for Elijah McClain, we hear you. Last week, Gov. Jared Polis announced that Attorney General Phil Wieser will conduct an independent investigation into Elijah’s death. [1]

The latest news reports indicate that the officers responsible for Elijah McClain’s death have been reassigned away from patrol duty, but remain on the force. That’s not acceptable. Click here to sign our petition calling for the firing of Aurora Police Officers Nathan Woodyard, Jason Rosenblatt, and Randy Rodema.

Thank you for your help as we continue on the difficult road to building a more just society. Black Lives Matter. In 2020, Colorado answered the challenge of this moment with historic legislation to stop police brutality and restore trust with the community. But it’s not over with that piece of legislation. Putting an end to racism in America is a struggle that will continue for generations. And it is only by remembering that we are all responsible every day for actively fighting against racism that it can ever truly, someday, become a thing of the past.

With that always in mind, here are more ways to fight back for the week of June 29:

One Colorado: LGBTQ Virtual Town Hall with Representative Jason Crow

One Colorado is proud to host a town hall event with Congressman Jason Crow, representing Colorado’s sixth congressional district. This is your opportunity to hear directly from Representative Crow on important issues impacting LGBTQ Coloradans and their families within the district. You can also submit a question or issue that you would like to have the Representative address during the town hall.

When: Monday, June 29 at 5:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

Anti-Racist Learning Community

Seeking a safe place to learn and process thoughts and feelings regarding racial injustices evident in the world today? We meet online Mondays at 6:15pm. Email Deb Meyer: dmeyer@trinityumc.org for information and the zoom link.

When: Monday, June 29 at 6:15pm

Click here to RSVP.

A Discussion on Public Safety and Police in Aurora

The forum will feature a number of speakers presenting on topics including the history of policing, the school to prison pipeline, the intersection of race, class, and criminality, and abolition of the carceral state. We will have an open Q/A at the end of what should be very thought-provoking presentations, so be sure to come with questions.

When: Monday, June 29 at 6:30pm

Click here to RSVP.

Colorado Consumer Health Initiative: Prescription Drug Virtual Town Hall with AG Phil Weiser

Are you tired of the high price of prescription drugs? Do you think patients deserve better access and more accountability from pharmaceutical companies? Join us as we hear from Colorado’s Attorney General Phil Weiser about the work his office is doing regarding prescription drug costs and accountability.

When: Tuesday, June 30 at 5:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition: Virtual CORRN Confirmer Trianing

The Colorado Rapid Response Network is a network of concerned and committed groups and volunteers who respond to ICE activity in our communities. Tuesday June 30th at 5:00 pm till 6:30 pm we will train Confirmers. Join our training to become a confirmer and learn how to defend our community. You will receive Zoom meeting information upon registration.

When: Tuesday, June 30 at 5:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

Protégete and Conservation Colorado: Cafecito Virtual

Please join us for a conversation about environmental justice and learn about the work that the Protégete organizers do around the state. We will be sharing stories about our work, our heritage and celebrate pride month as well.

When: Tuesday, June 30 at 6:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

9to5 Colorado: Know Your Eviction Defense Rights

After countless protests, letters, and stories shared, the governor and other elected officials have taken steps forward to keep people housed. 9to5 attorney, Jason Legg, will share how the eviction process currently works, how new ordinances and policies impact the eviction timeline and what to do if your rights are violated.

When: Thursday, July 2 at 6:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

Warm Cookies of the Revolution: The Talk

“The Talk” is a fireside chat with creative performances, led by our civic artist Kerrie Joy. This conversation with Black artists, healers, and entrepreneurs explores the transfer of knowledge between generations about the importance of preserving Black bodies, not just for survival but as a strategy for liberation.

When: Saturday, July 4 at 5:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

The Rise Up 4th of July Rally

On July 4th, 1776 the declarations of Independence liberated the Colonies from Great Britains. However only white wealthy men enjoyed that freedom. At the time of the signing, African American’s were slaves, Women did not have a voice, Native Americans and Mexicans were getting thrown off their land. 225 years later, African American, Women, Native Americans, LGBTX and our Latinx communities still do not enjoy the independence signed on July 4th, 2020. Join us for The Rise Up Rally as we rally against mass incarceration, detaining immigrants, the conditions on reservations and the marginalization of women.

Where: Manual High School, Denver
WhenL: Saturday, July 4 at 5:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

We’ll see you next week with more ways to make a difference. Thanks again!