Thread: Denver - Immigrant-rights activists refocus

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/l ... 33,00.html

Immigrant-rights activists refocus
Plans for another march dropped for mini-rally, info day

By Myung Oak Kim, Rocky Mountain News
September 18, 2006
Local immigrant-rights activists have dropped the idea of a Sept. 30 march and are planning instead to host a mini-rally and informational event that day.
But it's still not clear where it will be held or who the main organizers are.

A spokeswoman for Service Employees International Union Local 105 said she was told the event would be at Columbus Park in Northwest Denver, a site many in the Hispanic community call La Raza Park.

An SEIU employee and immigrant activist has taken out a permit for a civic-engagement event at Columbus Park at West 38th Avenue and Navajo Street, a spokeswoman for Denver Parks and Recreation said Friday.

Others in the immigrant-activist community say the event could happen at Sunken Gardens Park at West Eighth Avenue and Elati Street in Denver.

Organizer Jennifer Herrera said organizers dropped the idea of a march in favor of a more practical affair at which immigrants could connect with people who can help them register to vote, apply for citizenship and similar civic activities.

They decided that approach was "what is actually needed at this time" especially in light of the upcoming election, she said.

"We hear the call in the community for a desire for more information," Herrera said. "That's the focus now."

Pro-immigrant marches held since Labor Day weekend in a handful of other cities produced disappointing turnouts. Recent voter registration drives in Hispanic communities have not seen much success.

But some local groups, including the Colorado Progressive Coalition, still plan to push for better voter turnout among already registered voters in Hispanic and other minority communities.

GRRRRRRRRRR!

Organizer Jennifer Herrera said organizers dropped the idea of a march in favor of a more practical affair at which immigrants could connect with people who can help them register to vote, apply for citizenship and similar civic activities.

Simultaneously... 'register to vote' and 'apply for citizenship'...?
If you aren't a citizen, you can't [legally] vote - end of story.

When I lived in Boulder County back in the 80s, they
didn't call Columbus Park "La Raza Park". Man, it must
be getting bad. I'll have to call some homies & see what
the real scoop is out there.

Local immigrant-rights activists have dropped the idea of a Sept. 30 march and are planning instead to host a mini-rally and informational event that day.

Folks, these local pro-illegal immigrant activists are getting nervous. They know another failed march would be a shattering blow to their cause. That is why they're afraid to risk another march.