Larry Hales, Denver

Two hundred and thirty students, activists and workers took to the street on October 9 to peacefully protest the celebration of Columbus Day and the portrayal of the man behind the genocide of Native American peoples as a hero — and were arrested by a force of 600 police officers, many in full riot gear.

Altogether, some 600 people came out early on the crisp Saturday morning. They gathered on the steps of the State Capitol to listen to speakers from the American Indian Movement and various other indigenous organisations, as well as leaders from the Black and Latino communities.

Leaders from AIM and the Denver Black Ministerial Alliance vowed to take to the streets to block the Columbus Day parade, and a call was made for other volunteers. More than 200 people pledged to go into the streets and block the procession. They remained resolute when told that they'd probably be arrested.

As they walked into the streets, they were met by police officers waiting with prison buses and police wagons. All those who did not wish to be arrested were told to leave the street. But many remained, defiant. Most of them were Native American activists.

All those arrested were released two hours later.

The Transform Columbus Day weekend, which began on Oct. 8, started with a Four Directions March. The previous weekend there had been forums on racism and the legacy of Columbus.

Since Columbus Day was initiated in Colorado in 1905, by Gov. Alva Adams, some of the biggest demonstrations against the holiday have taken place here.

[Abridged from Workers World newspaper <http://www.workersworld.org.>.]

From Green Left Weekly, October 27, 2004.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.

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