Dear Neighbors,
We are deeply disturbed by the escalation of hateful sentiment and shocked and horrified by the events in Charlottesville, Virginia. We unify in condemning all forms of hateful acts, violence, racism, anti-Semitism, bigotry and xenophobia, and efforts by alt-right and white supremacy groups, the Ku Klux Klan, and any other group espousing hatred and violence. As we collectively send condolences to the family and friends of Heather Heyer, the woman who was killed, and share our prayers and thoughts for those injured in Charlottesville, we together say clearly, that there is no place for these displays of hatred in our neighborhood nor anywhere.
NE Denver is a strong, diverse, and vibrant community, and we share the hopeful wish that we all can come together to support each other and engage in a productive dialogue.
Sincerely,
Amanda A. Allshouse, President
Keven Burnett, Executive Director
Stapleton United Neighbors
Master Community Association, Stapleton
Nick Callaway
Lead Pastor, Go Church
Representative James Coleman
Colorado General Assembly,
District 7
Senator Lois Court
Colorado State Senator,
Senate District 31
Dr. Rachele Espiritu
Denver Public Schools
Board of Education, District 4
Tom Gleason
Vice President – Public Relations Forest City
Representative Chris Hansen
Colorado General Assembly,
House District 6
Councilman Chris Herndon
District 8 Denver City Council
Representative Leslie Herod
Colorado General Assembly,
District 8
Rabbi Mendel Popack
Director, Jewish Life Center –
Chabad Denver North
Ron Thomas
Police Commander Denver Police District 5
Rev. Randolph C. West Jr.
St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church
Senator Angela Williams
Colorado State Senator,
Senate District 33
Matt Wolf
Lead Pastor, Stapleton Fellowship Church
On September 1, 2017, the SUN Board and the signatories above, penned this open letter to the community. How ironic that the authors and participants would use letterhead that features the name of “Stapleton” a white supremacist, member of the Ku Klux Klan and a perpetual symbol of hate.
Many people of color who live in this community do not appreciate this symbolic violence at all and find this communication to be offensive and reeking of white privilege (we do note the people of color who also signed). On the other hand, the spirit of the open letter is in keeping with the continuing tradition here of gentrification and marginalizing diversity, equity and justice. We should not be surprised at all. Not at all.