From the City of Fort Collins: As part of the community-wide Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration, the City of Fort Collins is collaborating with Colorado State University’s Black/African American Cultural Center (BAACC), CSU Police Department, Poudre School District, Poudre River Public Library District, and New Eyes Village, among other organizations, to put together a series of activities to commemorate the day and honor the legacy of Dr. King.
Activities include the mayor’s proclamation, City of Fort Collins – Local Black/African American History Website & Virtual Tour, and a candlelight vigil. Read more here.
A full list of activities is published at www.mlkfortcollins.org
UPCOMING DIVERSE FOCO EVENTS
DFC Book Group To Discuss Chapters 1-5 of Ijeoma Oluo’s Book on January 24
More than 50 people have registered for our January 24 book group discussion and we’ve added more free tickets!
You still have plenty of time to read Chapters 1-5 of the best-selling book So You Want To Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo, and join us on Sunday, January 24 at 2 p.m. for small group conversations on the following:
Chapter One: Is it really about race?
Chapter Two: What is racism?
Chapter Three: What if I talk about race wrong?
Chapter Four: Why am I always being told to “check my privilege”?
Chapter Five: What is intersectionality and why do I need it?
We will split into facilitated Zoom breakout rooms of about 10 people each. Come with your questions, and we’ll tackle them together in a compassionate and friendly space.
January 24: Chapters 1-5
February 28: Chapters 6-11
March 28: Chapters 12-17
Facilitators Beth, David, Karen, Katherine, Kimberly, Mara, Mia, Ricardo, Teresa, and Victoria look forward to seeing you!
Free and pay-what-you-can tickets are available. Details and registration: DiverseFortCollins.com/events
NEWS FROM AROUND THE U.S.
Leading Civil Rights and Racial Justice Organizations Denounce Domestic Terrorism at U.S. Capitol
“The vigilantism and attacks in Washington, DC yesterday are nothing short of treason. They are part and parcel of the arc of violence enshrined in the modus operandi of white supremacy and white nationalism….”
Police Chief Jeff Swoboda Shares Video Message with Fort Collins Community in Response to January 6 Siege on U.S. Capitol
Watch the video here.
Read the Chief’s message that accompanies the video:
“Chief Swoboda here –
“Following the despicable crimes that occurred in our nation’s capitol last week, Fort Collins community members have shared fears and concerns about the implications for their own safety. This has been an area of concern particularly among our black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) residents.
“Please know that your FCPS officers and staff will continue to support and serve you during times of unrest and uncertainty. If you call us for help, you can expect a compassionate professional to show up because that’s the kind of people we have. We genuinely care about your safety.
“We also have amazing residents who consistently meet the moment and support others in times of need. People in our local community are experiencing fear and a range of difficult emotions, and finding small ways to express support can make a big difference.
“To anyone who’s struggling right now, please know that your local officers remain vigilant and focused on protecting you. You’re our neighbors, you’re the reason we serve, and we’re here for you no matter what.”
African American Children’s Book Fair Planned For February
The African American Children’s Book Fair will be held virtually on Saturday, February 6, 2021!
The African American Children’s Book Project is planning the event, which is one of the oldest and largest single-day events for children’s book in the country. Read more here.
NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE
Cheyenne, Arapaho Tribes Say Renaming Mount Evans Would Help Educate, Heal
An article by Corinne Westeman in the Canyon Courier begins, “Now is the perfect time to educate the youth of both Colorado and the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes about the state’s history, particularly the Sand Creek Massacre, so that everyone can start the healing process, tribal representatives recently told the Clear Creek commissioners.
“In November, the Oklahoma-based Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes filed a federal petition to rename Mount Evans to Mount Blue Sky, a name significant to both tribes…” Read more here.
Diverse Fort Collins is a volunteer-driven community projects advocating for antiracism and racial equity. We connect people with resources and each other.
Let’s co-create an inclusive community!
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Diverse Fort Collins 
You are probably aware of this, but this documentary about the impact of COVID on our Fort Collins Hispanic community looks very interesting: the link to sign up to view the documentary is in the article:
https://www.coloradoan.com/story/life/2021/01/28/covid-19-documentary-impacts-larimer-county-hispanic-community-premiere/4278972001/
Regards,
Stephen Vertucci, Esq.
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Thanks, Stephen! We did post the documentary premiere information on social media and will include it in our next blog post to be published today!
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