At the Denver Justice Project, we’re committed to radically transforming the criminal legal system into one that prioritizes people, not punishment. Last night, we were reminded of why this work is so vital when we hosted a Know Your Rights training at the Counterpath building on 14th and Tamarac along the East Colfax corridor. It was an evening that truly highlights the power of community, shared knowledge, and the collective desire for change.
Thanks to a mini grant from the City of Denver and the Denver Foundation, we were able to update our Know Your Rights materials, print new booklets, and host this important event. With nearly 30 people in attendance, the energy in the room was high. From the moment we got together, there was a sense of unity and purpose that made everything feel possible.
The training itself was an interactive experience. Attendees asked thoughtful questions, engaged in real-life scenarios, and volunteered to role-play situations they might face when interacting with law enforcement. The goal was simple: to empower people with knowledge and tools that can protect their rights in moments when they need them most.
We were also honored to have special guests join us: Liz Castle from the Office of the Independent Monitor and Vinnie Cervantes from the Denver Alliance for Street Health Response. Both of them contributed valuable insights and deepened our conversation about accountability, harm reduction, and community-driven solutions.
And, of course, no community gathering is complete without food! We’re super grateful to Aldolfo from TacoMex, a local Mexican restaurant just around the corner, for providing delicious, fresh food that helped fuel our discussions and brought a little extra warmth to the evening. The room was full of curiousity, good conversation, and even children running around and playing—proof that this work is for everyone, regardless of age.
We want to take a moment to thank everyone who came out to spend their evening with us. Your presence and participation made the event a success, and it’s your engagement that fuels our mission to transform the criminal legal system into one that truly serves the people. We also want to thank the East Colfax Neighborhood Association for generously opening up their space to us, allowing us to gather, learn, and grow together as a community.
Looking ahead, we determined to continue this work. We will keep pushing to secure funding that allows us to show up for our community in a meaningful and transformational way. The work is far from easy, but together, we are building a movement for justice that is rooted in care, solidarity, and the belief that we all deserve a future free from harm.
Thank you again to everyone who made this event possible. We can’t wait to continue working alongside you all in the fight for a more just, equitable, and liberated future.
In Solidarity,
The Denver Justice Project Team
