Last night, the Denver Justice Project, in collaboration with the Denver Task Force for Reimagining Policing, hosted a powerful Neighborhood Forum at Brother Jeff’s Cultural Center in the heart of Historic Five Points. It marked the first time District Attorney John Walsh joined us in community since taking office—and the first time since he stood before us during his campaign, promising to “be present” and accountable to the people of Denver.
During this forum, DA Walsh faced the community directly, answering questions about the commitments he made on the campaign trail—commitments to hold officers accountable for misconduct and violence, to form a community advisory board, and to ensure transparency in how charging decisions are made and how those decisions reflect racial disparities in the legal system.
With 30 community members attending in person and others participating virtually, the room was filled with engaged, thoughtful questions—and a deep desire to push for transformative change. DA Walsh responded to dozens of questions, offering a rare and important opportunity for the community to speak directly to the person who holds tremendous power in how justice is—or isn’t—served in Denver.
We appreciate DA Walsh’s willingness to show up and begin building a relationship with our organizations. This type of direct engagement is essential if we hope to dismantle the systems of policing and punishment that have harmed Black and Brown communities for generations. True transformation can only come when our leaders are willing to listen, answer hard questions, and be held accountable to the people they serve.
Looking ahead, DJP is hoping to host a future District Attorney forum focused specifically on youth voices. As young people in our city continue to experience violence and instability, it is more urgent than ever that we listen to them—not with judgment, but with open hearts and ears. We must create meaningful, community-rooted solutions that prioritize their safety, well-being, and future.
Stay tuned, get involved, and keep building with us. The path to justice is long—but together, we are moving.
If you missed it, don’t worry… click the button below to watch the forum in full.
