#LiveMusicForBlackLives March and Concert in Greenwood Village

The community gathered outside of the Greenwood Village City Hall on Monday, July 20 to stand in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and to protest a recent ruling within the city limits. The event #LiveMusicForBlackLives was in response to Greenwood Village’s resolution 40-20 which recently passed and gives protection to the city’s police officers. This is the city’s way of declaring non-compliance with the state’s passage of the Law Enforcement Integrity and Accountability Act last month.

The act, which was designed to prevent police brutality in the event of an altercation or arrest, is a major state-sanctioned move in holding police officers accountable and urging more of a peace officer role. Resolution 40-20 is in direct opposition of the state-wide position and aims to protects law enforcement over the city’s own citizens.

In a petition sent to the Greenwood Village City Council, local musicians demand the repeal of the resolution before they will return to venues like Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater as the city is not safe for Black and Brown performers.

“It is unconscionable that anyone—particularly Black artists and fans—should be forced to financially support a city government that has doubled down on racist policies, when performing in Colorado or attending a musician’s performance,” the petition states.

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Musicians, politicians, and community members alike came together outside of the to protest the decision and to demand the city do better to protect its residents. Colorado based singers and bands like Spirit of Grace, Nathaniel Rateliff, Wesley Schultz of The Lumineers, Flobots, Brothers of Brass, and more drew out an impressive crowd as they utilized their music to be the platform of reformation.

The MCs of the evening were State Representative Leslie Herod and Denver School Board Director At-Large Tay Anderson. Both public figures have been on the forefront of visibility and demanding action since the beginning of protesting here in Colorado directly after the death of George Floyd.

“This resolution is egregious. It sends a clear message to the citizens of Greenwood Village that their local government cares more about keeping the status quo, than the safety of their communities. Greenwood Village’s terrible decision to short-circuit police accountability means that anyone who comes into contact with their armed municipal security forces, especially Black people, are not safe.” said representative Leslie Herod.

Apryl Alexander from Black Lives Matter 5280, the Denver chapter of the social movement, as well as Representative Meg Froelich and Senator Jeff Bridges all took moments to speak at the mic before the music and the march began. Led by ProgressNow Colorado, the entire event truly brought together the community in Greenwood Village to rally for better protection for those who are targeted most.

*Photos by Julius Fernan Garrido