Denver Talks

Conversations on Race and Justice

What is Denver doing?

The City/County of Denver has been hosting community conversations about race for several years. Derek Okubo, Denver’s Director of Human Rights and Community Relations, and National Civic League Chair, recently talked with us about what Denver has been doing around conversations and where the city wants to go. Denver’s conversation, Denver Talks, is two years in the making, stemming from the high school walkouts in support of the protests going on in Ferguson, Missouri. Denver’s Mayor Hancock and several city agencies then started conversations around the city on race and justice, and there continues to be ongoing discussion. It’s a very important topic with Mayor Hancock.

In light of the country's current environment, the city hopes to continue to build bridges across lines and develop a set of values in Denver, reflecting that they are inclusive and "all in this together". This is an ongoing and never-ending effort. The outcome will be continuously creating a more understanding environment of inclusivity.

Upcoming Conversations

In November of 2017, Okubo will be working with the other agencies within the City of Denver, Lighthouse Writers Workshop, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Denver Public Library, Denver Public Schools, and many other local organizations to host a meeting that goes deeper in the community. The book, Citizen, will be used as a tool for a discussion at two major events. The book’s best-selling and MacArthur Fellow, Claudia Rankine, will fly in to lead a discussion with Mayor Hancock at Boettcher Concert Hall on Nov. 15, and at Auraria Campus on Nov. 16.