Anti-police brutality protest postponed out of respect for Celena Hollis
In light of the death of Denver police officer Celena Hollis, the Colorado Progressive Coalition, ACLU of Colorado and others have postponed the "Summer Against Police Violence" protest. The rally, originally scheduled for tomorrow afternoon, would have fallen at the same time as Hollis's funeral service, which is also open to the public. The decision to delay the action is motivated by respect for Hollis, her family and her community -- but it will be rescheduled for July.
As Westword previously reported, the 32-year-old Hollis was shot in the head while attempting to break up a fight at City Park Jazz on Sunday. The single mother cared for a twelve-year-old daughter. Officers have since arrested 21-year-old Rollin Oliver in connection with the crime. Oliver is suspected (and reported) to belong to a gang -- though Mayor Michael Hancock calls this suspicion a distraction.
In light of the tragedy, many activists in the social justice community who have spoken out repeatedly against police brutality have reigned in their efforts while the city copes with its loss. At a memorial meeting at District 2 police headquarters earlier in the week, which Westword's Melanie Asmar covered, attendees framed the continuing conversation about concerns of police brutality in respect
...