"There's no secret that there are sources of consternation between the police and in communities right now and a bit of a fractured relationship. Hummel feels that conversation can't happen without police. "I feel that we need to listen to those voices to really try and begin a conversation about this issue and really address how we can have a more fair environment for everyone," Fuller said.
Hummel does in the community," he said.īut he believes excluding them is a necessary step to start a conversation regarding police reform, especially among the Black and transgender communities. "I personally, and I think many of the people here at our organization, have the greatest respect for the work that Sgt. "I think that's why we have struggled so much with this decision and why for so many years we've really tried to put off this decision."įuller regrets that officers like Hummel feel they're being excluded simply because of their badge. not aimed at individuals, though I admit that this is a difficult and sometimes divisive decision that does affect individuals," The Center on Colfax CEO Rex Fuller said. "I think that this is a symbolic action to really address departments. "It was a bit surreal because it wasn't something that I had ever pictured myself doing."īut after last year's Black Lives Matter protests against police violence, the parade's organizers felt they had to take a stand and decided this week to prohibit police from participating in the virtual parade and other in-person events. "The first time I walked down Colfax in that parade, it was just overwhelming," he said. Hummel attended Denver's pride parade in 2015 for the first time as an openly gay police officer.
The full story at 6 on /FTSLZpqgQT- Pattrik Perez May 21, 2021
He shared this video w/ me this morning, showing the crowds cheering the officers on as they marched in 2018. The sergeant says it's a minority who wants police excluded from Denver's pride events this year.