American GI Forum Mile Hi Chapter
The American GI Forum is one of the oldest civil rights organizations in our country, founded in 1948 by Dr. Hector P. Garcia to address the problem of discrimination and inequities faced by Mexican-Americans returning from World War II. The American GI Forum Mile Hi Chapter and the Chicana/o Movement will forever be inextricably intertwined. In 1966, the Mile Hi Chapter sparked the Coors boycott to address larger issues, including the hiring of more Chicana/os, support for the UFW grape boycott and the creation of the Chicana/o Studies Program at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Today, the GI Forum continues its work to enhance our community. Recent activities include a month dedicated to the celebration of our history, a theatrical troupe, the Mile Hi Players, community forums, testifying at legislative committee hearings, providing graveside services for veterans in need of a honor guard, and awarding scholarships to college bound youth. Our Youth Committee actively organizes fundraisers for scholarships, sponsors car shows, volunteers at Denver Health’s Newborns in Need Project, and works with the Del Norte Veterans Apartments to provide needed services. Volunteerism is the lifeblood of the Mile Hi Chapter. In 2015, we logged over 7,000 hours of volunteer work. We embrace the lofty ideals of the Chicana/o Movement, including the redress for grievances and community issues; meaningful immigration reform; the end to discrimination and to obtain social and political power through education and political action. We are part of the Hispanic Community and have heeded the lessons of those who founded the organization and the lessons of the Chicana/o Movement.
César Chávez Peace and Justice Committee of Denver
The César Chávez Peace and Justice Committee of Denver (CCPJCD) was founded 15 years ago to organize an event honoring Chávez’ legacy in the City and County of Denver. The group, now under the auspices of the Adolescent Counseling Exchange, developed a mission statement consistent with the values and work practiced by Chávez and the United Farm Workers (UFW) that includes support for labor struggles, youth education, leadership awards, and a march. CCPJCD worked to get the name of a park in North Denver changed to the César E. Chávez Park. CCPJCD collaborates with several unions and an array of nonprofit organizations to plan and implement the annual march that has resulted in a coalition of supporters from all sectors of Denver. CCPJCD also interfaces with school districts and offers poetry contests and educational workshops for middle and high school students. The organization has been a vocal supporter of the national movement to create a national holiday for César E. Chávez with California’s United Farm Workers. Most recently, CCPJCD has collaborated with Morrison Street community group to change the name of the street to César E. Chávez Boulevard and funded the creation of a mural in West Denver and the creation of a bust of César E. Chávez in the park created by nationally famed artist and sculptor Emanuel Martinez. Lastly, CCPJCD has developed a cadre of upcoming young leaders that are politically involved in the many issues that affect all communities.