Ordinary citizens showed character and spunk, even courage, Sunday night when they turned out in force for the evening concert at Denver’s City Park.
Their presence sent an important take- back-our-park message to gang members and other criminal elements.
Denver police wisely made their presence felt, too, and neighborhood activists who work with gang members helped by pulling young people dressed in gang colors aside to talk with them before trouble broke out.
It was a commendable display after gangs caused trouble the previous two weekends. What could have become a night of fear at City Park instead became an evening of music, dance and celebration. The challenge will be to keep that spirit of neighborliness and unity alive through the rest of the summer.
Police and community activists need to stay on their toes, too. No one wants another “summer of violence,” such as the one Denver limped through in 1993.
Gang life in the Denver area has been under more scrutiny since the high-profile murder of Denver Bronco Darrent Williams on New Year’s Day.
The Denver Post reported in its Sunday edition that anti-gang groups are targeting retailers – in Denver, Aurora and elsewhere – who sell the jewelry, T-shirts and other paraphernalia associated with gangs in an effort to reduce such activity.
While it may seem like an appealing thought, they shouldn’t be driven out of business. The retailers have a right to market their products. If they’re closed down, gang members will find their wares elsewhere. It’s not like it will stop the violence.
The retailers say they are not marketing to gangs, but rather filling a fashion need. For some, gang culture is simply a fashion statement. But these retailers ought to realize they’re also contributing to criminal activity. We would hope they’d change their marketing strategy knowing that.
Meanwhile, we’re glad City Park’s long- running tradition of summer jazz concerts continues to hum along. Canceling the shows over fears of violence would be unacceptable. Of course, surrounding the park with a sea of blue uniforms isn’t ideal, either.
However, until city officials can figure out a way to better tackle the ongoing gang problem in Denver, we will gladly endure the increased police presence if it means having the satisfaction of ending our summer weekends with a picnic and music at one of our most splendid parks.
