On the first day of summer, the Denver City and County Building tower was illuminated Thursday to serve as a symbol and a call for an end to violence this season.
Denver Safety Manager Al LaCabe, Police Chief Gerry Whitman and former Safety Manager Butch Montoya hit the lights that in the next few days also will spell out “Summer of Peace.”
“This is a symbol of the collaboration among the city government and the community to address gangs and violence in the streets,” said Aqeela Sherrills, a nationally recognized leader in gang intervention.
LaCabe agreed with Sherrills that it takes community involvement to address the violence problem. “It’s not simply government who must solve this issue,” he said.
Former gang member Adrian Martinez, 31, of Denver, who served 10 years in prison for second-degree murder and drug possession, urged youths to stay out of gangs.
“I hope lighting up this building makes everyone remember that what we want is peace this summer,” he said.
However, some said it will take more than a sign to solve the problem.
North Park Hill resident Celeste Archer, who did not attend the ceremony, said gang activity and violence have increased noticeably in recent months. A few weeks ago, there were gunshots in her neighborhood three nights in a row.
“Kids are feeling hopeless these days and, beyond that, they’re not willing to participate in anything positive,” Archer said. “Lit-up signs might make a lot of people feel good, but I think it will take more to get through to the kids.”
