Racist 'White Power' Signs Are Targeting Hispanic People in Denver Neighborhood
Racist fliers have been seen around a neighborhood in the northwest section of Denver, Colorado, in attempts to drive Hispanic residents from the area.
The fliers, which have been seen on telephone poles, read, "Get rid of poor Hispanics," "White Power," "Whites Only" and "This neighborhood belongs to the whites now."
To combat the offensive signs, the community is carrying signs that read, "#WeAreNorthDenver," 7 News reports.
Poet and activist Bobby LeFebre spoke out against the hate speech Saturday.
"To the author of the hate speech spewed across our neighborhood, I invite you to remove your mask and sit at a table with me to discuss your discontent," LeFebre said into a megaphone on a local street corner.
LeFebre said the gentrification of the neighborhood has caused some homes to be replaced by expensive office buildings, and bilingual bookstores have been transformed into trendy boutiques.
"There's a lot of tension in the neighborhood, and I feel like this is a manifestation of that tension," LeFebre told 9 News. "This neighborhood isn't integrating as it should be."
Phil Vigil, a local resident, said that they aren't intimated by gentrification.
"It is hard," Vigil said. "It's hard for a lot of people. We're not leaving. We are still here, we are united, and we are a proud people."
Many Caucasian residents have said they are embarrassed by the virulent racism.
"I was furious and ashamed that the sentiments were from people like me," said resident Lauri Briscoe, who is Caucasian.
Rosalinda Aguirre said the area used to be very multicultural, but high property taxes and the development of new buildings is forcing lower-income people to leave the area.
Denver police are currently investigating the hateful fliers by interviewing local residents and seeing if anyone witnessed who posted the signs.
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