Hundreds of people gathered on the steps of the Capitol on Monday January 25th, 2016 to speak out and show their support for the Right to Rest! Speakers included Representatives Salazar and Melton; Members of organizations such as Black Lives Matter, Democratic Party, 9 to 5, People Rising Against Poverty, and Denver University Law School; and roughly 20 experts on the criminalization of homelessness due to direct experience. On top of that there were musicians and slam poetry all about the criminalization of homelessness, a hoop performance, and a can recycling show like none ever seen! All ate yummy food, got warm cloths, and Right2Rest buttons! People experiencing homelessness came from all over the State including Fort Collins, Boulder, and Aurora. This year we are ready to stand strong and loud together and tell the state of Colorado WE NEED THE RIGHT TO REST!
Here is one woman speaking at the fest about her experience suffering from lack of sleep after only a week on the streets in Denver. (linked here): “I don’t know what this is about, but the Right To Rest sounds right to me.”
And here are some more video of speeches at the Fest…
Jesse of Denver Homeless Out Loud — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSJBcspvEGM
Roshan of Black Lives Matter — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOe1HZo6Cew
Nathan of ACLU — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_9CAcFDGpM
Women Needing the Right to Rest –https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06ACFALKQsg
Watch news coverage here http://www.9news.com/story/news/2016/01/25/hundreds-demonstrate-right-rest/79327164/
This Right 2 Rest Fest was one of many actions happening around Martin Luther King Day in Support of the Right 2 Rest!
Denver Homeless Out Loud 