Author: The Associated Press
Publication: The New York Times
Date: October 6, 2001
URL: http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/national/AP-Columbus-Day-Protest.html
DENVER (AP) -- About 1,500 marchers
converged at the state Capitol Saturday, beating drums and waving flags
as they called for the end of Columbus Day.
The ``Transform Columbus Day'' rally
was organized by American Indians and other activists who say Christopher
Columbus was a slave trader whose explorations set off centuries of abuse
for indigenous people.
``The legacy of Columbus is something
Indian people live with every day: the federal laws, the loss of 96 percent
of our land base,'' said Glenn Morris, a member of the American Indian
Movement.
The crowd yelled ``No more Columbus
Day!'' and joined in songs and prayers. Others beat drums or carried flags.
Hundreds of police, including SWAT
officers, wary because of past clashes over the holiday, were on guard
throughout downtown and on the Capitol grounds.
No arrests had been made by Saturday
afternoon.
More protests were expected during
a Columbus Day parade Monday. Several hundred policemen will be on guard
then, said Sgt. Tony Lombard.
Colorado has recognized Columbus
Day as a state holiday since 1905.