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Protestors Say End Columbus Day

Protestors Say End Columbus Day

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.
 


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