SEPT 15, 2021
PRESS RELEASE
Black Lives Matter 5280 fights misinformation in Denver Public Schools’ Tay Anderson case
Media contact:
Kelly Davidson
301.300.4011
September 15, 2021
DENVER - We affirm the Denver Public Schools for taking the sexual assault allegations against board member Tay Anderson seriously by starting an investigation into his reported
harmful behavior.
We understand there is some public confusion about allegations and our involvement. While continuing to protect the women who came to us for support, there are some facts we want to
make clear:
1. Earlier this year we became aware of a Black woman who said she had been assaulted
by Anderson. Through being in contact with her we learned what she needed for her
healing. This resulted in our March statement, at her request, and our desire to protect other women who might come into contact with Anderson.
2. We believe in and work through a restorative justice framework. Part of this framework includes attempting to contact someone and address issues with them privately. However, we are also aware that this step cannot happen when the person who has experienced harm feels unsafe. There have been many cases of restorative justice
where allowing the accused to obtain prior knowledge of the accusations and control of
the narrative result in further harm to the survivor and their community. Our goal was to
avoid that outcome and protect any women impacted at all costs.
3. Anderson’s alleged problematic behavior predates this most recent case. We’ve
attempted to meet with Anderson and as of this date he has not responded.
4. We believe Black women. Full stop. Our involvement and statement aren’t motivated
by anything other than our commitment to believe women who say they have been
harmed and to prevent further harm.
We are not investigating or participating in any litigation, so this will be the last we comment publicly while the truth is sought and appropriate actions are taken. We will continue to be a fierce protector for our community, sexual assault and domestic violence survivors and connect
them with community supports to help them heal and move forward. One of our main purposes since inception has been to support Black community and help pave a path to liberation.
For more information about our mission, members, and work, visit blacklivesmatter5280.com.
MAR 12, 2021
MsMayhem.com
While national foundations like Black Lives Matter are often in the public eye, it’s the chapters on the ground across the United States that are addressing city-specific issues. Hear from Co-Founder of Denver's BLM5280, Amy E. Brown, about the origins or the chapter and what their work looks like now.
FEB 8, 2021
DENVER 7 NEWS
BLM 5280 chapter reacts to global Black Lives Matter movement being nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize
JUNE 18, 2020
PBS12
Episode features Amy E. Brown, she is the co-founder of Black Lives Matter 5280 and a community organizer in Denver.
Right now, the US is at a critical point in its history. Millions of Americans are rallying to make their voices heard, particularly, Black Americans. Racism is steeped into the core of this country and now in 2020, a movement has to arise from the ashes of the moment.
FEBRUARY 1, 2016
WESTWORD
Denver's Marade, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr., usually attracts thousands of people, who march as one united community from City Park to Civic Center.
But on January 18, the 2016 event was interrupted by demonstrations by local activists, including Black Lives Matter 5280 co-founder Amy E. Brown, who took the podium at Civic Center Park, uninvited, and offered a riled-up crowd pointed criticisms of Mayor Michael Hancock.
JAN 18, 2016
#ReclaimMLKDay
BLM 5280 chapter reacts to global Black Lives Matter movement being nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize