Last night, I attended the premier showing of Fort Collins, Choice City for Whom? a new movie produced by Betty Aragon-Mitotes and directed by Shari Due. The film addresses issues of racism that have existed in Fort Collins since the early 1900s through today. Many local residents, of various races, were interviewed about their experiences here in the Choice City. Their stories may shock you.
I’d like to encourage you all to attend one of the next two showings of the movie. On October 29th, the film will be shown at the Whole Life Center for Spiritual Living (located at 2020 S. College, C-1) from 6:30-8:30 pm. And on November 12th, it will be shown at Colorado State University in Eddy 200, from 5-7 pm.
In order to address a problem, you first have to believe that it exists. This movie goes a long way towards increasing awareness of present day racism through first hand accounts by Fort Collins residents. It includes stories that span the decades. But rather than hearing that things have gotten better, we find that much remains the same. Though racist signs are no longer displayed in local stores, ill treatment of patrons of color continues. This is but one example of how the racism may no longer be as overt as it once was, but it is still thriving in our city.
This is a movie that speaks to our past, present, and future. Become a part of creating positive change in the Choice City. Raise your awareness. Invite others along. Be a part of the discussion. And take steps toward making a difference.
If you’re interested in stories of racism from Fort Collins’ past that have been addressed on this site, you might check out one of these previous stories.
1) Racism in Fort Collins: A Brief Overview
2) Holy Family Catholic Church – A Parish for the People
3) Joe Cienfuegos, of Joe’s Auto Upholstery
4) The Pioneer Colored Man of the Poudre Valley and A Shotgun Wedding in Early Fort Collins
And if you’re looking for a mathematical argument for the benefits of diversity, this was just published online last month by my alma mater (which is how I came across it).
The embedded trailer above is from BeReelPictures (Shari Due)’s You Tube page.