Systemic racism is pervasive in our world, our country, in Colorado, and in Chaffee County. It is part of our history and institutions. It is all around, and it is embedded in each of us. 

But as current events have shown, silence is no longer an option. We must speak openly and honestly about racism and inequality. And we must work together for change. 

As you know, Chaffee County is nearly 94 percent white. Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) have been subject to harassment, hate, and threats - here in Salida, in Poncha Springs, and in BV. They do not always experience Chaffee County as a safe place to live. That is something that should feel personal to all of us.  

Inequalities persist in a myriad of systemic ways. In housing, in law enforcement, in tourism, and in education – to name just a few. These systems all need a fresh look from an anti-racism, pro-equity perspective, and they need your commitment to making changes that help us to be a better, more welcoming community for Black people and people of color. We want you, as our leaders, to stand with us in taking a look at what needs to be done.      

What are we asking from you? Choosing to be anti-racist means choosing action. We want to ask you to speak out with us, to openly acknowledge the inequities in our community, and work together to change the systems that are perpetuating them. We request that you:

1. Issue a clear statement on the inequities that exist today in Chaffee County.

2. Explain the action steps that you plan to take, as our leaders, to combat those inequities.   

This is our chance to make an impact on the history of our community. Let's all stand together for change in Chaffee County.