AURORA, Colo. — On the one-year anniversary of Elijah McClain's death, hundreds of people marched on Colfax calling for an end to racism and police brutality.
They chanted, "This is what democracy looks like," and "Say his name, Elijah McClain."
Among the marchers, was a man named Mansur from San Francisco. He did not want to provide a last name.
"I'm here to fight for justice for Elijah McClain," he said. "I flew in all the way from San Francisco and I'm here to show support to my Black brothers and sisters."
Mansur said no lives matter until Black lives matter.
"All of us minorities demand justice for Stefon Clark in Sacramento, for George Floyd in Minnesota, and Mr. Blake in Wisconsin. It's time for the system to change."
The march began with a rally at the Martin Luther King Jr. Library in Aurora.
Several speakers talked about loved ones who were killed by police.
Then, actionist Candice Bailey delivered a fiery address.
"We're not only fighting white supremacy, but those who are afraid of change," she said, adding that the fight has just begun. "You all better get ready. Get your a** up and fight, fight, fight."
Terrance Roberts, co-founder of the Front Line Party for Revolutionary Action, addressed the phrase, "All lives matter."
"All lives have never mattered," he said. "They don't even matter today. All lives matter doesn't even exist."
Roberts also talked about the neo-fascist Proud Boys.
"You're proud of babies in cages," he asked. "Do all lives matter now? No! I bet they don't."
As the marchers crossed into Denver, officers with the Denver Police Department began directing traffic off Colfax, one stretch at a time, to keep the marchers safe.
Along with the hundreds of people who pounded the pavement on foot were dozens who drove the distance in their cars, many honking their horns.
As the march snaked along Colfax, customers at restaurants and bars along the way got a close up look.
The march ended at the MLK Memorial at City Park in Denver.
Organizers exhorted participants to stay in groups and to stay safe.