Views from the Capitol rally

Charlie Brennan, James B. Meadow, David Montero, Myung Oak Kim and Rosa Ramirez, Rocky Mountain News

Published April 20, 2006 at midnight

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Free speech and democracy were the lessons of the day for student demonstrators who headed to the state Capitol to add their voices to the immigration debate.

Some expressed a clear grasp of the issues; other seemed compelled to walk out of class by the fine weather and the irresistible tide of classmates.

Feeding knowledge

Paul Domenick, an English teacher at North High School, initially thought the walkout was an excuse to skip school. But then he saw the commitment of his students, several of whom come from activist families. So he decided to "feed them with knowledge."

Domenick gave about 20 of his students newspaper and magazine articles on immigration and the debate in Congress. He showed them the movies El Norte and Walkout.

Domenick, who also is helping to organize the May 1 National Day of Action immigrant protest, took Wednesday off to join the student marchers.

"This is a walk to better the lives of the immigrants we have at the school," said Domenick, one of four North teachers joining the students.

Getting rally united

It was a tough way to kick off a rally - that is, getting everyone to know what they were rallying for, exactly.

Armando Somoza stood in front of about 300 fidgeting West High School students, some draped in Mexican flags, some talking on cell phones and one teenager riding a low-rider bicycle.

The 24-year-old figured he'd warm them up with chants of "Si se puede!" (Yes we can!")

It worked.

Then he asked the crowd if they knew why they were there.

The answers splintered between "immigration," "our rights" and "opportunity."

In the back, a voice answered, "I don't know why we're here."

Somoza filled them in. It was about fighting for the rights of immigrants. It was about not turning children's parents into felons. It was about pride in their heritage.

Many students cheered. Then Somoza stepped away and said aloud to himself, "Do I have to do that all over again in Spanish?"

He didn't. The students were already starting to march.

Stirring memories

For Antonio Esquivel, professor emeritus of Spanish and Chicano studies at Metropolitan State College, the march stirred memories.

"I was in the Chicano movement," he said.

Clapping as the students trekked along Federal Boulevard, he said, "They're peaceful, they're having a good time and they know the issue."

"People who criticize these kids for walking out should read the Constitution," he added.

Flag fuss

Rene Fernandez peddled American flags for $2 and scolded the kids who walked by waving Mexican flags.

"This isn't about Mexico, guys, it's about America. They already know you're Mexican, show them you're American," shouted Fernandez.

As one young protester sallied by wearing a Mexican flag over his face, Fernandez admonished him, "That's a disgrace, brother, pull it down!"

Then he waved one of his Old Glorys in the air and shouted, "C'mon, guys, they want you to show that Mexican flag because they think you're ignorant. Show them you're American!"

Curiously, someone was waving a large Cuban flag with a likeness of legendary revolutionary Che Guevera on it.

DJ did his part

J.J. Hiester, a DJ on Spanish-language station Mega 95.7 FM, stopped at Lincoln and North high schools to support the students, and then joined them at the Capitol. He strode through the crowd handing out radio station bumper stickers.

Hiester said he pitched the walkout on air and was excited to see the turnout.

"My heart is so filled up with all the love from these people," he said.

'It runs in the family'

Civil rights leader Rodolfo "Corky" Gonzales died last year. But his legacy was apparent at the student walkout.

His grandson, Jacobo Gonzales, a North High School senior, helped mobilize his classmates.

Jacobo's father, Joaquin Gonzales - Corky's son - participated in the march. Nita Gonzales, Corky's daughter, brought about 100 students from Escuela Tlatelolco, where she is principal.

Joaquin Gonzales said his father would be proud and excited about the protest.

Besides, he added, "It runs in the family."

A different viewpoint

Wednesday's gathering was joined by a small group with a different agenda.

Three members of the Colorado Minutemen went to the state Capitol to deliver a brick to the office of state Rep. Terrance Carroll, D-Denver. It was meant to protest a comment by the lawmaker who joked that he wanted to build a wall around Colorado to keep out members of the volunteer border patrol.

They stayed to videotape the student rally.

And one member stood on Broadway holding a life-size cutout of actor John Wayne, with an American flag attached, and a sign that said "Careful Pilgrim This Color Doesn't Run."

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