A few years ago, Colorado became the epicenter of a media firestorm after rumors erupted claiming that gangs were taking over the city of Aurora. In response, the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition launched a storytelling campaign to counter harmful myths and help working-class Coloradans understand the real lives of their newly arrived neighbors. Yet as the campaign unfolded, organizers quickly realized teaching people the truth about what happened in Aurora went far beyond just sharing stories.
For decades, our opponents have shaped the immigration debate. Too often, their approach has relied on misleading claims that create fear, spread confusion, and divide our communities. These narratives overlook the real, complex drivers of our immigration system; including the role of corporations that benefit from low-wage labor, ongoing inequities tied to race, and an economy that leaves many workers vulnerable.
The Colorado Story is a storytelling campaign rooted in the belief that stories have the power to change hearts and minds. Through real, human narratives, we hope to shift the way people see immigration and their newly arrived neighbors. In partnership with SE2 and Degotelo Studios, the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition produced three mini-documentary videos highlighting the lives of Colorado immigrants.
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