Immigrant Voices from the Colorado State Capitol Press Conference Hosted by Rep. Joseph and Rep. Ricks.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 20, 2025

Denver, CO – Colorado State Representatives Junie Joseph (HD10) and Naquetta Ricks (HD40) will host a press conference on immigration two days after Inauguration Day. On Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025, at 11:30 AM at the Colorado State Capitol, the event will spotlight the experiences, contributions, and challenges of immigrant communities across Colorado and serve as a call to challenge dehumanizing rhetoric with dignity, solidarity, and action.

The press conference will feature powerful remarks from Black and Latinx immigrant leaders alongside advocates, policymakers, and law enforcement officials. A centerpiece of the event will include a deeply moving co-reading of a personal story by an immigrant leader touring with Motus Theater’s UndocuAmerica project that underscores the complex realities faced by mixed-status families navigating the U.S. immigration system.

Event Details:

• What: Press Conference on Immigration: Uplifting Immigrant Voices

• When: Wednesday, January 22, 2025 | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

• Where: Colorado State Capitol West Foyer | 200 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80203

Event Highlights:

• Hosts: Colorado State Representatives Junie Joseph and Naquetta Ricks

• Speakers: 

  • Powerful Personal Story to Set the Stakes: Cristian Solano-Cordova, Motus Theater UndocuAmerica monologist and former student body president of MSU Denver, and  Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty co-read Cristian’s story of strategizing to protect his eight-year-old sister, who is an American citizen, in the event her mother gets deported.

  • Papa Dia, Executive Director of the African Leadership Group

  • Immigrant rights leader, from the American Friends Service Committee Denver & Coloradans for Immigrant Rights

  • Speaker from the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition & Juntos Community

  • Colorado Senator Julie Gonzales (SD34)

  • Colorado Rep. Elizabeth Velasco (HD57)

  • 
    

Representative Junie Joseph emphasized the importance of this event, stating: “Immigrant communities are vital to the fabric of Colorado. This event is about amplifying their voices and challenging narratives that undermine their humanity. Together, we can create policies that reflect dignity, equity, and justice.”

Representative Naquetta Ricks added: “As an immigrant myself, I know first hand the courage it takes to share your story. This press conference is a platform for immigrant leaders to uplift their voices and experiences and inspire collective action.”

“As Coloradans, even those of us without a permanent legal status like DACA or TPS, or no immigration status at all, we all have rights under Colorado law and under the U.S. Constitution,” said Cristian Solano-Córdova. “We must defend those legislative victories in Colorado that protect our families from unjust practices from ICE and ensure that our families and communities are informed on our rights so we are prepared to exercise them.”

“As District Attorney, I strongly believe that victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or hate crimes should be able to come forward to ensure justice is done and not have to hide in the shadows. Our mission is to protect all people from threats, hate crimes, and violent acts by holding offenders accountable – and I remain deeply committed to it,” saidBoulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty. “With the current political rhetoric, many immigrants and LGBTQ+ individuals feel vulnerable and have valid concerns about the rollback of their rights and their safety. The ideals of equality, justice, and respect for all people are woven into the fabric of our Colorado values. We must not allow fear and hatred to take root in our communities. So, together, we must continue to stand for justice. I am honored to participate in this event to raise awareness about the potentially devastating impacts for kids and families living in Colorado.”

The press conference will include representatives from immigrant-serving organizations with each providing brief remarks to demonstrate their leadership and solidarity in this critical moment.

This event is an opportunity for media, policymakers, and the public to engage directly with immigrant leaders, hear their stories, and commit to advancing policies that reflect the rights and dignity of all immigrants and refugees in Colorado.

Media Opportunities:

• Interviews with State Representatives Junie Joseph and Naquetta Ricks

• Interviews with participating speakers

• Personal stories from immigrant leaders and advocates

For interview requests, additional details, or to confirm attendance, please contact Emma Seel at aide.hd40@gmail.com or (503) 388-0127.

About the Event Organizers:State Representative Junie Joseph (HD10) and State Representative Naquetta Ricks (HD40) are committed to amplifying immigrant voices and advocating for policies that foster justice, equity, and community solidarity.

###

Motus Theater, anchored in Boulder, Colorado, is a beacon for original theater that ignites dialogue on critical societal issues. The theater's mission aims to harness the transformative power of art, using it as a bridge to foster alliances across diverse sectors of our community and the nation. Motus Theater’s UndocuAmerica project uplift the voices of DACAmented leaders caught in the crosshairs of U.S. immigration policy. More information at www.motustheater.org