Speakers criticize Denver Zoo expansion plan, call for comparable investment in Black cultural representation
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Summary
Public speakers at the Aug. 4 session criticized the Denver Zoo's proposed Latino cultural expansion and pressed for comparable space or programming honoring Black cultural and conservation contributions.
Two public commenters used the City Council public comment period on Aug. 4 to criticize a proposed Latino cultural expansion at the Denver Zoo and to demand equivalent investment and recognition for Black cultural contributions.
Brandy Majors said she was "disgusted" by a plan she described as an "80 acre Latino cultural addition" at the zoo and asked why there was no comparable space for Black cultural exhibits or interpretive programming. "Where is the 8 acres from black culture? Where is the dedicated the dedication to black excellence... ?" Majors asked, asserting that institutions often invest unevenly across cultural groups.
Jessica LeSean Paris echoed concerns about prioritization and wrote the city's decisions about who gets major capital projects reflect broader policy choices. Paris linked those priorities to larger grievances about city governance and public spending during her remarks.
The public comment session provides a forum for feedback; decisions on zoo expansion, land use and cultural programming involve the zoo, the city, and potential permitting or funding processes not decided during this session.