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Jesse Lashawn Parris For CO State House District 8 

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Assert your power and demand better by supporting a Black grassroots campaign! Your contribution will drive impactful change.

Strong demand for better policies in HD8.

1

Systemic Racism and Police Brutality:

Jesse has been a vocal advocate against systemic racism and police brutality. His active participation in protests and his advocacy efforts underscore his commitment to ending SB 20-217 qualified immunity. He is also working on drafting an anti-Black crime bill, establishing specific alerts for missing Black Coloradans, and seeking protected class status for Black Coloradans or Foundational Black Americans.

2

Housing Affordability and Accessibility

Jesse is focused on expanding eviction and housing moratoriums and ensuring that housing is affordable and accessible to those at 0-30% AMI. He is committed to making District 8 a place where everyone can afford to live.

3

Youth and Community Programs:

Jesse supports increasing funding to agencies like Struggle of Love, which promote foundational building blocks for creating strong young Black leaders. His efforts focus on reducing the welfare-to-prison pipeline and improving education, apprenticeship, and trade programs.

I am a Independent and on the ballot for HD8 11/5/ 2024 

I am thrilled to announce that Jesse LaShawn Parris is running for Colorado State House Representative for House District 8 in the upcoming election on November 5, 2024.

Background in Politics: Jesse LaShawn Parris is a Northeast Denver resident of over 20 years and a 3rd Generation Denverite. He has previously run for Mayor and City Council At Large, demonstrating his commitment to public service and the betterment of our community.

Previous Mayoral Run and Loss:

In the mayoral race, Jesse faced a devastating loss that he and his family have grieved deeply. Despite the challenges and setbacks, Jesse has remained resilient and committed to serving the community. He has learned from his past experiences and is determined to avoid the powerful chess moves that have hindered his previous campaigns.

Vision for House District 8:

Jesse is pleased to represent a strong and confident leadership voice that this district has been lacking for years. He is committed to effecting redress and correcting the changes that previous seat holders have enacted on the district. Jesse believes that the state of the district speaks for itself, and he is eager to bring about positive change.

 

Community Involvement:

Jesse LaShawn Parris is an active voice in city council, often being very direct in his advocacy. He has attended many protests addressing the harm done to Black people through systemic racism and police brutality. With the help of Denver Homeless Out Loud, now named House Key Action Network, Jesse has housed eight people and has been a staunch defender of what he refers to as "unhoused neighbors," advocating against police sweeps and for a housing-first approach. His critical stance on the new mayor highlights issues such as increasing homelessness and neglect of long-term residents in favor of newcomers.

 

Personal Commitment:

Jesse has lived experience dealing with mental health issues and addiction, both personally and within his community. He has witnessed firsthand how the mental health care system often exacerbates problems instead of solving them, funneling millions with no real solutions. Jesse has helped people transition from homelessness to stability, including his partner, who has overcome significant health challenges and now aspires to be a future leader thanks to Jesse's advocacy and structured discipline.

 

Response to Shaming and Disrespect:

We have noticed the amount of shaming and disrespect directed at Jesse LaShawn Parris since announcing his candidacy for this seat. It is part of the role of opposition to tear down his run for this seat. However, Jesse understands that it's not him that the dominant society and the pillars of the Democratic party are truly upset with. Changing the root causes of the pain the city is in will affect funding to revolving issues such as crime, poverty, drugs, guns, and the illusion of reform and inclusivity. Being owned, blind, deaf, and passive keeps the people exactly where the powers that be want them... at the bottom begging for change. This seat offers a chance to stand up, work hard, and correct everything, including long, drawn-out languages of bills that are meant to be confusing. Upon his win, Jesse will be elated to work with the city council members in this district to better it.

Challenges in District 8:

House District 8 has been ethnically cleansed and gentrified, leaving many Black residents unhoused, unemployed, and beligerently ignored in favor of other pressing issues of anti-Blackness. Jesse Parris embodies the spirit and fire to shift the current state of the district. He is committed to calling out the misappropriations of funds and the neglect of Black people, addressing the language of bills that create poverty, and implementing tangible policies that redirect benign neglect and punish the harm being done.

 

Local Opposition:

Black people in political and activist positions are very opposed to Jesse's attempts to empower and lead. These opponents are entrenched in the small communities of Park Hill, Five Points, and East Denver, where older, opinionated gatekeepers wield significant influence. Their words and sway have led many to support Lindsay Gilcrest. The political climate demands a change, a passionate defender and leader who will fight in the House against the same old dog-and-pony show. Jesse Parris believes in asking questions first for the people who look like him and the most vulnerable people. There are major concerns in the district that need to be addressed. He will, at the very least, give her a run and a challenge; it's not November yet.

 

Board Memberships and Advocacy:

Jesse LaShawn Parris also sits on the following boards: The Reimagining Police and Public Safety Taskforce, The Citizen Advisory Board for District Attorney Beth McCann, The Black Alumni Network, The Crime Prevention and Control Commission for Reentry, Five Points Business Improvement District, BeWell Block Captain, and Fusion Studios Resident Council Leaders. Despite the disdain flung at his aspirations to be of service to his community, Jesse consistently does the work for the people.

 

Why Jesse LaShawn Parris?

Jesse is the exact individual that House District 8 represents. He is a strong leader who is ready to tackle the challenges facing the district and ensure that the true needs of the people are addressed. He advocates for policies that protect Black people from acts of terrorism and racism, aiming to create policies that benefit all ethnicities and ensure transparency and accountability in legislative language.

Community Safety and Police Reform:

Promote alternatives to incarceration

  • Support community-led policing initiatives and programs that foster positive relationships between law enforcement and residents

  • Advocate for police accountability, transparency, and reform measures to address racial bias and ensure fair treatment for all residents.

  • Promote alternatives to incarceration, such as restorative justice programs, diversionary initiatives, and mental health support services.

Policy regarding education.

Education and School Safety:

 Addressing education, safety in public schools, youth activities, and community engagement:

Education and School Safety:

​​

  • Advocate for increased funding and resources for public schools to ensure high-quality education, smaller class sizes, and adequate support for students and teachers.

  • Collaborate with school districts and law enforcement to enhance safety measures in public schools, including implementing effective anti-bullying programs, mental health support services, and school resource officer programs.

  • Promote comprehensive approaches to address the root causes of school violence, such as addressing social-emotional development, promoting conflict resolution, and fostering positive school climates.

  • Youth Activities and Engagement:

  • Create and support affordable, year-round structured activities for youth, including sports programs, arts and cultural activities, and educational enrichment opportunities.

  • Seek partnerships with community organizations, businesses, and local government to provide funding and resources for youth-focused initiatives.

  • Establish mentorship programs that connect young people with positive role models and provide guidance and support for their personal and academic growth.

Funding for Youth-Beneficial Agencies:

  • Advocate for increased funding for agencies and organizations that promote healthy activities, skill-building, and youth development, including after-school programs, community centers, and extracurricular activities.

  • Collaborate with community stakeholders to identify and secure grants and funding sources to sustain and expand these agencies.

  • Support partnerships between schools, community organizations, and local businesses to provide internships, job training, and career development opportunities for older youth.

Parent and Community Engagement:

  • Encourage and facilitate increased parental involvement in schools through workshops, support groups, and outreach programs.

  • Promote regular communication channels between schools, parents, and the community to foster collaboration and address concerns effectively.

  • Establish community forums and town hall meetings to engage residents in shaping education policies and decision-making processes.

By prioritizing education, safety, youth activities, and community engagement, we can create an environment where young people thrive, families are supported, and communities are strong and connected. Remember to gather feedback from parents, teachers, and community members to continually improve things for our children.

im also going to look into meal debt in our schools to see if i can write policy to cancel it out for familys. 

Affordable Housing and Homelessness:

Economic Growth

 diversionary initiative

  • Promote policies that address systemic racism and ensure equal opportunities for all residents.

  • Advocate for inclusive hiring practices and diverse representation in local government and decision-making bodies.

  • Work towards equitable access to quality education, healthcare, and resources for marginalized communities.

Affordable Housing and Homelessness

 

:Develop and implement comprehensive strategies to address homelessness,

including expanding shelter options and support services.

  • Increase the availability of affordable housing units and explore innovative solutions such as community land trusts and cooperative housing models                       .

  • Advocate for tenant rights and protection, preventing unjust evictions and ensuring fair and affordable rent prices.

 

Economic Growth and Small Businesses:

  • Support local entrepreneurs and small businesses by reducing bureaucratic barriers and offering resources for startup and growth.

  • Foster economic development in underserved areas, creating job opportunities and stimulating local economies.

  • Encourage partnerships between businesses, community organizations, and educational institutions to promote workforce development and skill-building programs.

Infrastructure and Sustainability:

  • Improve the city's infrastructure, including roads, sidewalks, and public transportation systems, to enhance connectivity and safety for residents.

  • Advocate for environmentally sustainable practices and initiatives, such as renewable energy adoption, waste reduction, and green spaces development.

  • Prioritize investments in climate resilience, addressing the impact of extreme weather events and planning for a sustainable future.

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