- By Indivisible Denver
- July 17, 2025
- 0 Comments
Making Good Trouble in Denver
IDA Activists Call Out Lawmakers with Photo Booth of Shame
On July 17, the Indivisible Denver Action (IDA) team turned a day of remembrance into a rallying cry for action. In honor of the late Congressman John Lewis, whose legacy urged Americans to make “good trouble,” we set up a Photo Booth of Shame at a grassroots protest in Denver.
This was more than a typical political event. It combined community activism, humor, and public accountability. Attendees wrote personal “shame signs” calling out one of Colorado’s four Republican Representatives — Lauren Boebert, Gabe Evans, Jeff Hurd, or Jeff Crank. They wore these signs for photos styled after popular “pet-shaming” memes and could also hold a caricature mask of the lawmaker.
A Nationwide Campaign, Local Impact
The event was part of the 50 Days of Shame campaign — a coordinated national effort to expose harmful votes and policies by elected officials. Every photo was posted on Instagram and tagged to ensure the representatives saw them.
The protest succeeded thanks to teamwork. The ACLU and Progress Now Colorado helped create the Shame Sheets, signs, and props that caught people’s attention.
Linking Local Protest to Global Human Rights
Alongside the booth, IDA ran a letter-signing station urging the Salvadoran Consulate to address human rights abuses at the CECOT prison. This reminded participants that activism can cross borders and tackle both local and global injustice at the same time
A Model for Future Actions
The energy of the July 17 protest showed how creative tactics can draw people in and inspire them to act. It set a clear example for how grassroots groups can turn important causes into engaging, high-impact campaigns.
The July 17 gathering proved that progressive action can be serious without being solemn. By blending art, humor, and direct outreach, Denver activists created a bold and memorable protest. One afternoon of action that carried far beyond city limits.