Dispatch from Denison: In times of grief, unity makes us stronger
Guest editorial from newspaper owner and publisher Lorena López Altamirano
(Editor’s Note: This editorial first appeared in La Prensa Iowa Spanish Language Newspaper and The Denison Free Press. Both newspapers are owned and published by long-time Iowa journalist Lorena López Altamirano who lives in Denison, one of the more diverse cities in Iowa.)
‘While our opinions may differ, compassion knows no sides.’
By Lorena López Altamirano
Guest Column
On August 15, our city of Denison was shaken by a heartbreaking event: the death of Feglys Antonio Campos, a young Cuban man who, according to reports, struggled with mental-health issues and was experiencing homelessness, finding shelter in the park’s band shell. The incident occurred during an encounter with a police officer, who discharged their weapon, resulting in Feglys's death.
In the days since, many voices have risen—some demanding justice, others seeking answers, and many simply trying to make sense of what happened.
The grief is real.
So is the confusion.
But in the midst of this pain, we want to remind our community—especially our immigrant brothers and sisters—that we are not alone. That in times of uncertainty, our greatest strength has always been standing together, like a family.
Scripture reminds us:
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18, NIV)
Today, many hearts are broken.
Some feel anger.
Others, frustration.
Many, just deep sadness.
But before we allow these emotions to divide us or rush to judgment, let us remember something essential: we still don’t know exactly what happened that day. The case is currently under investigation by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. As the law requires in this country, we must wait for all the evidence—including the police officer’s body camera footage—to be reviewed before drawing final conclusions.
We understand that many of us come from countries where trust in legal systems has been lost.
We carry the weight of past injustices.
But locally, we have the opportunity to believe in a system that, while not perfect, upholds the principle of due process. That means every action must be thoroughly examined—with seriousness, without pressure or prejudice, and with deep respect for human life.
As Scripture also reminds us:
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens… a time to be silent and a time to speak.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7, NIV)
Perhaps today is a time to reflect. A time to comfort those who are afraid. A time to stand beside those who feel alone. A time to pray for Flegys’s family—and yes, also for those involved in the tragedy. Because while our opinions may differ, compassion knows no sides.
Flegys Antonio Campos was a human being. His life mattered—not only because of how it ended, but because of everything he endured while he lived. To honor his memory and out of respect for his loved ones, let us keep the conversation alive—but from a place of humanity, not hostility.
Denison has proven time and again that it is a community that cares. We know each other. We are neighbors, coworkers, brothers and sisters in faith. And although we come from many different countries—Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Cuba, Honduras, Venezuela, and more—here, we are one community. A community that, in hard times, doesn’t retreat into fear, but leans into hope.
As it is written:
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18, NIV)
That is the invitation we extend today: that in the midst of sorrow, we plant seeds of peace. That in the face of uncertainty, we choose faith. And that as we wait for answers, we remember that only through unity can we begin to heal.
Because when Denison grieves, we all grieve. And when Denison comes together, no one stands alone.
_________________
A Note from the Publisher of The Denison Free Press and La Prensa:
This editorial is offered as a personal reflection and invitation to unity. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the entire team at The Denison Free Press.
__________________
About The Iowa Mercury
(Douglas Burns, founder of The Iowa Mercury and a fourth-generation Iowa journalist from Carroll, is a member of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative. Read dozens of the most talented writers in Iowa in just one place. The Iowa Writers' Collaborative spans the full state. It’s one of the biggest things going in Iowa journalism and writing now — and you don’t want to miss. This collaborative is — as the outstanding Quad Cities journalist Ed Tibbetts says — YOUR SUNDAY IOWA newspaper. )