DENVER-- Healthy food, access to nature, pollution-free air and water. Every Denver resident may desire this for where they work, live and play, but not every community has it. Studies show that low-income communities are more likely to struggle with environmental burdens rather than enjoy their environment’s benefits. Join History Colorado, a Smithsonian Affiliate, as it kicks off the second year of its innovative FWD evening program series beginning Monday, Jan. 27, 2014 at the History Colorado Center.

In FWD: Communities and the Environment, the public is invited to meet local community leaders, residents, students and other speakers for five evenings of film, theater and dynamic civic discussion around important environmental justice issues that affect their neighborhoods and their lives. The History Colorado Center’s newest major exhibition, Living West, which also explores these topics, will be open to FWD program attendees one hour prior to the start of the program.

The History Colorado Center is located at 1200 Broadway in Denver. The first program is free, with each program thereafter $5 for the general public; $4 for History Colorado members. Reservations are not necessary. Tickets can be purchased online at www.HistoryColoradoCenter.org.

Monday, January 27, 2014 6 p.m.
Introducing “FWD: Communities and the Environment”
FREE!
What is environmental justice and how are people in the Denver area working to ensure that their communities have access to the benefits of a clean and healthy environment? Join speakers involved in local environmental justice efforts and learn how Denver residents are taking action at the grassroots level. You’ll have an opportunity to discuss the environmental justice issues that affect your community.

Monday, February 24, 2014 6 p.m.
A Case Study: Globeville
Often it’s low-income neighborhoods and communities of color that bear the negative impacts of transportation, manufacturing and pollution. Explore the story of Denver’s Globeville and the ways pollution and construction of I-70 have impacted this area, and how the community came together to ensure the health and survival of its neighborhoods.
 

Monday, March 24, 2014 6 p.m.
The Future of Water in Our Communities
Coloradans care a lot about their water. It’s anticipated that the demand for water will outpace the supply of water in our state in just a few decades. In what ways are communities thinking about how we’ll conserve and share water in 20 years, 50 years, or longer? Join representatives from Denver Water and other local groups for a liquid discussion about the future of our water.
 

Tuesday, April 22, 2014 6 p.m.
Earth Day! Nature, Recreation and Access
Colorado has renowned natural spaces, yet not everyone has easy access to nature—in Colorado’s wilderness areas or their own neighborhoods. Community representatives share stories of how they’re working to ensure that culturally diverse populations and low-income communities can enjoy Colorado’s amazing parks, rivers and mountains.

Tuesday, May 19, 2014 6 p.m.
Food and Health in Our Communities
Fast-food joints or farmer’s markets — what food choices are available in your community? Access to healthy food options is a challenge for many low-income communities in the Denver area. In the final FWD: Communities and the Environment program, panelists share stories of people working to transform unhealthy food deserts into urban gardens, green markets and more. Then, be sure to come back and visit the History Colorado Center’s upcoming exhibit, Food: Our Global Kitchen, opening Memorial Day weekend!

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History Colorado's mission is to inspire generations to find wonder and meaning in our past and to engage in creating a better Colorado. We serve as the state's memory, preserving the places, stories, and material culture of Colorado through our museums, educational programs, historic preservation grants, research library, collections, and outreach to Colorado communities. Find History Colorado on all major social media platforms. Visit HistoryColorado.org or call (303) HISTORY for more information.

Media Contact:
Rebecca Laurie, PR Director
(303) 866-3670
rebecca.laurie@state.co.us