History Colorado has been featuring the acclaimed traveling exhibit RACE: Are We So Different? to begin helping Coloradans of all ages to explore the science, history and everyday impact of race.  The exhibition has been running since September 20 and will close after January 4. 

Even before the Ferguson grand jury's decision was announced, many were calling once again for a "national conversation on race." But here's why such conversations rarely go anywhere: Whites and racial minorities speak a different language when they talk about racism, scholars and psychologists say.  Ed Nichols, CEO of History Colorado, says, “This amazing exhibit is a must-see experience that is vitally important to our community and our country, because it fosters a deeper understanding of the issues and history of race and racism. It has provided a stimulus for the larger conversation to help us understand that racial domination is a collective process and we are all in this game."

Developed by the American Anthropological Association in collaboration with the Science Museum of Minnesota, RACE is the first exhibition that tells the stories of race from the biological, cultural and historical point of view.  AARP, The Denver Foundation, and Facing History and Ourselves have joined History Colorado to support this unprecedented exhibit.

“Recent events and tragedies in our country have provoked outcry and divisiveness,” says Nichols.  “The 24-hour news cycle has further exacerbated racial tensions.  At History Colorado we are creating a safe environment and broader platform to engage our community, our leaders and the media around this discussion by serving as a hub for thought-provoking programming and dialog that addresses race relations, diversity and inclusiveness in a thoughtful yet provocative way.”

History Colorado has conducted a variety of programs during the run of RACE including a professional development series and workshops for teachers, parents and students.  The museum launched an extensive community partners program engaging nearly 100 multicultural organizations, the City of Denver, law enforcement and the news media to be part of the conversation and participate throughout the exhibit’s 90-day stay at the History Colorado Center.  “The conversation has only just started,” says Nichols.  “We hope that even without the exhibit here in our building, we can continue to serve as a catalyst for discussion and greater understanding among all Coloradans.”

With the growth of interracial unions and multiracial and LGBT families in Denver, the complexity of a conversation about race, identity and diversity has enlarged.  “Let’s not fear the conversation, let’s love the conversation,” says Nichols.

There is still time to see RACE: Are We So Different?  For more information, go to  http://historycoloradocenter.org/exhibits/race/.

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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.