Audio By Carbonatix
“Race is not biology. There is no biology that separates us,” says History Colorado’s JJ Rutherford.
That statement provides the basis for the museum’s upcoming traveling exhibition, Race: Are We So Different?, which shatters the notion that racial identity is born from our genetic makeup. The exhibit looks at the invention of race as a tool that certain groups or organizations have used to build wealth on the backs of others. With a robust historical timeline, interactive learning stations and public dialogue, the museum hopes to spark discussions about school segregation, biracial adoption and power and privilege, both nationally and here in Colorado.
“Museums are a great equalizer here, because you can come to museums for one exhibit or one story and be introduced to some-thing you weren’t expecting,” notes renowned local documentarian and theater director donnie l. betts, who has been working with the museum to create community-wide discussions about race. “With this particular exhibit, we’re trying something new: to activate our community networks. Our goal is to get people talking and use this exhibit as a catalyst for change.”
Join the conversation today when Race: Are We So Different? opens at the History Colorado Center, 1200 Broadway; admission is $8 to $12. For more information about the exhibit, which runs through January 4, and associated events, go to historycolorado.org.
Sept. 20-Jan. 4, 2014
