Submitted by: Colorado Asian Pacific United | Presented in English with Spanish interpretation

In the late 1800s, Denver was home to a vibrant and thriving Chinatown within downtown Denver. Several factors led to the driving out of the Chinese community in Colorado, including Denver's Anti-Chinese Race Riot of 1880, the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, and a general hatred for those who were different. Today, Denver's Chinatown has little to no physical existence, however, indicators of its history now stand as a testament to community grassroots efforts Learn about the efforts that led to raising the profile of this forgotten history, including the installation of historical markers, murals, a documentary and an official apology from the City of Denver.

Presenters: 

•  Joie Ha, Executive Director, Colorado Asian Pacific United
•  Catharine McCord, Marketing and Operations Coordinator, Colorado Asian Pacific United

Objectives:

• Share the history of Denver's forgotten Chinatown.
• Honor lived experiences through community-led initiatives.
• Offer ways to elevate little-known narratives in the public eye.