Obama exhibit already planned in Denver

DENVER - The Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library and Museum is in the process of preserving history as it happens.

"All of this could be thrown away in today's or tomorrow's trash," said volunteer librarian Stan Oliner, pointing to a variety of newspapers, stickers, buttons and documents bearing the name and image of President-elect Barack Obama.

Fortunately for library staffers, local residents didn't throw those items away. Instead, they donated them to the library to be used in an exhibit honoring Obama and his ties to Colorado.

"In this library, the history and legacy of African Americans in the Rocky Mountain West has been preserved for many years to come," said Democratic National Convention Host Committee Chair Elbra Wedgeworth, who sponsored legislation as a city councilwoman to create the library in Five Points along with Wellington Webb, former Denver mayor.

Senior Special Collections and Community Resource Manager Terry Nelson says the significance of Denver in Obama's rise to the presidency goes far beyond the memorabilia, which includes a piece of carpet that surrounded the podium at which Michelle Obama delivered her address during the DNC.

"It is an affirmation of the thoughts and strengths that we've had to project," Nelson said, referring to the personal significance of Obama's election for many blacks.

Nelson believes that Obama's win will inspire children and adults alike.

"You don't have to be everything in the world, but whatever you choose to be, be the best at it," she said.

She also believes Obama's election could show just how alike people of different races really are.

"This will show people that families are families," she said. "African American people are just like other people."

Oliner says the library plans to have some sort of "instant" exhibit up by January. One of the items they hope to still have on hand is a bronze sculpture of Obama created by Denver artist Li Hardison. But Oliner doesn't think it will be available to them for long.

"This will probably be one of the first artifacts to go into the Obama Presidential Library," said Oliner of the artwork, which Hardison will donate to Obama while selling replicas to local residents.

Wedgeworth believes Denver set an example for the entire nation by welcoming Obama during the DNC.

"We basically transcend color. We transcend parties," she said.

And, even though she had a hand in helping him rise to the presidency, Wedgeworth says she is still taken aback by the Nov. 4 election.

"As an African American woman who grew up here in Denver, I never thought I'd live to see this," she said.

The Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library invites residents to contribute memorabilia of Obama's presidential run in preparation for the upcoming exhibit.

Click here to read TaRhonda Thomas' blog about Obama's win.