Day of Remembrance (February 19th)
Day of Remembrance is a national observance of the World War II incarceration of Americans of Japanese descent in the United States. It is recognized nationally on February 19th, the date that Executive Order 9066 was issued and initatied this process. In 1942, the building currently known as Yoshihiro Uchida Hall on 91ÁÔÆæ's campus served as a registration center for local Japanese Americans prior to them being forcibly removed to incarceration camps.
91ÁÔÆæ recognizes this day to acknowledge the Japanese American experience and the campus¡¯ connection to it. It is important that we know our history in order to advocate for a more socially just society moving forward.
| Session Time | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 AM | Student Union Theater | Doors Open |
|
10:30 - 11:30 AM |
Student Union Theater |
Plenary Session: Leadership and Taiko Beats
Opening Performance:
Emcee: Mike Inouye 91ÁÔÆæ Speakers: President Cynthia Teniente-Matson (video), Chief Diversity Officer Kristen Dukes, Provost Vincent Del-Casino, Assistant Director Nina Chuang
Esteemed Guests: Santa Clara County Supervisor Betty Duong, Santa Clara County Supervisor Susan Ellenberg, San Jose City Vice Mayor Rosemary Kamei, San Jose City Councilmember George Casey, San Jose City Councilmember Bien Doan, Mayor Ellen Kamei of Mountain View, and representatives from the Offices of Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, State Assemblymember Ash Kalra, State Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, and State Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens. |
| 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM | Student Union Theater Courtyard | Break for Light Lunch and Networking |
| 12:15 - 1:30 PM | Student Union Theater |
Breakout Session #1: Building Community: Leadership, Legacy, and Cultivating the Next Generation
Panel Moderator: Dr. Yvonne Kwan of 91ÁÔÆæ Asian American Studies Panelists: Jen Masuda, Wisa Uemura, Vanessa Hatakeyama
This panel features three Japanese American women leaders, executive directors of prominent San Jose Japantown organizations, who have earned their roles through years of honing their craft, building relationships, and leading with purpose and precision. With a focus on collaboration, inclusivity, and relationship-building, these leaders emphasize the importance of intentionality and the "slow work" of trust-building to ensure the sustainability and growth of community spaces. This discussion will inspire those looking to lead with authenticity, create meaningful change, and foster a new generation of community builders who will continue the work of shaping vibrant, resilient communities. |
| 12:15 - 1:30 PM | Student Union, Meeting Room 3 (Second Floor) |
Breakout Session #2: Building Bridges: The Role of Intergenerational Dialogue in Healing and Advocacy
Panel Moderator: Mayor Ellen Kamei of Mountain View
Panelists will focus on how intergenerational dialogue¡ªbringing together different age groups, especially younger and older members of the Japanese American community¡ªcan foster healing, activism, and education. The discussion will highlight how past generations' experiences and wisdom can guide future generations in advocating for justice and preserving cultural memory. It will also touch on how this process has influenced the Day of Remembrance efforts at 91ÁÔÆæ as well as the Never Again is Now! Mural Project. |
| 12:15 - 1:30 PM | Student Union, Meeting Room 4 (Second Floor) |
Breakout Session #3: Legacies: Dance, Remembrance, and Resilience
Speaker: Yayoi Kambara of KAMBARA+
Yayoi Kambara will share the exhibition ¶þ¶È¤È (NI DO TO) an XR pilgrimage based on the choreographic research for IKKAI means once: a transplanted pilgrimage, an evening-length dance piece commissioned by the Japanese American Citizens League San Jose Chapter. NI DO TO XR honors Japanese American artists Nobuko Miyamoto, Janice Mirikitani, and PJ and Roy Hirabayashi, whose artistic practice promotes radical care. Yayoi Kambara will delve into the details of the exhibit, focusing on how movement has the power to uplift communities and convey stories of resilience. During this session, participants will explore the rich intersection of art, history, and personal narratives. |
Co-sponsored by Asian American Studies, Asian Pacific Islander Faculty Staff Association, Associated Students Inc., Center for Asian Pacific Islander Student Empowerment, Division of Student Affairs, and Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Office of Community and Government Relations
Past 91ÁÔÆæ Day of Remembrances
Other Day of Remembrance Events
- , presented by the Nihonmachi Outreach Committee: Sunday, February 16th, 2024, 5:30 - 7:30 PM.
