Day Of Remembrance Programs At History Museum Sunday

Photo courtesy National Archives

75 Years Since Executive Order 9066

Day of Remembrance: A Time for Action

From the Japanese American Service Committee:

February 19, 2017 marks the 75th anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066 that called for the incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II.

Every year, the Japanese American community in Chicago comes together to remember President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s signing of EO9066 as a reminder of the fragility of civil liberties in times of crisis, and the importance of remaining vigilant in protecting the rights and freedoms of all. This year you are invited to a weekend of remembrance as we commemorate the Japanese American experience during this turbulent era in America’s history.

All programs listed are free of charge

Day of Remembrance Main Program
February 19, 2pm-4pm
Chicago History Museum – McCormick Theater, 1601 North Clark

This year’s program will feature the screening of two short films produced by local filmmakers titled “The Orange Story” and “A Song for Manzanar.”

This will be followed by a poetry reading by acclaimed local poet and writer Dwight Okita, who will read two widely anthologized internment camp poems from his book “Crossing with the Light.”

The program will conclude with a panel discussion moderated by Sandra Yamate, and featuring “The Orange Story” Executive Producer Jason Matsumoto and Writer & Director Erika Street Hopman, as well as “A Song for Manzanar” Writer & Director Kazuko Golden, and Novelist and Poet Dwight Okita.

Click here for the Facebook event!

Day of Remembrance Youth/Young Adult Pre-Program
February 19, noon-2pm
Chicago History Museum – The Guild Room, 1601 North Clark Street

This program will feature a discussion and workshop targeted to youth and young adults focused on the meaning of the Japanese American Concentration Camp experience for young people today.

Click here for the Facebook event!

Day of Remembrance is sponsored by the Chicago Japanese American Council,the Chicago Japanese American Historical Society, the Japanese American Citizen League–Chicago Chapter, the Japanese American Service Committee, and the Japanese Mutual Aid Society of Chicago.