2023 Day of Remembrance Community Map Project (In Honor of Day of Remembrance on Feb 19th) (Feb-May 2023) Free (Ongoing)NEW

Day of Remembrance Community Map Project by Yoko Oji Kikuchi: This project is in honor of Day of Remembrance on February 19th, which marks the day in 1942 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, giving the U.S. Army the authority to forcibly remove and incarcerate Americans of Japanese ancestry residing on the West Coast during WWII. Every February, the Japanese American community commemorates Executive Order 9066 as a reminder of the impact the incarceration experience has had on their families, community, and our country. It is an opportunity to educate others on the fragility of civil liberties in times of crisis, and the importance of remaining vigilant in protecting the rights and freedoms of all.

Dates
February 18 @ 12:00 pm - May 1 @ 12:00 pm

FREE

OACC has commissioned Yoko Oji Kikuchi to create a map of Oakland that highlights the vibrant pre-WWII Japanese American community residing in Oakland prior to their detention, including Japanese American businesses, art and cultural sites, and community centers. Be sure to pick up a copy of the community map at OACC during our business hours!

See the Map

Why is this Important?
If the Day of Remembrance refers to a significant event in Japanese history, such as the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II or the earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan in 2011, it may be important for the Japanese community to understand the significance of the event, its impact on Japanese society, and its continuing legacy. This understanding can help foster a sense of unity and solidarity within the community, as well as ensure that the event is not forgotten or trivialized.

Additionally, understanding the significance of the Day of Remembrance may help the Japanese community to educate others about the event and its importance. This can be particularly important in situations where the event has been misunderstood or misinterpreted, or when there are conflicting narratives about what happened. By educating others about the event, the Japanese community can help ensure that it is remembered and respected in a way that accurately reflects its impact and significance.

Art by Yoko Oji Kikuchi