May 11, 2024 will be the 22nd anniversary of National JACL’s apology in 2002 to what Paul Tsuneishi liked to call the “resisters of conscience.” To mark the occasion, Kimiko Marr and Japanese American Memorial Pilgrimages are producing a video livestream this Tuesday, May 14th, at 5:00 pm PDT/ 8:00 pm EDT that I’ve agreed to host.
The films to be livestreamed are:
- “United States of America vs. Takashi Hoshizaki,” a new film by Kimiko on the last surviving Heart Mountain draft resister, Tak Hoshizaki;
- “The JACL Apologizes,” my own short feature on the 2002 JACL apology for suppressing wartime resistance; and
- “Descendants of a Heart Mountain Resister,” a short featuring the family of the late James Uyeda.
After the livestream, stay tuned for a live conversation I’ll have with Tak Hoshizaki via Zoom. You will find the Fair Play Committee manifesto and an excerpt from Yosh Kuromiya’s memoir of resistance in The Literature of Japanese American Incarceration when copies from Penguin Classics go on sale that same day.
UPDATE: Here is the recording of the May 14th program:
Here is the program description from Kimiko:
Join us during AAPI Heritage Month as JAMP proudly presents “Legacy Unveiled: Japanese American Draft Resistance in WWII.”
Embark on a journey through history as we screen three compelling short films highlighting the courage of Japanese American resisters. After the screenings, take full advantage of this unique chance to participate in a stimulating conversation with Heart Mountain Resister Takashi Hoshizaki, moderated by Frank Abe, director of Conscience and the Constitution.
Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to connect with one of the last surviving Heart Mountain resisters and explore the profound impact of their courageous actions.
