The Japanese American Experience in Spokane During World War II

Revisit one of America’s darkest moments during this event held as part of the Spokane Public Library’s observance of May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. While many Japanese-American citizens were rounded up by the U.S. government and sent to desolate internment camps following the start of conflict between the Allies and Japan during World War II, others were able to remain in their homes, though they faced horrific discrimination from their neighbors. At this discussion, hear first-hand stories from local Japanese-Americans about the discrimination they faced, life in the internment camps and fighting the war on the U.S. side. These stories and more were recorded for the Omoide Project, an oral history collaboration between KSPS public television and Spokane’s Hifumi En Society, which provides support to the area’s Japanese-American community.

Sat, May 26 from 2-3 pm • Free • Spokane Public Library, downtown branch • 906 W. Main • spokanelibrary.org and hifumien.org