Japanese American women who experienced the World War II mass incarceration have a long history of activism that includes protests within the camps, participation in the social movements of the 1960s, and the successful campaign for a national apology and monetary redress. They, their daughters, granddaughters, and non-binary individuals continue to invoke memories of the World War II injustice to defend the rights of all people of color in their activism and art. 

Showing the powerful connection between the past and the present, this exhibit highlights how women’s historical memories helped win redress, challenged racial and gender stereotypes, promoted intergenerational ties, and developed coalitions with other communities fighting discrimination based on race, national origin, religion, immigration status, gender, and sexual orientation.

This exhibit was curated by Associate History Professor Alice Yang and sponsored by The Humanities Institute, The Humanities Division, and the California Civil Liberties Public Education Fund.