Day of Remembrance

Day of Remembrance is a national observance of the World War II incarceration of Americans of Japanese descent in the United States. It is recognized nationally on February 19th, the date that Executive Order 9066 was issued and initiated this process. In 1942, the building currently known as Yoshihiro Uchida Hall on SJSU's campus served as a registration center for local Japanese Americans prior to them being forcibly removed to incarceration camps.

In moments of fear and uncertainty, it is easy to see difference as danger rather than shared humanity. The theme “Neighbors, Not Enemies” challenges that instinct, especially amid ongoing violations of civil liberties, constitutional rights, and the continued erasure of marginalized histories. History reminds us that “othering” paves the way for exclusion, injustice, and harm, while empathy and solidarity are essential to protecting democratic values and collective memory.

Plenary keynote session (10:30 – 11:45 am):
A discussion on civil liberties, coalition building, and community activism featuring Gordon Yamate and Vanessa Hatakeyama, moderated by Dr. Yvonne Kwan.

Breakout sessions (12:00 – 1:15 pm):
- Interfaith Coalition Building (SU Room 2A): A workshop by the SJSU Interfaith Task Force, featuring speakers from the Jewish and Muslim communities.
- Building Bridges: Navigating Difficult Dialogues (SU Room 2B): A workshop by Craig Alimo from the SJSU Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
- “Home Court” and the Power of Sports: Beyond Identity to Shared Community (SU Theatre): Film screening followed by a panel discussion with Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga and Dr. Michael Dao, moderated by Michelle Smith McDonald.

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