Day of Remembrance (February 19th)

San Jose State University Day of Remembrance 2024 Event Banner

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 initatied 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.

SJSU recognizes this day to acknowledge the Japanese American experience and the campus’ connection to it. It is important that we know our history in order to advocate for a more socially just society moving forward. 

SJSU Day of Remembrance 2024 Schedule
Monday, February 19th, 10:30 AM - 4 PM
Hammer Theatre at San José State University

Free and Open to the San Jose Community!
Session Time  Session Topic
10:30 - 11:45 AM

Opening Remarks including a Land Acknowledgement from Dr. Kerri Malloy, Assistant Professor of Native American and Indigenous Studies

 

"Nisei" short film screening & panel discussion

  • Panelists: Barnaby Dallas (SJSU Spartan Film Studios), Nick Martinez (SJSU Spartan Film Studios), Jake Shimada (SJSU student), Carolyn Hamasaki Brown (Japanese American Museum of San Jose) 
12:30 - 1:15 PM

The Importance of Day of Remembrance 

  • Performance: San Jose Taiko
  • Speakers: SJSU President Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson, SJSU Vice President of University Advancement Dr. Judy Nagai, Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez, and Nina Chuang 
1:30 - 2:45 PM

"Never Again is Now!" Mural Project: From Activism to Reality panel

  • Panelists: Nina Chuang (Alumni, Mural Project convener), Susan Hayase (San Jose Nikkei Resisters), Dr. Yvonne Kwan (Associate Professor, Asian American Studies), Dr. Edwin Tan (SJSU Director of Advocacy and Community Relations) 
3:00 - 4:00 PM

Art Walk: Exploring Ruth Azawa's "Japanese American Internment Memorial" & Yoshihiro Uchida Hall with SJSU University Archivist (very limited spots available - sign up available day of event)

  • Facilitators: Dr. Alena Sauzade (SJSU Natalie and James Thompson Gallery Director) and Carli V. Lowe (SJSU University Archivist)

Co-sponsored by the Asian American Studies, Asian Pacific Islander Faculty Staff Association, Associated Students Inc., Center for Asian Pacific Islander Student Empowerment, College of Humanities & the Arts, Connie L. Lurie College of Education, Division of Student Affairs, Ethnic Studies Collaborative, and Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Other Day of Remembrance Events: