The Nikkei Women’s Legacy Association is presenting “An Evening with Mario Reyes, Photographer” on Thursday, July 12, at 7 p.m. at the Japanese American National Museum’s National Center for the Preservation of Democracy Forum Theater, First and Central in Little Tokyo.
The program will honor Reyes, who has been a photographer and photo editor at The Rafu Shimpo for more than 20 years. June Aochi Berk, a charter member of NWLA, said they chose Reyes for their first program because of his longtime commitment to the Japanese American community. A new nonprofit organization formed by a group of former Nisei Week queens, NWLA is dedicated to volunteering and documenting Japanese American history.
“We hope that you will join us in honoring Mario for his work, and thanking him for his love for the Japanese American community. Mario has been the historian for our community since he began to work for The Rafu Shimpo in 1989,” said Berk.
“You will see Mario everywhere, taking pictures of happy times, happy people, enjoying an Obon, or Nisei Week, or a basketball game. He has helped Rafu Shimpo record and share these stories around the world with his insightful photography that captures the life and spirit of the Japanese American community.”
“More Than 1,000 Words,” a new short documentary on Reyes produced and directed by Stephen Nagano, will also be shown, as well as a retrospective of Reyes’ photos from 1989 to the present. The program will be followed by a reception offering desserts, coffee, and tea in the Democracy Lab. This event is free and open to the public.
To RSVP, contact Berk at (818) 400-3273 or juneaochiberk@me.com.