By ELLEN ENDO, Rafu Shimpo Contributor
In a historic setting befitting the Japanese American National Museum’s dedication to honoring history while embracing the future, the museum leadership welcomed members, sponsors, and friends to Vibiana, site of the annual benefit gala on Saturday night.
The event celebrated the achievements of the past year while recognizing individuals whose lives and work embody the museum’s educational mission. Setting the tone for the benefit, President and CEO Ann Burroughs outlined one of the organization’s key accomplishments — raising $85 million and exceeding the development goal by $20 million.
Later in the program, attendees pledged more than $229,000 to cover the cost of bringing busloads of school children to experience JANM’s artifacts, stories, and interactive exhibits.
The museum’s Legacy Award was presented to KABC news anchor David Ono, producer and narrator of “Defining Courage,” a multi-media live theater presentation focusing on the heroism displayed by Nisei servicemen during World War II. Ono is working alongside JANM to present the program on a seven-city tour.
The award was presented by World War II veteran Yosh Nakamura, 98, who served with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Ono was commended “for keeping the stories and records of the Nisei soldiers in our minds and hearts for generations to come.”
JANM’s Award of Excellence was given to Duncan Ryuken Williams and Sunyoung Lee, director and creative director, respectively, of Irei: National Monument for the WWII Japanese American Incarceration, a book of 125,000 names of Americans of Japanese ancestry unjustly imprisoned during the war. The 1,000-page book has been housed at JANM since October 2022 and will be available to the public through December of this year.
Williams explained his reasons for embarking on the multi-year project. “Enemies can be transformed by the simple act of recognition.” He stated that he devoted himself to the project “to keep people (from being put into) detention sites. Honoring the past is interlinked with the future. This award is dedicated to all camp survivors.”
East L.A. Taiko, led by Maceo Hernandez, opened the program. Recording artist and composer Kishi Bashi performed selections from his latest album, “Omoiyari,” a musical exploration of the wartime and postwar experience of Japanese Americans. East L.A. Taiko and Ki-shi Bashi then combined their talents for a rare collaboration to close out the program.
A capacity crowd of approximately 600 attended.