Ireicho in Chicago: Opening and Closing Events
Please join JASC, the Chicago Japanese American Historical Society, JACL Chicago, and the Japanese Mutual Aid Society of Chicago for two very special evening programs while the Ireicho is in Chicago. Your RSVP is requested for both programs. We may not be able to accommodate those who do not RSVP. Please Note: registration is only for the evening programs, and is NOT an appointment to stamp the Ireicho.
Keynote Remarks by Rev. Dr. Duncan Ryuken Williams
Thursday, November 6th | 5-6:30pm | Midwest Buddhist Temple (435 W Menomonee St, Chicago, IL 60614)
Duncan Ryuken Williams, professor of religious studies and Director of the USC Shinso Ito Center for Japanese Religions and Culture, founded the Irei Project. He will discuss the creation of the Ireicho and the extensive research process his team undertook to create a memorial centered on making visible all who were incarcerated in the Japanese American WWII experience.
Closing Ceremony Celebrating Chicago’s Japanese American Community
Sunday, November 9th | 5pm-6pm | Japanese American Service Committee (5700 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60659)
More than 20,000 Japanese Americans resettled to Chicago after their wartime incarceration. To close the Ireicho’s journey to Chicago, please join community members and organizations to reflect on the impact of the incarceration on the Chicago Japanese American community. This program will feature an interfaith ceremony led by Rev. Patti Nakai and commentary by the co-sponsoring organizations.
Register for these events here: http://bit.ly/
We are also looking for volunteers in various roles. Sign up here to volunteer!