On January 15, 2025, at 6 p.m. PST, the Nationwide Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) will current its 2024 Jefferson Lecture hosted by the Japanese American Nationwide Museum and the Japanese American Cultural and Neighborhood Heart. The Jefferson Lecture is the very best honor the federal authorities bestows for distinguished mental achievement within the humanities. Recognizing acclaimed public speaker, historian, and educator Sam Mihara, the celebrated occasion isn’t held on the West Coast. Admission is free, and tickets can be found at
Mihara’s lecture, “Memoirs of Injustice,” gives a profoundly private exploration of Japanese American incarceration throughout World Battle II. Drawing from his personal experiences as a younger boy imprisoned on the Coronary heart Mountain Relocation Camp in Wyoming, Mihara sheds mild on the resilience and hardships of over 120,000 Japanese Individuals forcibly faraway from their properties throughout this darkish chapter in U.S. historical past.
A second-generation Japanese American (Nisei) from San Francisco, Mihara was simply 9 years outdated when his household was relocated to Coronary heart Mountain. For 3 years, they lived in a single-room barrack, confined by barbed wire and guarded by armed sentries. Regardless of these early challenges, Mihara pursued larger schooling in engineering at UC Berkeley and UCLA and went on to have a profitable profession as a rocket scientist.
In retirement, Mihara has devoted himself to educating others about Japanese American incarceration and preserving the Coronary heart Mountain website, now a Nationwide Historic Landmark. He has spoken to greater than 120,000 college students, educators, and professionals worldwide, sharing his story to foster understanding and guarantee historical past is just not forgotten.
Be part of us for this impactful night within the coronary heart of Little Tokyo, hosted by the Japanese American Nationwide Museum and the Japanese American Cultural & Neighborhood Heart. Let’s mirror on the teachings of the previous and honor the enduring energy of the humanities to encourage and educate.
Don’t miss this unforgettable occasion! Reserve your spot immediately: https://bit.ly/jeffersonlecture.
