In commemoration of Executive Order 9066, Mukai Farm & Garden will host an Open House from 1pm – 4pm on February 25 with self guided tours of the 1926 built farmstead, which houses an exhibit covering the 120+ years of Japanese presence on Vashon, including the impact of the internments.
Following the Open House will be a panel presentation by Dr. Jade Agua and Dr. Joseph Okimoto. The presentation will include a screening of Dartmouth University’s “Conversations That Matter” featuring Dr. Okimoto discussing anti-Japanese propaganda created by Theodor Geisel AKA Dr Seuss.
Dr. Okimoto is a former Friends of Mukai Board Member and retired Psychiatrist with Asian Counseling and Referral Services. He is a son of immigrant parents who came to America from Japan in 1937. He and his family were incarcerated in 1942 at the Poston, AZ concentration camp for three and a half years as a result of Executive Order 9066. He will bring this living history to the event.
Dr. Agua is Friends of Mukai Board Vice President and Chief Learning Officer at the USC Race and Equity Center. Dr Agua will bring this ”conversation that matters” to Mukai and our Vashon community with historic and current context of anti-Asian, anti-immigrant, and anti-“other” sentiments which divides community and too often results in violence.
Mukai is honored to host this event on this occasion of remembrance in order to inspire and nurture a more inclusive community. All are welcome. Donations will be accepted. Snacks (okashi) and beverages will be available. Mukai Farm& Garden is located west of town center at 18017 107th Ave SW, Vashon, WA 98070. Contact director@mukaifarmandgarden.org for more information.