The National Archives and the National Archives Foundation kicked off the fourth in its “National Conversations” series today in Los Angeles, in partnership with the Japanese American National Museum.
This unique event focused on past and current immigration barriers, and on the varied experiences of immigrants. The all-day event featured panel discussions and remarks by national figures including Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero, first Chinese-American woman elected to Congress Rep. Judy Chu, thought leader Julissa Arce, President of the U.S.-Japan Council Irene Hirano Inouye, and author and cultural critic Jeff Yang.
Held from spring 2016 to early 2017, the “National Conversation” series explores topics related to the continuing and often complicated issues of rights in our modern era, including: immigration rights/reform, civil rights and individual freedom, and women’s rights and gender equality.
“As the grandson of Italian immigrants and great-grandson of Irish immigrants, I am grateful to this country for giving my ancestors a chance at a better life,” said Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero. “Sadly, there is often a contrast between the ideals of a diverse society that welcomes and idealizes immigration, and the sometimes harsher reality of restrictive laws and discrimination. Immigration has always been, and continues to be a controversial topic of debate in this country. I am glad we had the opportunity to openly discuss these issues at this important forum.”
The National Archives Foundation has created an online portal where visitors can watch a livestream of the event and engage in discussions via social media. Follow the discussion using #RightsAndJustice and learn more at: www.AmendingAmerica.org.
The “National Conversation on Rights and Justice” in Los Angeles is presented in part by AT&T, Ford Foundation, Seedlings Foundation, Toyota, and the National Archives Foundation.
“AT&T is proud to support the National Archives’ Amending America initiative and today’s conversation in Los Angeles,” said Mike Silacci, Assistant Vice President, AT&T California. “Our company is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in our workplace and in the communities where we live and work.”
In addition to Mr. Ferriero and Mr. Silacci, opening remarks were provided by Ann Burroughs, Interim President & CEO of the Japanese American National Museum, and Congresswoman Judy Chu.
Three engaging discussions took place throughout the day:
- Jeff Yang moderated the keynote discussion with thought leader Julissa Arce.
- The second panel, entitled “Coming to America,” was moderated by Ann Burroughs and panelists included Stewart Kwoh, Asian Americans Advancing Justice; Allen Orr, attorney; Karthick Ramakrishnan, UC Riverside School of Public Policy; and Paul Spickard, UC-Santa Barbara.
- Irene Hirano Inouye, U.S.-Japan Council, moderated the final discussion on “Becoming an American,” looking at the varied experiences of immigrants – at work, at home, at school, and in the community – with Nahla Kayali, Access California Services (AccessCal) and Cynthia Buiza, California Immigrant Policy Center.
The panels were followed by a closing keynote address by Irene Hirano Inouye.
The first “National Conversation,” held in Atlanta, focused on civil rights and justice and featured a Q&A between former President Jimmy Carter and CEO of the National Civil and Human Rights Center, Derreck Kayongo. The second “National Conversation,” held in Chicago, focused on the challenges to and future of civil and human rights for the LGBTQ community and featured a keynote by noted author and poet Richard Blanco. The third “National Conversation,” held in New York, focused on women’s rights, gender equality, and advocacy and featured panel discussions and remarks by national figures including U.S. Rep. Jerrold Nadler, New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, and award-winning broadcast anchor and CEO of Starfish Media Group Soledad O’Brien.
The next event on “Educational Access and Equity” will be held in February in Dallas. Archived video and further details on the series are available at: https://archivesfoundation.org/amendingamerica/conversations.
The “National Conversation” series is running in conjunction with Amending America, open now in the Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery at the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC. The exhibition showcases both successful and unsuccessful attempts to amend the Constitution as part of the National Archives’ commemoration of the 225th anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights.
About the National Archives: The National Archives and Records Administration is an independent federal agency that serves American democracy by safeguarding and preserving the records of our Government, so people can discover, use, and learn from this documentary heritage. The National Archives ensures continuing access to the essential documentation of the rights of American citizens and the actions of their government. From the Declaration of Independence to accounts of ordinary Americans, the holdings of the National Archives directly touch the lives of millions of people. The agency supports democracy, promotes civic education, and facilitates historical understanding of our national experience. The National Archives carries out its mission through a nationwide network of archives, records centers, and Presidential Libraries, and on the Internet at www.archives.gov.
About the National Archives Foundation: The National Archives Foundation is an independent nonprofit that increases public awareness of the National Archives, inspires a deeper appreciation of our country’s heritage, and encourages citizen engagement in our democracy. The Foundation generates financial and creative support for National Archives exhibitions, public programs, and educational initiatives, introducing America’s records to people around the U.S. and the world. Learn more at archivesfoundation.org.
About the Japanese American National Museum: Established in 1985, the Japanese American National Museum promotes understanding and appreciation of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Japanese American experience. Located in the historic Little Tokyo district of downtown Los Angeles, JANM is a hybrid institution that straddles traditional museum categories and strives to provide a voice for Japanese Americans as well as a forum that enables all people to explore their own heritage and culture. Since opening to the public, JANM has presented over 70 exhibitions onsite and traveled 17 of its exhibitions to locations around the world, including the Smithsonian Institution and the Ellis Island Museum in the United States, and several leading cultural museums in Japan and South America. Learn more at http://www.janm.org/.
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