Qasim Rashid, Esq.May 13, 2023

Tonight I spoke at an AAPI event and mentioned America's history of anti-Asian discrimination—including the Chinese Exclusion Act, the Asiatic Exclusion League, & Koramatsu & Japanese Camps.

Afterwards an older gentlemen approached me and said, "Thank you for reminding everyone the US Govt locked Japanese Americans in camps. I know—because I was born in those camps. I carry that with me til this day."

I was left in awe. A reminder—this isn't ancient history folks. It's contemporary reality.

Show threadzcelineMay 13, 2023

@QasimRashid My father, aunt, and grandparents were incarcerated at #Topaz. I am *always* shocked that many US Americans have no idea this even happened. We are losing their stories...thank you for sharing this man's voice.

#EO9066 #Gaman

Show threadCarl S. GutekunstMay 13, 2023
@zceline @QasimRashid I infer you're here in the S.F. Bay Area, which suggests your father, aunt, and grandparents were at Tanforan. Have you gotten a chance to see the new memorial at Tanforan? It's just a quick ride on BART.
Show threadCarl S. GutekunstMay 13, 2023
@zceline @QasimRashid BTW, the Ireicho project has found more than 125,000 names, and based on the number of missing names I know of, it wouldn't surprise me if the list grew to over 130,000.
Show threadzceline
@alameth @QasimRashid Yes. Densho.org & Ireizo.com & local communities are doing such important work here. Was heartened to see so many youth (Gosei perhaps?) active at the last Day of Remembrance I attended...
May 13, 2023 at 5:32amWeb