In a resounding display of commitment to its mission, the Japanese American National Museum (JANM) held its annual benefit gala and auction on April 12 at the JW Marriott in Downtown Los Angeles, where the atmosphere was charged with solidarity against growing threats to social justice programs nationwide.
William T. Fujioka, chair of the Board of Trustees, delivered a powerful message, highlighting the ongoing changes in various institutions aimed at protecting federal funding by erasing references to social justice and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
Fujioka, departing from the podium to reveal a T-shirt stating, ‘scrub nothing,’ emphasized JANM’s unwavering stance in the face of pressure from the Trump Administration, which has sought to eliminate federal support for organizations that do not conform to its ideological directives.
The ballroom was filled with supporters who listened intently as Fujioka spoke about the museum’s mission as a vital component in civil rights education, especially regarding the wrongful incarceration of over 125,000 Japanese Americans during World War II.
He articulated the critical importance of remembering history to ensure that such injustices are never repeated.
‘Today, that hope has become a feared and sad reality,’ Fujioka remarked, addressing the audience’s sense of urgency about current civil rights issues.
His comments came shortly after JANM publicly rejected a $190,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, linking the funding cut to the Trump Administration’s new priorities, which directly challenge the museum’s activities aimed at preserving cultural history and education.
CEO and president of JANM, Ann Burroughs, informed attendees about the impact of the funding cuts on their educational programs, which have successfully trained over 100 teachers across 31 states and served around 20,000 students.
Even amidst these challenges, Burroughs expressed confidence in JANM’s mission and resilience, asserting that the museum is the only one in the country to take such a bold public stand on these issues.
As she addressed the crowd, Burroughs highlighted how the current political climate exemplifies a dangerous rollback of civil rights. She described a ‘resurgence of hate’ and an ‘assault on diversity equity and inclusion,’ urging attendees to refrain from silence regarding attempts to erase history and marginalized voices.
In a notable example of this erasure, the U.S. Department of Defense recently removed historical content about the 442nd Regimental Combat Team from its official website, only to restore some of it after public outcry. This incident reinforces the importance of preserving the legacies of those who fought for justice and recognition.
Ken Inouye, son of the late U.S. Senator and 442nd RCT veteran Daniel Inouye, spoke during the gala, expressing pride in JANM’s commitment to ensure that their stories and histories continue to be told without alteration.
When news of the funding cuts spread, JANM welcomed an influx of private donations—both large and small—from supporters eager to aid the museum’s mission.
At the gala, it was announced that more than $1.2 million was raised to support JANM’s educational programs and operational needs.
Currently, the museum is undergoing its largest renovation since its establishment in 1999, with Burroughs announcing at the event that they had successfully raised $74 million of an $85 million goal.
‘We’re telling the Japanese American story as an American story—complex, multiracial, multiethnic, multigenerational and diverse,’ Burroughs added, underscoring the broader scope of the museum’s mission.
Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles, Kenko Sone, remarked on the importance of JANM in the context of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, stressing the need for the museum’s role in current geopolitical dynamics.
The annual benefit gala also offered a moment to honor key community figures with Lifetime Achievement Awards.
Tom Watanabe, a longtime museum partner and philanthropist, along with activist and musician Nobuko Miyamoto, were recognized for their significant contributions.
In her acceptance speech, Miyamoto filled the room with notes from her anthem ‘We Are the Children,’ affirming, ‘JANM, your presence says we will not be disappeared. We will not be erased.’
Skateboarding pioneer Judi Oyama, who also received the Award for Excellence, shared her experience as a woman in a male-dominated sport, highlighting her confidence in the evolving nature of skateboarding as it approaches Olympic inclusion.
As the evening concluded, discussions surrounding threats to democracy in the U.S. resonated among attendees, with Fujioka reiterating the importance of standing firm in one’s convictions.
‘You never fight the bully behind the school, you fight the bully in the courtyard,’ he advised, encouraging everyone to join JANM’s fight against oppression.
The gala not only raised significant funds but also shed light on the crucial importance of supporting civil rights, democracy, and the historical narratives that deserve to be preserved and celebrated.
image source from：https://rafu.com/2025/04/a-showcase-of-solidarity-and-resolve/
