Update on the Successful Campaign to Stop the Sale of Art from the Internment Camps

As we blogged previously, a New Jersey auction house decided not to sell photographs of interned Japanese Americans and artifacts that they made while they were interned in camps between 1942 and 1945.  No doubt, the collaboration of Japanese American, Asian American and other advocates, including the actor George Takei, that protested the sale was instrumental in stopping the sale.

Two of the advocates who have worked tirelessly in this effort are Yoshinori “Toso” Himel and Barbara Takei.  Both are pictured below (courtesy of the NY Times from an article today issue) with a photo of Mr. Himel’s mother, one of the items that was supposed to be auctioned off.  Mr. Himel, who is currently a visiting lecturer at UC Davis School of Law, and Ms. Takei are working with other advocates to ensure that the photos and artifacts end up in an institution where the public will have access to them and learn about this important and tragic part of American history.  

Thank you and congratulations, Toso and Barbara, for your involvement and advocacy on this issue.

RCV