Special Guest Gallery Chat: Remembering Together with Judy Sakaki and Lana Masako Wong
Special Guest Gallery Chat: Remembering Together with Judy Sakaki and Lana Masako Wong
December 5 from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Join Judy Sakaki and her granddaughter, Lana Masako Wong, for a special intergenerational Gallery Chat in conjunction with our current exhibition, Be Here / 1942: A New Lens on the Japanese American Incarceration. Through conversation and personal stories, they will explore how the legacy of Japanese American incarceration is remembered and passed down across generations.
Judy’s parents were incarcerated during World War II, an experience that remained largely unspoken in her family until a school project by Judy’s son prompted the discovery of family artifacts and a deeper exploration of their history. Together, Judy and Lana will share these personal connections and reflect on the importance of preserving family stories.
Visitors will be invited to consider: What would you take if you had just one day to pack up your life? We welcome you to join us for this special conversation and reflect on the stories that connect us.
About Dr. Judy Sakaki:
Dr. Judy Sakaki is a sansei, or 3rd generation Japanese American, whose immigrant grandparents and U.S. born parents were incarcerated during WWII. Judy grew up in Oakland, is a University President Emeritus, and a professor in Educational Leadership at CSU East Bay. She only recently developed the courage to visit the Topaz Incarceration Camp in Utah. Standing on the desolate site of her family’s barrack, on an intolerably hot day, her tears flowed. She is because of the strength and resilience of her ancestors.
About Lana Masako Wong:
Lana Masako Wong is a gosei, or 5th generation Japanese American of mixed Asian American heritage. She is a Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese American. Lana is Dr. Sakaki’s granddaughter. Her great-grandmother, a U.S. born Oakland native, was incarcerated. Lana proudly carries her name. She is a saxophone player, martial arts black belt, and a 9th grader at Emerald High School in Dublin.
Accessibility
Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is committed to providing programs that are accessible, welcoming, and inclusive of our community. Wheelchairs, sensory inclusive devices, and additional amenities are available for checkout on a first come, first served basis at the Ticketing Desk. To request other accommodations, like American Sign Language (ASL), Cantonese, Spanish or another language interpreter, please email visitor@museumca.org at least three weeks before the event. Learn more about our accessibility options.