Civil Rights Webinar on Thursday Based in the Harada House Story

Published: 11/10/2020

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Nov. 10, 2020

           

Contact:

Robyn G. Peterson

Museum Director

[email protected]

(951) 826-5792

 

 

Civil Rights Webinar on Thursday Based in the Harada House Story

 Webinar is co-hosted by the Harada House Foundation, Museum of Riverside, and Inlandia Institute

 

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The civil rights message central to the history of Harada House, a National Historic Landmark in Riverside, serves as the foundation for a virtual webinar to be held Thursday, Nov. 12 at 6 p.m. 

 

Three Riverside-based organizations are collaborating to present a panel discussion and conversation about civil liberties and racial justice in the present moment, framed within the context of the Harada House as a symbol of dignity, perseverance, and social justice.  The Museum of Riverside, which is steward for Harada House, is supported by the Harada House Foundation and Inlandia Institute in presenting this free program.

 

In 1916 in Riverside, Japanese immigrant Jukichi Harada was criminally prosecuted in a racially motivated attempt to deny the Harada family their own home.  Panelists will consider what today would parallel this lawsuit and its effort to deprive people in the U.S. of their rights based on race.  Questions at the heart of the discussion include “What is democracy?  How does it work?  Is the concept fixed or fluid?  Are we getting better at it?  How are our laws enforced?  What must happen next?”

 

Against the backdrop of civil rights victories in Riverside -- notably the Harada family’s judicial triumph in 1918 -- a group of leaders will discuss peaceful paths to effect positive change, share indicators that the system can be improved, and highlight stories of persistence and choosing the greater good.  One desired outcome is further recognition that Harada House serves as a symbol and beacon of hope in the continuing struggle for social justice.

 

Panelists include Jack Clarke (Best, Best & Krieger), Larry Gonzalez (City of Riverside Chief of Police), Kristen Hayashi (Director of Collections Management & Access and Curator at the Japanese American Museum, Los Angeles), and Michelle Magalong University of Maryland and President of the Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation).  The panel will be moderated by Museum of Riverside Director Robyn G. Peterson.

 

Sign up for this online event here:  https://tinyurl.com/HaradaDiscussion

 

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About the Museum of Riverside:

 

The Museum of Riverside, a department of the city of Riverside, holds a large multi-disciplinary collection relevant to the history, culture, and natural science of the region.  Sites include the downtown Riverside main museum, Heritage House, Harada House, and Robinson House.  All sites are temporarily closed for renovation, rehabilitation, or in response to COVID-19.  The Museum has a proud history of exhibitions, programs, and publications foregrounding local and regional achievement. 

 

About the Harada House Foundation:

 

The Harada House Foundation raises funds for the rehabilitation of Harada House so that it may be opened to the public as a civil rights monument and historic house museum.  The Foundation also pursues funding to support Harada House-related interpretation and programming, and aims to establish an endowment for long-term stewardship of the house.

 

About Inlandia Institute:

 

Inlandia Institute's mission is to recognize, support, and expand literary activity in all of its forms in Inland Southern California by publishing books and sponsoring programs that deepen people’s awareness, understanding, and appreciation of this unique, complex and creatively vibrant region.

 

For the latest information and resources regarding COVID-19 -- www.RiversideCA.gov/COVID-19

 

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