Chicago Roots, 1890-1941

Chicago Roots, 1890-1941 -
The roots of the Japanese American community in Chicago extend far beyond the city. A few trace their lineage to pre-war immigrants, but most Chicago families were originally West Coast residents who resettled here during and after World War II. In 1940, the Japanese American population …

Chicago Roots, 1890-1941
Contributed by: D_Burns

Resettlement

Resettlement -
Chicago became a major resettlement point because it was reputed to have less discrimination and more job opportunities than other cities. Nonetheless, most resettlers had to take menial jobs to support themselves, and they encountered a difficult housing situation.

Japanese Americans did not settle in a single area …

Resettlement
Contributed by: D_Burns

Work

Work -
Resettlers worked at a variety of jobs. Women commonly worked as domestic servants, in Chicagoﾕs candy industry, and in the crafts. Men were in demand for low-level manufacturing jobs and niche positions like chick sexing, a job with good pay, albeit poor working conditions. A number of resettlers …

Work
Contributed by: D_Burns

Social Life

Social Life -
The majority of resettlers were young Nisei, single or married with small children. Social interaction offered a release from the stresses of job hunts, housing problems, discrimination, and separation from family members still interned in the West. Churches, temples, political organizations (Japanese American Citizens League), sports leagues …

Social Life
Contributed by: D_Burns

Politics

Politics -
Having experienced the injustices of internment, resettlers worked actively to protect their civil rights, attain citizenship privileges for the Issei, and eventually achieve redress for losses suffered during the war. The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), founded in 1929 to promote civil liberties and civil rights for Japanese …

Politics
Contributed by: D_Burns

Chicago Resettlers Committee/Japanese American Service Committee

Japanese American Service Committee -
The Chicago Resettlers Committee (CRC) was incorporated in August 1946 with a mission to assist with resettlement. The Committee helped new residents find interpreters for medical/social services and English classes; counseling for family and business issues, employment, and housing; and general information on services available in …

Chicago Resettlers Committee/Japanese American Service Committee
Contributed by: D_Burns

Exhibit Barracks

This replica internment camp barracks shows a portion of the exhibit installation at the Japanese American Service Committee, March-November 2007.

Exhibit barracks
Contributed by: D_Burns

Viewing the Exhibit

This image shows the exhibit installation at the Japanese American Service Committee, March-November 2007.

Viewing the Exhibit
Contributed by: D_Burns

JASC's 60th Anniversary Celebration

This exhibit was one of many events hosted by the Japanese American Service Committee in 2006-2007 to celebrate the JASC's 60th anniversary. The JASC wishes to express its deep gratitude to the exhibit supporters and funders, partner organizations, anniversary planning committee, exhibit development team, and the leadership of the Issei …

JASC's 60th Anniversary Celebration
Contributed by: D_Burns