Free Community Event
Echoes of Struggle and Hope: 20 Years of the Japanese American Historical Plaza
Friday, July 30, 2010
5pm Rededication, 6pm Party

Oregon Nikkei Endowment continues celebrating its 20th year in 2010 with a rededication of the Japanese American Historical Plaza in Tom McCall Waterfront Park on Friday, July 30th. The poetry of Lawson Inada, Hisako Saito, Masaki Kinoshita, and Shizue Iwatsuki combines with the stunning and thoughtful design of landscape designer Robert Murase and sculpture of Jim Gion to form not only a place of respite within the city, but also a place of remembrance, and a place to both acknowledge and educate.

Beginning at 5pm at the Plaza, the celebration will include special guests Justice Michael Gillette of the Oregon Supreme Court, Consul General of Japan Takamichi Okabe, Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish, former Portland City Commissioner Mike Lindberg, and former Poet Laureate of Oregon Lawson Inada. Also featured will be a special poetry collaboration with Sisters of the Road and Transition Projects .
The celebration then continues with a party at the Bill Naito Legacy Fountain , just steps away from the Plaza. Bring your family and friends to enjoy community sponsored music, crafts, food, and beer to celebrate this award-winning landmark. Entertainment includes Portland Taiko , the Minidoka Swing Band , and The Slants .

This free event is sponsored in part by Neighbors West-NW, the Spirit Mountain Community Fund, NW Natural, Bill Naito Company, Sapporo USA, and Uwajimaya.