May 13, 2020

Join us for a virtual teach-in that will deepen your understanding of American xenophobia and racism, using Japanese American WWII incarceration and the current crisis of immigrant detention as case studies. This interactive learning experience is designed for teachers, high school or college students, community leaders, and individuals simply looking to expand their knowledge and deepen their commitment to action.

The teach-in will use a combination of short films and oral histories, as well as creative learning routines and dialogue. Educators will come away with activities and curriculum that can be directly applied to the classroom; professional development credit is available through the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

This teach-in is free and open to the public, but priority will be given to Washington State teachers. Registration is limited so sign up today!

Please select one of the following dates (sign up for the Densho eNews to be notified of any additional teach-ins scheduled in the future):

June 13th, 3-5pm PST (registration closed)

June 23rd, 4-6pm PST (registration closed)

August 5th, 4-6pm PST (registration closed)

August 20th, 4-6pm PST (registration closed)

October 7, 4-6pm PST (full — registration closed)

November 12, 4-6pm PDT (register now)

Upon completion of the teach-in and a post-event survey, attendees will receive a $100 stipend for their participation. The Xenophobia teach-in is presented by Densho and the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington, and made possible through funding from the Kip Tokuda Memorial Civil Liberties Public Education Program.

Questions? Email education@densho.org

Facilitators

Barbara Yasui is an educator, trainer, and community activist.  She has an extensive background in racial equity facilitation, community organizing, and multicultural education. She is a Senior Trainer and Board Member for the REACH Center for Multicultural Education and a Senior Associate for Everyday Democracy.  She received her B.A. from Stanford University and her M.Ed. from the University of Washington. A third-generation Japanese American, she volunteers for Densho, Tsuru for Solidarity, and the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington.                           

Natasha Varner is the communications and public engagement director at Densho. She is an activist scholar and writer with a PhD in history from the University of Arizona. Her book, La Raza Cosmética: Beauty, Identity, and Settler Colonialism in Postrevolutionary Mexico, is forthcoming in fall 2020 from the University of Arizona Press. At Densho, she oversees the education program, organizes public events, and collaborates with community members, media, artists, and activists. Her work also includes writing and holding public dialogues about the intersections of Japanese American incarceration and other forms of systemic racism and oppression; the role of art in healing from trauma and advancing justice; and the use of history to combat contemporary civil liberties violations.