News Article

National Archives Opens Registration for “National Conversation on Rights and Justice – Immigration: Barriers and Access” in Los Angeles

October 19, 2016

The National Archives and the National Archives Foundation today opened registration for the “National Conversation on Rights and Justice – Immigration: Barriers and Access” to be held on November 19 in partnership with the Japanese American National Museum.

This unique event will focus on past and current immigration barriers, and on the varied experiences of immigrants. The all-day event will feature panel discussions and remarks by national figures including Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero, thought leaders Jose Antonio Vargas and Julissa Arce, and author and cultural critic Jeff Yang.

Held from spring 2016 to early 2017, the “National Conversation” series explores topics related to the continuing and often complicated issues of rights in our modern era, including: immigration, civil rights and individual freedom, and women’s rights and gender equality.

Guests can register and view the most up-to-date schedule of events and speakers at: https://www.archivesfoundation.org/amendingamerica/conversations/immigration/.

Space is limited. Credentialed members of the media interested in attending should email: katie.dixon@bromwichgroup.com.

The National Archives Foundation has created an online portal where visitors can watch live, engage in discussions via social media, and view footage after the program concludes. Learn more at: www.AmendingAmerica.org.

WHO:

  • David S. Ferriero, Archivist of the United States
  • Julissa Arce, author and activist
  • Ann Burroughs, Interim President and CEO of the Japanese American National Museum
  • Irene Hirano Inouye, U.S.-Japan Council
  • Nahla Kayali, Access California Services
  • Steward Kwoh, Asian Americans Advancing Justice
  • Luz Borjon Montvalo, California State University at Los Angeles
  • Karthick Ramakrishnan, UC Riverside School of Public Policy
  • Paul Spickard, UC Santa Barbara
  • Jose Antonio Vargas, Define America
  • Gabriela Villareal, California Immigrant Policy Center
  • Jeff Yang, author and cultural critic
  • Other immigration activists, scholars, and elected officials from across the country

WHAT:
National Conversation on Rights and Justice – Immigration: Barriers and Access

WHEN:
Saturday, November 19, 2016, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. PT

WHERE:
Japanese American National Museum
100 N Central Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012

The “National Conversation on Rights and Justice” in Los Angeles is presented in part by AT&T, Ford Foundation, Seedlings Foundation, Toyota, and the National Archives Foundation.

The first “National Conversation,” held in Atlanta, focused on civil rights and justice, and featured a Q&A between former President Jimmy Carter and CEO of the National Civil and Human Rights Center, Derreck Kayongo. The second “National Conversation,” held in Chicago, focused on the challenges to and future of civil and human rights for the LGBTQ community and featured a keynote by noted author and poet Richard Blanco. The third “National Conversation,” to be held in New York on October 21, will focus on women’s rights and gender equality, and feature a keynote by award-winning broadcast anchor and executive Soledad O’Brien. Archived video and further details on the series are available at: https://www.archivesfoundation.org/amendingamerica/conversations.

The “National Conversation” series is running in conjunction with Amending America, open now in the Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery at the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC. The exhibition showcases both successful and unsuccessful attempts to amend the Constitution as part of the National Archives’ commemoration of the 225th anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights.

About the National Archives

The National Archives and Records Administration is an independent federal agency that serves American democracy by safeguarding and preserving the records of our Government, so people can discover, use, and learn from this documentary heritage. The National Archives ensures continuing access to the essential documentation of the rights of American citizens and the actions of their government. From the Declaration of Independence to accounts of ordinary Americans, the holdings of the National Archives directly touch the lives of millions of people. The agency supports democracy, promotes civic education, and facilitates historical understanding of our national experience. The National Archives carries out its mission through a nationwide network of archives, records centers, and Presidential Libraries, and on the Internet at www.archives.gov.

About the National Archives Foundation

The National Archives Foundation is an independent nonprofit that increases public awareness of the National Archives, inspires a deeper appreciation of our country’s heritage, and encourages citizen engagement in our democracy. The Foundation generates financial and creative support for National Archives exhibitions, public programs, and educational initiatives, introducing America’s records to people around the U.S. and the world. Learn more at archivesfoundation.org.

About the Japanese American National Museum 

Established in 1985, the Japanese American National Museum promotes understanding and appreciation of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Japanese American experience. Located in the historic Little Tokyo district of downtown Los Angeles, JANM is a hybrid institution that straddles traditional museum categories and strives to provide a voice for Japanese Americans as well as a forum that enables all people to explore their own heritage and culture. Since opening to the public, JANM has presented over 70 exhibitions onsite and traveled 17 of its exhibitions to locations around the world, including the Smithsonian Institution and the Ellis Island Museum in the United States, and several leading cultural museums in Japan and South America. Learn more at www.janm.org.

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