Sat, Dec 12 · 1:00 pm–2:00 pm
Listed on MUSAY · checked Nov 11
Saturday, December 12, 1:00 pm–2:00 pm
Oakland Museum of California
1000 Oak St, Oakland, California 94607
Admission ticket required
Special Guest Gallery Chat: Generations of Memory with Melyssa Minamoto and Joyce Yokomizo Join Melyssa Minamoto and Joyce Yokomizo for a special in-gallery talk in conjunction with OMCA’s exhibition Be Here / 1942: A New Lens on the Japanese American Incarceration. Through their family histories and personal reflections, they will explore the lasting impact of incarceration and how its stories are remembered and passed down across generations. A fourth-generation Japanese American and lifelong Oakland resident, Melyssa learned about her family’s incarceration from her grandmother, whose experiences continue to shape Melyssa’s commitment to preserving this history. Born in Oakland in 1941, Joyce was just six months old when her family was incarcerated at Tanforan, and later, Topaz. Together, they will reflect on memory, intergenerational trauma, and why acknowledging the past matters today. We welcome you to join us for this special conversation and hear how personal stories help keep history alive. Get Museum Admission Tickets Member Tickets About Melyssa Minamoto: Dr. Judy Sakaki is a sansei, or 3rd generation Japanese American, whose immigrant grandparents and U.S. born parents were incarcerated during WWII. Judy grew up in Oakland, is a University President Emeritus, and a professor in Educational Leadership at CSU East Bay. She only recently developed the courage to visit the Topaz Incarceration Camp in Utah. Standing on the desolate site of her family’s barrack, on an intolerably hot day, her tears flowed. She is because of the strength and resilience of her ancestors. About Joyce Yokomizo: Joyce Yokomizo was born in Oakland in November, 1941. Her family was “relocated” to Tanforan Racetrack in San Bruno, CA, then Topaz, Utah. Her parents were 28 years old then and she was 6 months old. Upon return to Oakland in 1945, she went to Oakland Public Schools, then attended UC Berkeley and San Jose State College. Her parents and their friends rarely discussed “camp”. She had little idea about the real conditions my parents had endured during the internment until she went to see the photographic exhibit of Executive Order 9066 in the early 70’s when she was in her early 30’s. Accessibility Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is committed to providing programs that are accessible, welcoming, and inclusive of our community. Wheelchairs, sensory inclusive devices, and additional amenities are available for checkout on a first come, first served basis at the Ticketing Desk. To request other accommodations, like American Sign Language (ASL), Cantonese, Spanish or another language interpreter, please email visitor@museumca.org at least three weeks before the event. Learn more about our accessibility options.
The museum offers paid on-site parking in its underground garage. Nearby street parking and public transportation options are also available in downtown Oakland.
11:00 am–5:00 pm
The venue’s general opening hours. This event’s time comes from the listing.
Added to MUSAY Nov 10, 2026.
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