With Liberty and Justice for All: Racism, Redress and Reparations

Forty years ago, Northeastern Illinois University was the center for a hearing to force the federal government to acknowledge acts of racism with the hope that an apology and monetary compensation to redress these acts would follow. While successful for the Japanese Americans unjustly incarcerated during World War II, systemic racism continues to be at the cornerstone in much of America’s immigration, criminal justice, employment and housing practices. For people of color, racism continues to be a fact of daily life. The University is proud to house the Japanese American Redress Collection which contains both the video testimonials and their transcripts from the Redress hearings.

This virtual conference examines the Japanese American experience as a lens to identify racist practices today and provide focus on steps to gain true equality for all.

CONFERENCE SESSION RECORDINGS

Read the Conference Committee's Position Paper

A brief timeline of the milestones of Japanese American history

Exhibits


Conference Details

The virtual, two-day conference was held on Sept. 22-23, 2021, and examined what can be done to: 


Session 1

 Greetings

  • Steven Harris, Dean of Libraries, NEIU Libraries 

 Plenary speaker

Arts Activism: Storytelling and Movement-Building at Work

To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the 1981 Commission Hearings that led to redress and reparations for Japanese Americans, this 90-minute roundtable with artists and community organizers discuss the significance and influence of the CWRIC hearings.  

Session 1 Recording


Session 2

Stop Repeating History!: A Conversation About U.S. Detention and Deportation

Session 2 Recording


Session 3

Stop Racism, Hatred and Discrimination

Session 3 Recording


Session 4

H.R. 40, Black Reparations

Session 4 Recording