Description: Provides family background: parents born in Japan; father a migrant worker, gardening in Hollywood. Reiko born in 1934, youngest of 8. Father owned their home and had a bank account in oldest son's names.
Description: In 2nd grade when war started. Shares story of her friendship with Mary Francis - "speaking volumes without saying anything." In camp from 1942-1945. Talks about returning to school.
Description: After bombing of Pearl Harbor, father interrogated by FBI - because he gardened for the Japanese consulate and was therefore a target. Describes excitement over new suitcase. Has to decide what to take and what to leave behind.
Description: Long term effect on families - families were changed forever, never finding the same cohesiveness; somewhat dysfunctional. Older kids left after the war to pursue jobs and education. Her mom suffered mental health problems caused by the experience.
Description: Describes success of her family after the camps She and her siblings graduated from college with degrees and PhD's. Dedicated students! (AVID resource)
Description: Describes effect of discrimination on her identity and her families. Story of her changing her name to Virginia when asking a movie star for an autograph so she would not know she was Japanese.
