The inspirational story of Fred Korematsu, who challenged the mass imprisonment of over 125,000 Japanese Americans during World War II, will be the subject of a special lecture by his daughter at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Philomath Museum, the Benton County Historical Society announced.
A U.S.-born citizen, Korematsu refused to comply when ordered to report to the WWII camps. He was arrested and fought the conviction and internment with his case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. In 1998, Korematsu was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The lecture, entitled “Am I An American or Am I Not?” will be presented by Karen Korematsu, who will share insights into her father’s life.
The accompanying exhibit remains in place at Philomath Museum until Feb. 2.The BCHS is requesting those planning to attend to register through its website — a link is available on the lecture’s webpage.