As promised, here is the second entry about our recent Texas trip. On May 1, we were in Houston and attended a reception generously hosted by Donna C. We had a chance to talk with both long-time and newer museum supporters, including Japanese Texans whose families have lived in the Lower Rio Grande Valley for several generations and therefore not incarcerated during World War II, families who moved to Texas after World War II, two members of the 442, and also newly immigrated Japanese Texans. These folks are a diverse and very vibrant group of people who are involved in many different community events. For example, one of the many events that brings the community together is the annual Japan Festival.

Attached are four photos from the evening. Thanks very much to Albert O. for the great photography!

1. Seiko W. and Natalie H. O.
2. Irene H. and Consul General Osawa
3. Donna C., Linda T., and Glen G.
4. Linda T., Donna C., Irene H., Allyson N.

Also, one of the teachers that we worked with from 2003-2004 was able to join us, even though it was a long drive for a school night. Valerie C. shared with everybody her experiences teaching her gifted students in rural Texas about the Japanese American experience. It was so nice seeing her!

We shared information about the Enduring Communities project, as well as updated the group about our upcoming traveling exhibition, Fighting for Democracy. This exhibition will be opening at the Institute of Texan Cultures in San Antonio on July 26. It's (just?) a three hour drive to San Antonio from Houston, so people began making tentative plans to attend.

We greatly appreciated the folks from Houston's warmth, hospitality, support, and generosity. If you were at that reception and are reading this posting, THANK YOU and hope to see you in Denver and/or San Antonio in July!