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About the Democracy Center

Our Mission

An enduring American democracy requires participation by all people, with each of us understanding our rights and responsibilities. The Daniel K. Inouye National Center for the Preservation of Democracy (Democracy Center) explores the rights, freedoms, and fragility of democracy, helping to build bridges, and find common ground between people of diverse backgrounds and opinions. 

Through the Arts and a wide range of public programs, the Democracy Center convenes people of all ages and diverse backgrounds to examine issues about race, identity, and social justice to transform attitudes, celebrate culture, and promote civic engagement. 

A program of the Japanese American National Museum, the revitalized Democracy Center builds on the founding vision of U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye. It is a place for education and civic engagement to examine not only issues that seek to divide us, but also the shared values and beliefs that unite us with the goal of securing an enduring democracy for all.

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host talking to drowd in the tateuchi forum

Democracy Center Staff

  • Ann Burroughs, President & CEO, Japanese American National Museum
  • James E. Herr (he/him), Director
  • Sofia T. Alvarez (she/they), Program Assistant
daniel Inouye with peoople in background

Daniel K. Inouye

Learn about US Senator Daniel K. Inouye.

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buddhist temple on 1st street with busses loading to take the japanese americans to the concentration camps

History

Learn about the Democracy Center.

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Inquiries

For all inquiries regarding the Democracy Center, please email democracycenter@janm.org or call 213.830.1880.

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Why Giving to the Democracy Center Matters

The Democracy Center relies on the generosity of its friends and supporters to meet the enormous cost of providing year-round programs and services to local, national, and international visitors.

Your gift will ensure that the Democracy Center is able to continue its tradition of excellence in producing public programs, signature lecture series, exhibitions, and educational materials to explore the rights, freedoms, and fragility of democracy, build bridges, and find common ground between people of diverse backgrounds and opinions. 

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    a speaker talks to a full house crowd in tateuchi forum auditorium

    Book the Venue

    The Daniel K. Inouye National Center for the Preservation of Democracy is a striking venue located in the Little Tokyo historic district in Los Angeles, close to the Los Angeles Convention Center and hotels. The Democracy Center includes the Tateuchi Democracy Forum and exhibition spaces.

    For more information about venue rental inquiries, please contact rentals@janm.org. Proceeds from event rentals support the Democracy Center’s exhibitions and programming.

    The Democracy Center explores the rights, freedoms, and fragility of democracy, helping to build bridges, and find common ground between people of diverse backgrounds and opinions.

    Learn More  Support