On May 11, 2024 Turning the Page attended the Library of Congress Family Day celebrating AAPI Heritage Month. TTP staff and a family in the TTP community attended the event and had a great time exploring the Library’s activities for Family Day and the featured talk by author, actor, and activist George Takei about his new book, My Lost Freedom.
Takei spoke about his experiences as a five year old Japanese-American in the time of internment camps during WWII as a result of anti-Japanese sentiment in the US following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. As he recalled memories from his childhood in the camps, Takei discussed his relationship with his family, the United States, and his confusing experiences as an imprisoned child.
Overall, Takei’s talk prominently featured themes relating to the importance of family, resilience, and identity. The TTP attendees enjoyed the talk and plan to attend more similar events held by the Library of Congress in the future!