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Ground Zero for Asian American Youths
35 years ago 3 young community activitist, Steve
Nakajo, Ron and Kenny Kanzaki saw the changes taking place in Jtown,
a new trade center was being built, families and businesses were being
diplaced. The Jtown they knew was being demolished. They knew something
needed to be done...
The first Nihonmachi Street Fair
on May 19, 1973, was a meeting ground for Asian American youths. The
anti-establishment movement, Malcom X's birthday celebration, and
the sprouting seeds of a revolution filled the air. Asian activists
along with their community minded family and friends took to the streets
of Jtown, bringing purpose to the first Nihonmachi Street Fair. A
Fair unlike any other...organized and run by Asian Pacific American
youths.
With only four organization booths and headline entertainment featuring
the world renowned San Francisco Taiko Dojo, Lady Red,
Approaching Storm, and Azteca. It drew an unexpected
number of people - diverse like the city and from every age group.
Today, JapanTown as well as other Asian /Pacific
American communities continue to face changes. Our voices may be heard,
but we're still struggling with some of the same issues that faced
our communities 35 years ago.
Supporting and getting involved with community nonprofit organizations
is even more crucial today.
Bringing
together our community groups, Asian artisans, local musical/cultural
performers and together celbrate our cultures but more importantly
enables us to share and educate others about our diversity.
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Funded in part by
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©2008
Nihonmachi Street Fair, Inc. All rights reserved. |
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