📌APIA Every Day (102) - The Heart Mountain Relocation Center, situated in Wyoming, was one of ten camps that detained Japanese Americans from California, Washington, and Oregon during World War II. Construction commenced in June 1942, with the first detainees arriving in August of the same year. At its peak, it stood as the third-largest camp in Wyoming, sprawling across 46,000 acres primarily designated for farming.

Life in Heart Mountain was characterized by harsh conditions, influenced by the dry desert environment. Hastily constructed barracks provided little protection from the elements, compelling families to fashion makeshift insulation using newspapers and rags. Moreover, guard towers and barbed wire fences bordered the camp, subjecting detainees to round-the-clock surveillance. Amidst these challenging circumstances and the push for Japanese Americans to join the military, a draft resistance movement emerged. The Fair Play Committee, composed of Nisei men, advocated for the restoration of civil rights before compliance with the military draft. This dissent resulted resistance leaders and older men to receive sentences of three to four years in the maximum-security penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas; the rest were subjected to three-year sentences in the penitentiary at McNeil Island, Washington. Among the Japanese Americans who were forcefully enlisted were members of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, one of the most decorated units in the U.S. military. Tragically, eleven soldiers from Heart Mountain lost their lives, while two were posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

Today, a few buildings still stand, including a hospital complex and administrative structures. The site also features a reconstruction of the Honor Roll memorial, paying tribute to those from the camp who served. Through these remnants and memorials, the tragic history of Heart Mountain is preserved, serving as a reminder of the injustices faced by Japanese Americans during World War II. The Heart Mountain Relocation Center was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2007.

📌APIA Every Day (101) - The Wailua Complex of Heiaus, traditionally named Wailuanui-hoano or "great, sacred Wailua," was the principal residence of Kauai’s paramount chief (ali’i nui) and a site imbued with mana and kapu due to its location of several important heiaus. The constructed heiaus and archaeological findings in the area symbolized the impressive degree of religious, political, and economic power that had evolved on Kauai. Housing several significant sites including Hikinaakala, Holoholoku, Malae, and Poliahu heiaus, a place of refuge called Hauola, ancient petroglyphs, a royal birthstone, and a bellstone, these heiaus served various social and cultural functions.

Four heiaus are commonly referenced in the Wailua Complex of Heiaus: Hikinaakala, Holoholoku, Malae, and Poliahu. Hikinaakala (the rising sun) Heiau, next to the mouth of the Wailua River, was used to welcome the sun, and traditionally, the sunrise was celebrated with chants and prayers. The Holoholoku Heiau, known as Kalaeokamanu Heiau and traditionally called Ka Lae o Ka Manu (the crest of the bird), is believed to be Kauai’s oldest heiau. Nearby is the Pohaku Ho'ohanau, the royal birthstone, and Pohaku Piko, the ceremonial place for women to deliver their child to ensure their chiefly status. Polilahu Heiau, a luakini heiau, is located on a bluff above the Wailua River; legend says that it was built by the Menehune to create large-scale projects, such as temples and fishponds. The Wailua Bellstone, a reddish basalt boulder, was used to announce important events such as royal births or the approach of chiefly or religious processions. Lastly, the Malae Heiau, near the mouth of Wailua River, is a luakini heiau and is the largest heiau remaining on the island and one of the largest surviving temple platforms in the Hawaiian Islands.

These sites, alongside others in Wailua River State Park, point towards Hawaii’s cultural, religious, economic, and political power. They played an important role in the evolution of Hawaiian culture and tradition on the island. The Wailua Complex of Heiaus was nominated as a National Historic Landmark in 1988.

📌APIA Every Day (100) - The Nepali Cultural and Spiritual Center, situated in Euless, Texas, is an upcoming project set to become a cultural hub for Nepalese immigrants and their families in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. With an estimated cost of $6 million, the project will be developed in three phases to accommodate the growing Nepali population, which now stands at around 40,000 in North Texas. Its mission is to provide a common gathering place for Nepali Hindus and Buddhists to preserve their cultural heritage, promote social and religious harmony, and practice Nepali cultural values, thereby fostering a sense of community and unity among Nepali immigrants.

The new center will feature a 15,000-square-foot community center offering various services such as medical facilities, tutoring rooms, a cafeteria, and a business incubation center. Subsequent phases will involve the construction of Hindu and Buddhist temples, meticulously designed replicas of shrines from Kathmandu, Nepal, alongside a prayer and worship hall. The final phase will focus on wedding venues for Hindu and Buddhist ceremonies.

Nepalese immigration to the U.S. has evolved over time. Historically, the community faced barriers due to restrictions on emigration from Nepal. Formal recognition of Nepali immigrants occurred in 1975, but significant increases in immigration didn't occur until factors like the Diversity Visa Program and the Nepalese Civil War, which lasted from 1996 to 2006. This violent conflict displaced many people, particularly in western Nepal, prompting more Nepalis to view immigrating to the U.S. as an option.

Despite challenges, various immigration pathways, including education visas, Temporary Protected Status, and DACA, exist for Nepali immigrants. Emerging enclaves like "mini-Nepal" in Jackson Heights, Queens, reflect the growth of the Nepali community in the U.S. Alongside centers like the Irving Nepalese Cultural Center, which has now expanded to the Euless Nepali Cultural and Spiritual Center, these institutions play a vital role in aiding integration and preserving cultural identity among Nepali immigrants in the U.S.

📌APIA Every Day (99) - The Chagui'an Massacre Site, located in Yigo, Guam, was the site of a brutal massacre in 1944, where 45 native CHamoru men were beheaded by Japanese soldiers. The victims, aged between 15 and 76, were forced to carry war supplies from the Manengon concentration camp in Yona to the Japanese command post situated at Milalak, Yigo, near Chagui’an. Often referred to as the "forgotten massacre" due to its limited awareness, the site was recently uncovered through old military documents, handwritten reports from U.S. Marines, and oral accounts by CHamoru war survivors.

The site highlights the intense suffering endured by Guam's indigenous CHamoru population during the Imperial Japanese military occupation. This massacre was part of a broader pattern of brutality inflicted upon the CHamorus underscoring the impact of World War II on the island. Efforts spearheaded by individuals such as John Blaz, chairman of the Chagui’an Massacre memorial, and Yigo Mayor Rudy Matanane, have focused on identifying the victims and facilitating their families' applications for war reparations. Moreover, family members have come forward recounting stories passed down through generations about their lost relatives.

Memorials and commemorations, such as the annual memorial Mass, serve as reminders of Guam's wartime history and honor the victims of atrocities like the Chagui'an Massacre. These events unite survivors, descendants, military personnel, and officials to pay respects and ensure that the memories of those lost are remembered. At the massacre site, a cross and 45 candles stand in memory of the CHamoru men and boys who suffered, accompanied by a sign recounting the history of the events that unfolded there.

📌APIA Every Day (98) - The "Sowing Seeds" exhibition at the Museum of Art and History (MAH) sheds light on Filipino American life, focusing on migration and labor experiences in Watsonville and the greater Pajaro Valley from the 1930s to the present day. Featuring oral histories, family heirlooms, and contemporary artworks, it offers insights into the lives of the manong and manang generation - Filipino migrants who came to the U.S. for low-wage agricultural jobs. Showcasing 52 family objects and 13 oral histories from 18 collections, the exhibition provides a look into the past while addressing present-day narratives of belonging, community formation, and memory preservation. This exhibition, running from April 12 to August 4, 2024, is the culmination of a four-year research initiative called "Watsonville is in the Heart" (WIITH), involving community members, the grassroots organization, the Tobera Project, UC Santa Cruz students, scholars, and curators.

In January 1930 in Watsonville, California, hundreds of armed white men took to the streets, targeting and beating Filipino American workers, accusing them of stealing jobs and women. The riots culminated in the death of 22-year-old Fermin Tobera, sparking further unrest across the state. Ninety years later, the city of Watsonville issued an official apology to the local Filipino community for the riots, acknowledging the violence and discrimination faced by Filipino-Americans during that time. Roy Recio, leading the Tobera Project, emphasized the importance of recognizing not only the riots but also the contributions of the Filipino community to the area's development. Community members called for further actions beyond the apology, including incorporating the history of the riots into the education system, erecting physical memorials like statues or murals, and supporting initiatives benefiting the Filipino community, such as scholarship programs - which exacerbated the need for the “Sowing Seeds” exhibition.

Additionally, eight California-based contemporary artists, including Minerva Amistoso, Binh Danh, Ant Lorenzo, Sandra Lucille, Johanna Poethig, Ruth Tabancay, Jenifer Wofford, and Connie Zheng, were invited to interpret these memories and experiences through various artistic mediums such as installation, photography, illustration, and film. The exhibition also features archival materials from 17 family collections, which have been part of the Watsonville is in the Heart Digital Archive.

"Sowing Seeds" is the continuation and preservation of Filipino histories. By commemorating the hardships and realities of Filipino communities in the 1930s, the exhibition illustrates this overlooked history of Filipino Americans in the Parajo Valley.

📌APIA Every Day (97) - Otomisan Japanese Restaurant, located in Boyle Heights, California, stands as one of the last remaining Japanese legacy businesses in the neighborhood. Established in 1956 by Mr. and Mrs. Seto as Otomi Cafe, it served as one of the earliest Japanese restaurants in the area, which was once a vibrant Japanese American enclave. Following World War II, Boyle Heights became a focal point for Japanese American settlement after the closure of incarceration camps. Despite the neighborhood's transition into a predominantly Latino community over the decades, Otomisan retained its status as a cherished establishment, offering traditional Japanese dishes such as salmon chirashi bowls and tonkatsu cutlets.

In the early 1970s, the Setos sold the restaurant to Mr. and Mrs. Seino, who renamed it Otomisan. However, in the early 2000s, Mr. Seino passed away, leading to a temporary closure of Otomisan for six months. With Mr. Seino serving as both the owner and the sole cook, his absence posed significant challenges to the business's continuation. Nonetheless, Otomisan persevered when Yayoi Watanabe, the current owner, took over in 2005. Recognizing the importance of preserving the restaurant's legacy, Watanabe convinced the widow to sell it to her. With its cozy atmosphere and authentic Japanese comfort food, Otomisan continues to attract a diverse clientele, bridging generational and cultural divides.

Despite facing various challenges, Otomisan remains as evidence of the significant Japanese American population that once thrived in the area. The property achieved Historic-Cultural Monument listing in January 2022, further solidifying its place in Boyle Heights' rich cultural heritage.

📌APIA Every Day (96) - The Poston Internment Camp, situated in La Paz County, southwestern Arizona, stands as the largest of the ten American concentration camps in terms of area, sprawling across 71,000 acres of desert. Positioned within the Colorado River Native American Reservation, its establishment was contested by the Tribal Council, who vehemently opposed repeating the injustices inflicted upon their own tribe. Despite objections, three separate camps—Roasten, Toastin, and Dustin—were erected in close proximity, reflecting the harsh desert landscape and the nearby Colorado River.

At its peak, Poston hosted over 17,000 internees, primarily from Southern California, making it the third largest "city" in Arizona at the time. Additionally, the camp held people from Arizona, Oregon, and Washington. The Salinas, Santa Anita, and Pinedale Assembly Centers in California, as well as the Mayer Assembly Center in Arizona, sent their populations to Poston. Named after Charles Debrille Poston, a figure instrumental in the establishment of the Colorado River Reservation in 1865, the camp incarcerated thousands of Japanese Americans during World War II.

Initially designated as the Parker Dam Reception Center upon partial opening on May 8, Poston served as one of two sites supplementing the temporary "assembly centers," where Japanese Americans awaited transfer to more permanent War Relocation Authority (WRA) camps. Despite the remote location, guarded by a single fence, Poston's isolation subjected those incarcerated to harsh conditions. The hurried construction and scarce resources led to horrible living conditions, exacerbated by extreme desert weather. Disease outbreaks, specifically tuberculosis, plagued the camp, intensified by inadequate medical care. Tensions simmered due to these living conditions, evident in the November 1942 incident when violence and strikes occurred.

When the camp closed in November 1945, many Japanese Americans faced continued hardship due to a lack of funds and housing, as the land reverted to the Colorado River Native American Tribes. In 1992, the Poston Memorial Monument was constructed in memory of those who were incarcerated at the camp. Spearheaded by survivors and their families, the monument stands as a reminder of the Japanese American struggle in the U.S. during World War II.

📌APIA Every Day (95) - Yen Ngoc Do was a prominent figure in the Vietnamese American community, particularly known for his contributions as the founder for Nguoi Viet Daily News, the oldest and largest Vietnamese daily publication and his role in the establishment of Little Saigon in Orange County, California. Born in Saigon in 1941, Do displayed both intellectual and leadership qualities from a young age, notably as editor of his high school newspaper during a tumultuous period of French colonialism in Vietnam's history.

Bo entered the newspaper business through an unconventional route. During the Vietnam War, he served as a combat correspondent for many publications, including Dai Dan Toc, an anti-establishment daily. His reporting helped him meet foreigners, among them an American professor who secured seats for him and his family on one of the last planes to the U.S., in April 1975, in the harrowing hours before Saigon fell. The Do family arrived at Camp Pendleton, the Marine Corps base outside of San Diego, California. They were among the first political refugees from Vietnam to arrive at a resettlement camp in 1975. At Camp Pendleton, Do continued his leadership by founding a library. Because he spoke fluent English, American military and civilian authorities who were involved in the Vietnamese resettlement endeavor began to turn to Do for guidance. The refugees relied on him to be their spokesman and advisor.

In 1978, Do founded Nguoi Viet Daily News, meaning “the Vietnamese people”, focused on informing and educating Vietnamese immigrants about life in America and events in their homeland. Starting from humble beginnings, the newspaper grew under Do's leadership into a prestigious publication with a global readership. Today, the newspaper has a daily circulation of 18,000 across the globe and in areas with large Vietnamese enclaves. In the beginning, Do sought to inform and educate his fellow refugees about the American way of life while providing accurate, timely and in-depth news about the Vietnamese homeland under communist rule.

Throughout his life, Do was dedicated to serving the Vietnamese community, providing not only news but also support and assistance to refugees and immigrants. He received numerous awards and honors for his contributions, including the Sky Dunlap Lifetime Achievement Award from the Orange County Press Club in 1999 and recognition from the Asian American Journalists Association and the Orange County Press Club. Do has also been recognized with an Ethics in Business Award from the Chamber of Commerce in the city of Westminster, home to Little Saigon

In 2005, a $30,000 Yen Do Scholarly Research Grant was launched at California State University, Fullerton, to foster faculty research into the Vietnamese and Southeast Asian communities. A year later, the $25,000 Yen Do Vietnam Fellowship was established at the University of Southern California to fund research and publication of original immigrant stories written by students following an internship at Do's paper.

Do passed away in 2006, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the Vietnamese American community and the journalism industry. More than 3,000 people attended his viewing and funeral services held over four days, with President George W. Bush and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger sending published condolences. In 2008, the Newseum located in Washington, DC, dedicated a permanent exhibit to Do and his lifelong work. Nguoi Viet continues to be a trusted news source and a symbol of the resilience and unity of the Vietnamese diaspora; in Little Saigon, this newspaper has been giving a community a voice for over 40 years. How can we continue to remember his legacy through place-based historic preservation practices?

📌APIA Every Day (94) - Leluh Ruins, a major prehistoric and culturally rich site located on Lelu Island, part of Kosrae in the Federated States of Micronesia, encompasses the remains of a city that flourished around the 14th and 15th centuries. Constructed using limestone, coral, and basalt, the city housed over 1000 people within a highly organized and hierarchical society. Ruled by chiefs with a complex governance system, including a council of elders and inherited laws, Leluh served as a significant center for trade, culture, and religion, exerting influence over neighboring islands. Primarily built from coral and basalt blocks, the city comprised housing, royal tombs, and sacred spaces, with the materials and spatial arrangements reflecting social hierarchies. Despite its prominence, the city's decline began in the mid-19th century with the arrival of whalers, traders, and missionaries.

Studies have revealed various structures within Leluh, such as tombs, religious buildings, and food storage facilities, showcasing its advanced urban planning and prosperous society before European contact. Regarded as one of Micronesia's most significant archaeological sites, Leluh Ruins offer insights into the political, economic, cultural, social, and religious aspects of its inhabitants' lives, contributing to the preservation of Micronesia's cultural heritage.

However, environmental degradation, pollution, and vandalism threaten the site's preservation, underscoring the importance of preserving Leluh Ruins which represents a part of Micronesia's rich history. Efforts are already being made by archeologists, locals, and its listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

📌APIA Every Day (93) - Sakura Square, a small plaza located on the north/east side of the intersection of 19th Street and Larimer Street in Denver, Colorado, derives its name from the Japanese word for "cherry blossom," reflecting its significance as a tranquil space amidst the bustling downtown area. The roots of Sakura Square trace back to the early 1970s when it was developed as part of a revitalization effort spearheaded by the nearby Denver Buddhist Temple. Recognizing the importance of preserving their cultural enclave, the Japanese community opted to reclaim the neighborhood in 1971, purchasing the Sakura Square block from the Denver Urban Renewal Authority. This initiative aimed to enhance the neighborhood with affordable housing, commercial establishments, and a Japanese garden paying homage to influential figures in Colorado's Japanese American history. The vision for Sakura Square materialized swiftly, with Tamai Tower constructed as its centerpiece—a twenty-story apartment complex with commercial spaces on its lower floors.

Denver's Japanese American community has deep roots, with the Buddhist Temple serving as its focal point since its establishment in 1916. The community witnessed significant growth post-World War II, particularly as Japanese Americans sought refuge in Denver to evade internment, supported by Governor Ralph Carr from 1939 to 1943. The square contains busts of Governor Carr, Minoru Yasui, a Japanese American lawyer [APIA Every Day 61], and Yoshitaka Tamai, a Buddhist priest who lived in Denver.

Since its dedication in 1973, Sakura Square has evolved, transitioning its residential units to market-rate housing in 2014. While original businesses no longer exist, Pacific Mercantile remains open in the area. Today, Sakura Square continues to represent Japanese American culture, hosting the annual Cherry Blossom Festival—a celebration attracting thousands with its showcase of traditional arts, performances, and cultural exhibits. As Denver's Japanese community flourishes and evolves, Sakura Square remains a cherished landmark, offering a vibrant cultural hub within the landscape.

📌APIA Every Day (92) - The Weaverville Joss House, constructed in 1874, stands as the oldest continuously used Chinese temple—or Joss House—in California, earning the name “The Temple among the Trees beneath the Clouds.” Originally established by Chinese gold miners amid California's 1849 gold rush, it showcases an array of artifacts including art objects, pictures, mining tools, and weaponry from the 1854 Tong War, serving as a reminder of the important role Chinese immigrants played in shaping early Californian history.

In 1983, Moon Lim Lee, the final Chinese caretaker of the Joss House and descendant of its founder in 1874, established the Weaverville Joss House Association. Alongside his wife Dorothy, they donated “The Temple of the Forest beneath the Clouds” to California State Parks in 1956, aiming to both preserve the structure and raise awareness of Chinese cultural contributions in California. Today, the association remains committed to supporting State Park efforts in preserving the temple, erected by Mr. Lee’s ancestors.

Fully preserved by 1956, the temple was designated as a state park, maintaining its original interior while reconstructing its exterior with amenities such as a visitor center, parking lot, and the Kuan Yin pool. Additionally, extensive restoration efforts were underway, including the stabilization of the temple's structure and restoration of historical objects. In 1989, a box was discovered at the visitor center containing one of the stolen Chinese Guardian Lions from the 1934 theft. Consequently, the state of California commissioned a new pair of lions crafted by traditional artisans in China, further enriching the temple’s cultural tapestry.

The Weaverville Joss House stands as a cherished relic of California's Chinese legacy, enshrining a rich cultural heritage within its walls. Through the state’s preservation efforts, this Taoist temple serves as a reminder of the contributions made by the Chinese immigrant community in California.

📌APIA Every Day (91) - Kasama, located in Chicago, Illinois, stands as the first Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant in the United States. Its name, the Tagalog word meaning "together" or "partner," symbolized the fusion of Filipino culinary traditions and French pastries, and the partnership between owners Tim Flores and Genie Kwon. Situated in the East Ukrainian Village neighborhood, near where Flores's parents first settled upon arriving in the States, Kasama opened its doors on July 29, 2020, amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these obstacles, the restaurant offered a diverse menu featuring Filipino delicacies such as kare-kare and mushroom adobo, alongside delectable pastries like croissants and ube basque cake.

Flores, with roots in Chicago and family ties to Imus, Cavite, Philippines, and Kwon, a Korean native born in New Orleans, met while working at the Bib Gourmand restaurant GT Fish & Oyster in Chicago. Their shared goal in opening Kasama was to make Filipino cuisine more accessible and relatable to a wider audience. Flores aims to elevate Filipino cuisine while staying true to its roots, dispelling stereotypes about it being cheap or overwhelming.

Kasama's recognition as the world's first Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant is seen as a significant milestone in the rise of Filipino cuisine globally. Flores and Kwon aspire to popularize Filipino food, emphasizing its ability to bring people together and provide customers with a sense of a home away from home. They hope to inspire more chefs to explore and innovate within Filipino cuisine while maintaining its authenticity.

For Flores and Kwon, the privilege of cooking for others is a source of joy and fulfillment, especially when they witness the emotional impact their food has on their patrons. They view their work as a way to honor their heritage and give back to their community, hoping to leave a lasting impression on the culinary world. Kasama was nominated by the James Beard Foundation as the Best New Restaurant in 2022.

📌APIA Every Day (90) -The Lung House, in Austin, Texas, holds historical significance as the residence of the Lung family from 1917 to 1960. The Lungs were among the first Chinese families to settle in Austin, representing the broader Chinese immigrant experience in Texas during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Joe Lung arrived in Texas around 1874 when he was 10 years old. He and his brother initially worked on the Houston & Texas Central Railway before transitioning to jobs in the laundry and restaurant industries. Joe Lung married Dora Wong in 1889, and they eventually had six sons and three daughters together. The Lung family played a pivotal role in Austin's restaurant scene. Joe's brother, Fong, started a restaurant in Austin in 1897, and Joe and his sons later worked there. Joe Lung Café, possibly operated by Joe himself, became a prominent establishment in early 20th-century Austin, known for its American dining staples.

In 1917, Joe Lung purchased the house at 1605 Canterbury, which served as the family's primary residence for decades. The house became a hub for community support, as Joe Lung provided financial assistance to minority members of the community, including Chinese, African Americans, and Hispanics. After Joe Lung's passing in 1926, his wife Dora and their children continued to operate Joe Lung Café, later renamed Lung's Chinese Kitchen. Under Sam Lung's guidance, the restaurant transitioned to serving authentic Chinese cuisine, becoming the first of its kind in Austin. This shift reflected changing attitudes towards the Chinese in America and evolving culinary preferences. Lung's Chinese Kitchen operated until 1974, leaving a lasting legacy in Austin's restaurant history. The Lung family's culinary tradition continued with the founding of Lung's Cocina del Sur, a popular Mexican food restaurant by Joe and Dora's grandson, Jimmie Joe.

Today, the Lung House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its significance in ethnic history, symbolizing the success and resilience of the Lung family and the broader Chinese immigrant community in Austin.

📌APIA Every Day (89) -The Stockton Sikh Gurdwara, established in 1912, is the first Sikh house of worship in the United States. Initially founded by the Pacific Coast Khalsa Diwan Society, it quickly became a focal point for religious, social, and political activities among South Asian immigrants. Spearheaded by figures like Jawala Singh and Wasakha Singh, the Gurdwara's origins trace back to a ranch near Stockton, where Punjabi Sikh farmers gathered to pray with the Guru Granth Sahib.

Jawala Singh's involvement in the Gadar Party, a revolutionary movement seeking to end British rule in India, further cemented the Gurdwara's significance. It served as a key supporter of the Ghadar Party, funding initiatives like the first Punjabi-language newspaper in the US, "The Ghadar." Over time, the Gurdwara evolved into a vital hub for Sikh, Muslim, Hindu, and Catholic communities, offering not only religious services but also educational scholarships and advocacy for Indian and Asian citizenship rights. Throughout its history, the Stockton Gurdwara remained committed to education, establishing scholarships and supporting initiatives like the Guru Nanak Khalsa Hostel at UC Berkeley. It nurtured leaders such as Dalip Singh Saund, who made history as the first Asian American, Indian American, and Sikh American to serve in the US House of Representatives.

Today, the Stockton Gurdwara symbolizes the heritage and profound contributions of Sikh Americans, serving as a historical landmark that embodies the Sikh community in the United States.

📌APIA Every Day (88) - Kalaupapa National Historical Park, located on the island of Molokaʻi, Hawaiʻi, was established in 1980 to safeguard the cultural and physical legacies of two leper colonies that functioned from 1866 to 1969 in the Kalaupapa peninsula. In 1865, as a response to the spread of leprosy, the Hawaiian government implemented laws to segregate individuals with the disease. Native Hawaiians were forcibly displaced from Kalaupapa to make room for the isolation settlement, leading to the rupture of cultural bonds and family connections, profoundly impacting Hawaiian society as their ties to the land were severed. The settlements, initially established in Kalawao and later expanded to Kalaupapa, were overseen by the Board of Health.

Following the enactment of the laws, the government acquired lands and relocated Hawaiian residents, severing their longstanding ties to the land. Consequently, the village of Kalawao on the secluded Kalaupapa Peninsula became the residence for thousands of leprosy victims relocated from across the Hawaiian Islands. In January 1866, the first group of nine men and three women were dropped off at the mouth of Waikolu Valley, the nearest accessible point to Kalawao on the southeast side of the peninsula. By October of the same year, 101 men and 41 women had been left to perish at Kalawao.

Initially, the government expected these patients to inhabit the houses vacated by the Hawaiians and sustain themselves by tending crops. However, it soon became evident that most patients were too debilitated or disheartened to be self-sufficient. Notable figures such as Father Damien and Mother Marianne Cope played significant roles in caring for the residents of Kalaupapa. Father Damien, a Belgian missionary, served from 1873 until his death in 1889, while Mother Marianne Cope, a nun from New York, led medical efforts on the island until her death in 1918. Their endeavors, along with those of other caregivers, contributed to improving conditions for those afflicted with leprosy. Despite the challenges faced by the residents, including the stigma associated with leprosy, the disease became curable in the 1940s with the introduction of antibiotics. Quarantine laws were subsequently abolished in 1969.

Former patients have chosen to remain on the island, preserving the settlement's history. Moreover, younger generations of Hawaiians have made efforts to commemorate the displaced Hawaiian people who once inhabited the island for centuries before they were compelled to leave. Access to Kalaupapa is restricted to residents and visitors with approved permits, according to the National Park Service website.

📌APIA Every Day (87) - Shofuso, also known as Pine Breeze Villa, is a traditional Shoin-zukuri Japanese house with a teahouse and Japanese garden situated in Philadelphia’s West Fairmount Park. Initially named the Japanese Exhibition House, it was designed by Japanese architect Junzo Yoshimura as part of a series of model homes in the sculpture garden at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City. Constructed in 1953, a mere eight years after Japan's surrender in World War II, Shofuso stood as a goodwill gesture from the Japanese people through The America-Japan Society to the United States. The house was relocated to Philadelphia in in 1957. A year later, the garden was redesigned by Japanese landscape designer Tansai Sano to compliment the new structure in the style of a 17th century viewing garden, and Shofuso opened to the public on October 19, 1958.

Since the 1970s, Shofuso has endured both natural deterioration and vandalism in Philadelphia. Fortunately, the American Bicentennial in 1976 provided an opportunity for a much-needed restoration of the house. Owned by the City of Philadelphia, the Friends of the Japanese House and Garden nonprofit was established in 1982 to care for it. These restoration efforts, including replacing the hinoki bark roof and receiving mural donations from artist Hiroshi Senju, have played a crucial role in preserving Shofuso's unique heritage.

The house has always been well-received by the American public, both in New York and Philadelphia. It was recognized as the third-ranked Japanese garden in North America in 2016 and listed on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places in 2013. Today, it continues its original intent of introducing Japanese architecture and culture to the United States. Shofuso’s uniqueness as an example of the Shoin-zukuri Japanese architectural style in this country, as well as its reflection of and impact on American culture, make it a nationally significant structure.

📌APIA Every Day (86) - The L&L Building, situated in Billings, Montana, was owned by Sam Lee, a Chinese immigrant who achieved success as a businessman in the area. The building was named L&L, Lee & Lee, after Sam and his brother Yee. Together, the brothers ran a Chinese dry goods store, restaurant, and lodging house within the premises. Over time, the ground floor housed saloons, liquor stores, and various other businesses. By the 1930s, the building lay vacant and later housed the notorious Arcade Bar until the early 1990s when it was shut down by the City of Billings.

Following the completion of the Northern Pacific Railroad in 1887, which resulted in the dismissal of numerous Chinese workers, and the railroads' preference for cheaper Japanese labor, Chinese immigrants in Billings turned to entrepreneurship. They established businesses such as restaurants and laundries, primarily concentrated along Minnesota Avenue, especially within Block 189, later known as China Alley. Life in China Alley was characterized by close-knit living quarters, with the Chinese community largely isolating themselves while preserving their customs, food, culture, and religion. Over time, as Billings expanded, so did the Chinese community within China Alley. By 1903, the community began to solidify, with the construction of twelve more buildings in the China Alley block, later hosting half of Billings' Chinese-owned businesses located there.

The L&L Building holds significance for its association with Chinese businesses within it and the broader history of the Chinese in Billings, as well as throughout Montana. It stands as one of only two surviving buildings on China Alley. The building remained vacant and deteriorated until it was purchased in 2003 and rehabilitated between 2004 and 2006 by High Plains Architects of Billings, who conducted a comprehensive certified historic tax credit rehabilitation to restore the original design elements and preserve the historic character of the building.

The building was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places on December 19, 2008. As one of the last physical places of Billings' Chinese community residing in the area still standing, the L&L building embodies the historical and architectural histories of the city’s earliest years.

📌APIA Every Day (85) - In 1939, the Dong family, facing racial housing discrimination, received help from Emma and Gus Thompson, an African American couple in Coronado, California. Lloyd Dong Sr., the patriarch, worked tirelessly as a gardener for wealthy Coronado residents, desiring to live in the area despite facing anti-Asian racism stemming from the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act, which influenced housing policies. These policies included clauses, known as racial restrictive covenants, that prohibited certain races and religious groups from buying homes or residing in specific neighborhoods.

Due to these restrictions, finding housing was difficult. However, they were offered housing by one individual: Gus Thompson. Thompson, born into slavery in Cadiz, Kentucky sometime between 1859 and 1862, later moved to Coronado and worked for E.S. Babcock, an industrialist who founded the Hotel del Coronado. He built a stable next to their house with an upstairs boarding house for Black people who needed a place to stay in Coronado. Eventually, the Thompsons rented their house to the Dongs after moving to San Diego.

In 1955, the Dongs purchased the house from the Thompsons, becoming the first Chinese American family to own property in Coronado. Throughout the years, they maintained the properties but decided it was time to sell. The Dong family planned to donate $5 million of the property’s proceeds to support Black college students, as a gesture of gratitude for the Thompsons' assistance. The generosity displayed by the Thompson family, reciprocated by the Dong family’s contribution to San Diego State University’s Black Resource Center, sheds light on the relationships between the African American and Asian American communities during times of heightened racism.

📌APIA Every Day (84) - The Filipino Christian Church, located in Los Angeles, California, was established in 1950. Initially, it consisted of a group of young Filipino male students enrolled at the California Christian College, who founded the group in 1928 under the name "Filipino Christian Fellowship." They were the first religious group formed for the earliest Filipino immigrants. In 1933, the Fellowship reorganized as a formal church, relocating from place to place, including Little Manila, Bunker Hill, and Temple-Figueroa, due to city redevelopment projects that demolished various neighborhoods in L.A. The church finally acquired the former Union Avenue M.S. Church in the Temple-Beverly corridor as its permanent location. The establishment of this church led other Filipino organizations and institutions to relocate to the area, now known as Historic Filipinotown.

The Filipino Christian Church served various purposes, becoming a receiving ground of sorts. For those without a place to stay, it became a temporary home until permanent housing arrangements could be made. Additionally, it served as a place for newly arriving Filipinos to congregate and socialize with other Filipino residents.

Since its construction, the Filipino Christian Church has played a vital role in the civic and cultural advancement of the Filipino community in Los Angeles. It was the birthplace of the earliest Filipino American organizations in the U.S., such as the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles. It also established the local chapter of the Filipino American National Historical Society and served as a place to gather and learn for the Filipino Cultural School.

The Filipino Christian Church became a safe haven for Filipinos arriving and residing in the Los Angeles area. It acted as a social and community hub to uplift the Filipino American community and provide safety during times when the Filipino community faced racism from local LA residents. The church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2019.

📌APIA Every Day (83) - The Jerome Relocation Center, located in Drew County, Arkansas, was the last of the 10 Japanese incarceration camps to open and the first to close. Operating from October 6, 1942, until June 20, 1944, it reached its peak population at nearly 8,500. The majority of the Japanese imprisoned had previously resided in Los Angeles, Fresno, Sacramento, and Hawai’i, with 66% being American citizens.

Situated eight miles south of the small farming town of Dermott in Chicot County, the camp was connected by rail to the Rohwer Relocation Center in Desha County via the Missouri Pacific Railway system. The entire Jerome site encompassed 10,054 acres situated between the Big and Crooked Bayous. Residential buildings lacked plumbing or running water and relied on wood stoves for heating during the winter months. The camp was partially surrounded by barbed wire or heavily wooded areas, with guard towers strategically placed and manned by a small contingent of military personnel.

Due to its small size, incarcerated Japanese Americans lived in dense quarters, leading to an influenza outbreak in January 1944. Tensions rose due to disputes with administration over working conditions, exacerbated by the death of an inmate in an on-the-job accident. From November 1942 to October 1943, incarcerated Japanese Americans went on strike multiple times.

Jerome was the first of the ten relocation camps to close, later serving as a German prisoner-of-war camp until the end of World War II. Today, only a granite monument remains at the former site of the Jerome concentration camp. An internment camp museum opened in McGehee, Desha County, in 2013, and the camp was listed on the Arkansas Register of Historic Places on August 10, 2010. While little physical evidence of the camp remains, the struggles and difficulties faced by the Japanese at the Jerome incarceration camp are remembered.