As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its restrictions, many older Asian adults in Colorado are experiencing rising levels of isolation and loneliness. Their health is also at high risk, some do not speak English, have low incomes and are unable to drive. In addition, many of them are especially vulnerable to depression [...]
I identify with many terms; Denver native, sansei-han, shin-sansei, yonsei, and mixed-race, but I ultimately consider myself to be Japanese American (JA). The family of my sansei father, Gary Tsutsui, was from Terminal Island and Monterey Bay. They were incarcerated at Tule Lake where my grandfather joined the Military Intelligence Service. My mother, Candice Tsutsui, [...]
Asians* Unmasked, a project of Asians* in Focus, is currently accepting Round II photos submissions from the public. The online project shares the stories that reflect the wide diversity among Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islanders using photos and short narratives. The necessity of this endeavor grew from the rise in anti-Asian American sentiment and [...]
We are pleased to introduce our newest Sakura Foundation Board Members: Sarah Harrison and Cathy Ishida. Their professionalism, wealth of experience and committment to the Japanese and Japanese American community will enhance the work of our dedicated Board of Directors. Cathy Ishida has lived in the Denver-metro area since 2005. Colorado’s array of Japan and [...]
Sakura Foundation congratulates Board Member DJ Ida, PhD: She is a 2020 honoree along with 9 other individuals and organizations for the Mayor’s Diversity and Inclusion Award, given annually since 2014 to those who make significant contributions to the Denver community. “The Denver AAPI Commission nominates Dr. DJ Ida for the 2020 Mayor’s Diversity and [...]
Sakura Square Redevelopment Update from Gary Yamashita - Executive Director of Sakura Foundation We are embarking on an exciting opportunity in the life of Sakura Square. You may have heard that we are in the beginning stages of a much-needed redevelopment of the block between Larimer and Lawrence, and 19th and 20th Streets. As the [...]
February 8, 2020 seems like a lifetime ago – it was the date of our last in-person event! We were fortunate to feature noted genealogist Linda Harms Okazaki in a sold-out seminar at the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library. We know everyone could use some good news now, so we are happy to share information [...]
Artwork by Kalaya’an Mendoza Sakura Foundation stands with the Black community and raises its voice in support of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. We collectively grieve the loss of life, hardship and discrimination that has been occurring disproportionately in the Black community for centuries. We know all too well the damage that is done when history and [...]
Born and raised here in Colorado, I identify as Hapa and my Japanese roots run on my mother’s side. We have a deep familial connection to this place and these ties allowed my Grandfather and his family to voluntarily migrate from California to the San Luis Valley during the mass incarcerations of WWII when he [...]
The Mirai Generations Leadership Program has wrapped up another successful year with the intelligent, compassionate and personable 2020 participants: Eric Berve, Jessica Harville, Sachi Ishida and Alex Monson. Despite meeting via Zoom instead of in person and having to delay our final celebration with the community, the program thrived as a result of the flexibility [...]
