On February 19, 1942, President Franklin Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066, in response to the bombing of Pearl Harbor. This order resulted in 125,284 Japanese Americans - over 77,000 of whom were U.S. Citizens - being forcibly removed from their homes and incarcerated in concentration camps for over five years without due process because they were labeled as “enemy threats.”

Within ten days, Japanese Americans lost their homes, careers, businesses, farms, personal belongings, and were expelled from schools. Societal racism directly contributed to the fate of Japanese Americans before World War II, and their experiences and choices afterwards. In 1984, the U.S. government, through President Ronald Reagan, officially apologized and gave reparations to surviving internees.

Examine the historical contexts and motivations behind the Japanese American incarceration and also current actions affecting marginalized communities. In what ways can fear, political rhetoric,

and prejudice influence government actions? Reflect on how these factors have or could impact you or your community.

DESCRIPTION
Minimum of 1000 words, not to exceed 1200 words.

ELIGIBILITY
Any Wisconsin high school student enrolled during the 2025 school year.

PRIZE
Awards of $1000 will be given to a winning student.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS
Submissions will be accepted February 19-March 30, 2025.
Deadline: Midnight CST on the night of March 30, 2025

TO SUBMIT YOUR ESSAY
www.bit.ly/suyama

QUESTIONS?
Send questions to: wijaclessaycontest@gmail.com

PRINTABLE PDF
Click on the poster image or here for a printable pdf.

SPONSORS
Japanese American Citizens League - Wisconsin Chapter
Japanese American Citizens League Legacy Fund Grant

Bill Suyama was a long-time, dedicated member of the Wisconsin Chapter of the JACL. We honor the service of Bill, his late parents and whole family with the naming of this essay contest, which encourages the next generation to consider history and the lives of others around them.