New Multicultural Community Center Opens in East Portland Exemplary Civil Rights Activist Minori Yasui to be Honored with Namesake Award

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Interview/media requests please contact: Luann Algoso, Community Engagement Manager
luann@apano.org | 971-340-4861



New Multicultural Community Center Opens in East Portland Exemplary Civil Rights Activist Minori Yasui to be Honored with Namesake Award

Portland, Ore. -- On Thursday May 7th, the Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO) will host the grand opening of the new APANO/Jade Community Space on 82nd and SE Division in the old 8,500 square foot discount furniture store across from PCC Southeast Campus.

After several years of multicultural organizing and an intensive multilingual visioning process, neighborhood leaders have secured a lease of up to two years from Metro Regional Government to operate the space to serve the community. The APANO/Jade Community Space located on the Southwest corner of 82nd and SE Division will be available for events, forums, art, and is envisioned to host several performing groups.

APANO’s annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration - Voices of Change - will mark the grand opening on Thursday May 7th, doors open at 6:00 PM. Performing artists including the new taiko ensemble Unit Souzu and Nepalese folk group Mandah headline an evening alongside keynote speaker Lisa Hasegawa. Ms. Hasegawa is Executive Director of the National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development and will speak to the growing housing needs of our communities and strategies for racial equity. Ms Hasegawa is former staff for the White House Initiative on Asian and Pacific Islanders.

APANO is also honored to announce the new Minori Yasui Voices of Change Award, recognizing people who have promoted civil liberties for all Americans through courageous leadership, activism and advocacy. Minoru Yasui, who has roots in Oregon, was most well-known for his courageous stand against military orders that resulted in the forced removal and imprisonment of over 110,000 persons of Japanese ancestry during World War II, but his entire life was committed to the defense of human and civil rights, and justice for all. Mr. Yasui, who passed away in 1986, will be the inaugural recipient. His brother, Homer Yasui. and wife Mike, will be present for the ceremonial awarding.

For more details please contact Luann@apano.org or visit www.apano.org