The Japanese American National Museum Hosts Celebration of Life for Board of Trustees Chair Norman Y. Mineta

LOS ANGELES, CA – The Japanese American National Museum (JANM) will host a celebration of life for Norman Y. Mineta, the chair of the board of trustees at JANM, on Saturday, June 25 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. PDT. Secretary Mineta passed away on Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at his home in Edgewater, Maryland.

JANM valued Secretary Mineta for his leadership and the wealth of contributions he made to the advancement of equality, justice, and liberty for all. The Museum honors his exceptional life and legacy and his deep, abiding commitment to our community and to building a just future for coming generations. All are welcome to attend the Celebration of Life either in person or online. JANM will be open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. PDT on that day and admission will be free.

“We are proud to host Norm’s celebration of life on our campus. He dedicated his life to ensuring that our democratic ideals are upheld and because he understood all too well what can happen in their absence. His advocacy and personal experiences empowered JANM, the Asian American community, and communities across the country to take a strong stand against prejudice, discrimination and divisiveness. His light lives on in all of us,” said Ann Burroughs, President and CEO of JANM.

RSVP online to attend the event in person or watch the livestream. In-person seating is limited and will be granted on a first come, first serve basis with RSVP. JANM encourages guests to arrive early to allow for parking and seating. Seating will begin at 9:45 a.m. Overflow seating for the viewing of the livestream will be available in the Tateuchi Democracy Forum.

Nearby public parking is available at Japanese Village Plaza and the Aiso Street Parking Garage. Carpooling is strongly recommended.

Please read JANM’s full statement for more information about Norm’s legacy and passing. Please share any memories or messages about him through the Mineta Legacy Project for the Mineta family to read.

“Norm inspired the Japanese American community, the nation, and the world. He was a force of positive and progressive change. He also saw the good in everyone. We look forward to reading the messages and reflections about him,“ said his wife, Danealia Mineta.

In lieu of flowers, the Mineta family invites members of the public to honor Norm’s memory with a contribution to the following organizations that held a special place in his heart.

JANM promotes understanding and appreciation of America’s diversity through the Japanese American experience where he was the chair of the board of trustees.

The Mineta Legacy Project produced the documentary film Norman Mineta and His Legacy: An American Story and continues to use the film and curriculum to educate students about his life and contributions.

The Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation preserves and educates about the World War II confinement site where he was honorary co-chair of the advisory council.

The Mineta Transportation Institute increases mobility for all in the nation’s transportation system through safety, efficiency, convenience and accessibility, where he was the founder.

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About the Japanese American National Museum (JANM)

Established in 1985, JANM promotes understanding and appreciation of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Japanese American experience. Located in the historic Little Tokyo district of downtown Los Angeles, JANM is a hybrid institution that straddles traditional museum categories and strives to provide a voice for Japanese Americans as well as a forum that enables all people to explore their own heritage and culture. Since opening to the public in 1992, JANM has presented over 70 exhibitions onsite while traveling 17 exhibits to venues such as the Smithsonian Institution and the Ellis Island Museum in the United States, and to several leading cultural museums in Japan and South America. For more information, visit janm.org or follow us on social media @jamuseum.