ABE AF: The Brain Behind the Beret Online

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With over 500 photographs on display, this multimedia exhibit includes only a fraction of Abraham Ferrer’s immense contributions to Visual Communications and his documentation of Los Angeles history. Abe is a living legend whose work has been quietly woven into the very fabric of the Asian Pacific American community he has served so tirelessly. The creator of a significant portion of VC’s Photographic Archive, Abe’s work captures numerous cultural and community events that provide a blueprint to understanding the larger stories contained in Visual Communications’ own history of documenting the Asian American and Pacific Islander story. Abe AF: The Brain Behind the Beret offers a glimpse into the mind and vision of Abe Ferrer—a storyteller whose work has captured the heart of a movement and whose legacy continues to shape and inspire generations. Through this collection of photographs, interviews, film clips, and even Abe’s own short film “Tough Talk” from VC’s Filmmaker Development Program, visitors will experience not only Abe’s remarkable artistic contributions, but also his deep commitment to documenting and uplifting communities through the power of visual storytelling. This collection, like its namesake, contains dozens upon dozens of stories, reiterating the bold spirit of Abe Ferrer.

This interactive, digital gallery features the entirety of the exhibit's photos carefully curated by Abe, taken by the photographer himself during his 40+ year career. Each photo is accompanied by a description written by Abe using his unique voice—not only providing context to his work but also candid, outspoken takes on his subjects.

Digital Gallery

This is ABE AF.

Documenting Change

How to navigate:Tap on a photo to enlarge and learn more!

Attuned to motions of social justice as an artist-activist and Los Angeles native for over 40 years, Abe’s work showcases pivotal points of protest, community organizing, and the humans at the heart of these moments now marked in history. As times have changed, his photographs have captured the emotions and spirit of movements defining experiences among L.A.’s AANHPI community and beyond.

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Visual Communications

Joining the Visual Communications community in the early 1980’s, Abe has been involved throughout countless chapters and transitions in the organization’s history. Bearing witness to moments big and small—from everyday office life to crew filming behind the scenes—Abe’s work memorializes the movers and shakers that have made VC into what it is today.

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Community in Focus

Capturing times of celebration, struggle, unity, and growth, Abe’s photography reflects the myriad of experiences faced by L.A.’s communities throughout the years. His snapshots of events such as the annual ChiliVisions fundraiser and UCLA’s Pilipino Cultural Nights highlight cross-cultural solidarity as well as inter- and intra-community care—contributing to a nuanced portrait of the city and cultures that call it home.

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40 Years of Abe AF

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Abe AF Cubes Exhibit

Shot by Abe, these portraits of VC's 1989 Board of Directors, for the first time, spotlight key personnel through an artistic and intimate lens only possible with the tightknit relationship he cultivated by years of dedication to the organization and its mission.

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June Kuramoto with California Dialogue II Panelists, December 13, 1987

Musician June Okida Kuramoto participates in a post-lunchtime panel as part of "California Dialogue II," organized by the California Arts Council and held at St. Vincent's Hospital in Los Angeles' Westlake District.

Panelists Rodney Kageyama & Kim Miyori Speaking at VC's 1987 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, April 5, 1987

At the 1987 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, actors Rodney Kageyama and Kim Miyori participate on a panel foregrounding the challenges Asian American actors face while forging a career in the mainstream entertainment industry.

Nisei Week Queen's Court at Queen's Tea, July 26, 1987

Members of the 1987 Nisei Week Queen's Court are introduced as part of the annual Queen's Tea on the Noguchi Plaza of the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center in Los Angeles Little Tokyo.

Kyoko Takenaka Performs at Democracy Forum, May 5, 2019

Multi-instrumentalist Kyoko Takenaka performs an alternate music track to Troi Pang's MOCHI MONSTER as part of an evening of reworked screenings of Visual Communications' filmed classics at the Democracy Forum in Little Tokyo.

Little Tokyo Elders Campaign Against KEIRO, March 20, 2021

Little Tokyo elders bring the anger and the energy of the "Save Our Seniors" campaign against KEIRO to the nation's oldest Japanese American enclave in a rally and march to bring attention to the forced eviction of Nikkei elders in the face of proposed destruction of the campus' acute care center by its new owners.

A massive crowd of protesters descend upon Los Angeles City Hall to demonstrate against New York grifter Donald Trump's improbable election as the 45th President of the United States.

Protestors at City Hall Demonstrate Against Donald Trump's Election, November 9, 2016

In the middle of fraught times in mainstream America, a liquor store owner in Los Angeles' Silverlake neighborhood posts a sign at the cash register clarifying his ethnicity for his customers.

Liquor Store in Silverlake, May 29, 2016

UCLA Student Gemma Nierva Performing at Filipio Cultural Night, February 20, 1987

UCLA student Gemma Nierva is the latest in a long line of "singkil princesses" to navigate the diffficult dance performance that is the centerpiece of the "muslim suite," a highlight of the annual UCLA Filipino Cultural Night. Here, Nierva glides over a series of synchronized bamboo poles, attended to by Elaine Bautista, herself a future princess in a future PCN.

Kunihara Yoshida Creates a Mural for "Delicious Little Tokyo," July 21, 2018

Calligrapher and Little Tokyo arts institution Kunihara Yoshida creates a special mural-sized calligraphic creation on the JANM Central Plaza during "Delicious Little Tokyo" activities that also celebrate the neighborhood's iconic First Street North.

Visual Communications boardmember and executive director of Gardena Japanese Cultural Institute, William "Wimp" Hiroto.

Portrait of William Hiroto, January 1989

VC staff member Susan Soohoo is seemingly trapped in a work of environmental art during a staff outing to the newly-opened Broad Art Museum in downtown Los Angeles.

Susan Soohoo at Broad Art Museum, January 14, 2016

VCers Kennedy Kabasares, Jean Ho, and Jeff Liu pose in front of a politically-charged mural adorning the north wall of the Museum of Contemporary Arts' Geffen Contemporary, MOCA's Little Tokyo annex.

VCers at MOCA Mural, December 8, 2010

Regional Meeting of Statewide Asian Pacific Student Union at Cal State LA, February 14, 1988

As Christina Ku and Arlene de Vera listen in, Rudy Rullan makes his opinions known during a Southern California regional meeting of the statewide Asian Pacific Student Union at California State University, Los Angeles.

The Red Aunts Band Performs at JANM, July 15, 1996

Indie punk/garage band Red Aunts wows the at-capacity crowd on Central Avenue as part of the Japanese American National Museum's concert organized by Giant Robot magazine.

Toddlers Play at Children’s Day, May 4, 1986

A couple of toddlers play with one another on the JACCC's Noguchi Plaza during a break in festivities at Kodomo no hi (Childrens' Day).

Rondalla Group Performs During Community Festival, November 1988

A multi-generational rondalla group organized by Filipino American Services Group, Inc. is introduced to audiences during an all-day community festival in Los Angeles' Historic Filipinotown.

UCLA Nikkei Student Union Rally for Redress, August 1987

A contingent of students from UCLA's Nikkei Student Union rally with the larger Japanese American community as the fight for monetary redress for Japanese Americans incarcerated during WWII heats up in the halls of Congress and in communities nationwide.

Visual Communications' "America's Concentration Camps," presented at Japanese American Cultural & Community Center's Noguchi Plaza, August 9, 1987

During the Nisei Week Japanese Festival, visitors to the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center's Noguchi Plaza are greets by "America's Concentration Camps," Visual Communications' in-your-face "cubes exhibit" featuring stark images and pull-quotes detailing the Japanese American relocation and incarceration experience during WWII.

Screening of "At First Site" at JANM Democracy Forum, August 15, 2019

Pictures At An Exhibition: The crowd that gathered at JANM's Democracy Forum for Visual Communications' summer interns screening "At First Site" are framed in a decidedly artistic fashion, as seen in this photo made from the outdoor plaza.

Kevin Nguyen, Farrah Su, and Josaen Ronquillo at Visual Communications’ Halloween party, October 20, 2018

Kevin Nguyen, Farrah Su, and Josaen Ronquillo test out the new creation, carved out of a miniature pumpkin, during a large Halloween gathering organized by VCer Dorothy Xiao.

Demonstrator at the "Love Our Communities" at JANM's Central Plaza as a Resistance Against Anti-Asian Hate, March 13, 2021

A demonstrator is caught in prayer during a large event, "Love Our Communities," on JANM's Central Plaza that sought to address waves of violence and hate as the COVID pandemic rages on and the aftermath of the Donald Trump dictatorship proves painfully slow to recede.

Visual Communications staffmember Kennedy Kabasares prepares to release a gaggle of balloons at Venice Beach during a midday picnic to celebrate the live and impact of former VC Executive Director Linda Mabalot.

Kennedy Kabasares at Linda Mabalot Celebration, May 21, 2010

Grant Sunoo at the Terasaki Budokan, March 12, 2022

Nearly four decades after supporting a capital campaign for JANM, Grant Sunoo has stayed connected in the Asian Pacific American community. Currently the Director of Planning for the Little Tokyo Service Center, Grant is pictured fronting a "wall of founders" of the Terasaki Budokan, an LTSC project that opened to the public in March 2022.

St. Francis Xavier Japanese Catholic Center, June 21, 1987

The Maryknoll School (now St. Francis Xavier Japanese Catholic Center) was established in 1912 to serve the burgeoning Japanese American community, and remains to this day, 112 year later, even as the east end of Los Angeles Little Tokyo transformed into a loft-centric neighborhoodd dubbed "the Arts District."

Stephen Gong, Hayasaka, & Joan Morisaki at a VC Staff Retreat, June, 1986

Visual Communications boardmember Stephen Gong listens attentively to a presentation at a combined board and staff working retreat, as Dean Hayasaka and Joan Morisaki listen along.

Debbie Higa Plays a Practice Game, June 20, 1988

Tennis professional Debbie Higa returns a serve during a practice session in a local tennis court.

Jack Kuramoto Promoting VC's "Asian American Chilivisions" Fundraiser, August 17, 1986

Visual Communications volunteer Jack Kuramoto dons a home-made chili costume to hand out flyers throughout Little Tokyo announcing the first annual "Asian American ChiliVisions" VC fundraiser during the annual Nisei Week Japanese Festival's closing weekend.

At a conversation following a retrospective screening of the landmark SAVING FACE at the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy, director/screenwriter Alice Wu (second from left) and actors Lynn Chen and Michelle Krusiec listen in as producer Teddy Zee recounts his role in the making of the film.

Screeing of SAVING FACE at National Center for the Preservation of Democracy, November 12, 2014

First Impressions: Hong Kong's historic Nathan Road is crowded, busy, and a virtual wall of concrete, with apartment buildings competing for airspace and banners and signboards forming a wall of color whenever one looks up trying to locate the sky.

Nathan Road Banners, October 11, 2007

On a break serving as a grants panel members for the National Endowment for the Arts, the photographer gazes upon the Reflective Pool, the landmark separating the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument — key highlights of Washington DC's National Mall.

National Mall, November 7, 2006

Memorial Service of Eddie Lee During LA Riots, May 2, 1992

Family and friends of slain teenager Eddie Lee march through the streets of midtown Los Angeles to conclude a memorial service days after Los Angeles erupted into violence following the "not-guilty" verdicts in the police abuse trials of five LAPD officers in the beating of African American motorist Rodney King.

Margarita Verde at The Archives Bazaar, October 28, 20233

Margarita Verde chats up a visitor to the Visual Communications info table during the 18th edition of the Los Angeles Archives Bazaar at USC's Doheny Memorial Library. The Archives Bazaar, a core event of LAasSubject, brings together a wide range of community and institution-based organizations that gather and share collections of vital importance to the greater Los Angeles community.

A cute Hello Kitty is prominently displayed in a glass case as part of the Japanese American National Museum's exhibition "Hello! Exploring the Supercute World of Hello Kitty" in Los Angeles Little Tokyo.

Hello Kitty at JANM Exhibit, December 11, 2014

Evelyn Yoshimura, Dan Kuramoto, and Carrie Morita at the late Alan Nishio’s memorial service, February 10, 2024

At a memorial service honoring the late Alan Nishio, Evelyn Yoshimura, Dan Kuramoto, Carrie Morita, and friends pse with a cubes-style display of images illustrating Alan and his impact on the Asian American Movement, at the recently-opened Terasaki Budokan.

Rockett Dylan Wong hides out during a memorial service for recently-deceased activist Yuri Kochiyama held at the Aratani/Japan America Theatre.

Rockett Dylan Wong at Yuri Kochiyama's Memorial, August 31, 2014

METRO'S Little Tokyo/Arts District Station, June 16, 2023

METRO's long-awaited Little Tokyo/Arts District station, one of three newly-built subway stops that comprise the Regional Connector, making cross-county transit rides sans transfers a reality.

Visual Communications Executive Director is captured on-camera giving a guided tour of VC's assets during the taping of a documentary in the late-summer weeks before Fall settles into Los Angeles.

Linda Mabalot Shown During Documentary Taping, September 1990

Warren Furutani Campaigns for Seat on LA School Board of Education, February 1, 1987

Longtime community activist Warren Furutani dips his feet into electoral politics with a grassroots campaign for a seat on the Los Angeles School Board of Education. Warren (shown at center with son Sei Malik) is accompanied by (from left); Raynard Japor, Helen Brown, Domingo Ricasa, Arlie Ricasa, Royal Morales, Mel Ilomin, Florante Ibanez, and Catherine Casuga.

Korean American Drump Troupe During "Abolish ICE" Rally, June 30, 2018

A Korean American drum troupe revs up the crowd during an "Abolish ICE" march and rally throughout the streets of downtown Los Angeles.

Steve Nagano Stands in Front of Repaired “Home is Little Tokyo” Mural, May 18, 2019

Steve Nagano basks in the glow of the restored "Home is Little Tokyo" mural that overlooks Little Tokyo's Central Avenue. The mural, defaced by vandals the prior winter, was repaired and unveiled in a ceremony that was attended by a crowd of nearly 500 community members.

“In Plain Sight” Artwork Reads: “No More Camps” to Protest Migrant Detention Camps Targeting Children, July 3, 2020

"No More Camps" is the succinct message behind the gathering that came to witness "In Plain Sight,"a temporary site-specific artwork in the skies over Santa Anita Race Track protesting the reopening of migrant detention camps targeting young children.

hereandnow during Tuesday Nite Café in Aratani Courtyard, July 6, 1999

The members of the APA performing arts troupe hereandnow put on a show during an installment of Tuesday Nite Café, a spoken word coffee-house cabaret held in the Aratani Courtyard of the recently-opened Union Center for the Arts in Los Angeles Little Tokyo.

The photographer (Abraham Ferrer) captures a shadowy self-portrait after-hours in Berlin's Alexanderplatz U-Bahn stop.

Shadowy Self-Portrait, February 12, 2009

Nobuko Kiyamoto, Louise Kawabata, & Deborah Nishimura Performing at "Week of Performing Arts", May 13, 1986

Members of Great Leap, Inc. (from left: Nobuko Kiyamoto, Louise Kawabata, and Deborah Nishimura) entertain the noontime crowd at "A Week of Performing Arts," a centerpiece presentation of the annual Mayor's Asian Pacific American Heritage Month at downtown Los Angeles' Fletcher Bowron Square.

A vintage automobile sits in a quiet residential neighborhood near Pomona College.

Vintage Automobile, September 28, 2010

Family and Friends of Kenji Suzuki at Unveiling of Mural by Robert Vargas at the New Suehiro, May 16, 2023

Family and friends of restaurateur Kenji Suzuki gather to unveil a beautiful mural created by Robert Vargas at the site of the new Suehiro, a Little Tokyo institution that was forced out after 50 years after a rent dispute with its landlord.

Director Stanley Kwan speaks on the Los Angeles Premiere of their film RUAN LING-YU, May 14, 1992

Hong Kong "new wave" film director Stanley Kwan makes a salient point while being interviewed as part of an early-career tribute in advance of the Los Angeles Premiere of his feature film RUAN LING-YU (aka CENTER STAGE) at UCLA.

A fanciful interactive mural showcases the multi-ethnic flavor of Los Angeles as the late-afternoon sun casts a fading light on Los Angeles City Hall, seen in the background, as darkness falls on a Fourth of July celebration in downtown Los Angeles.

Mural Near Los Angeles City Hall, July 4, 2015

An after-hours crowd endures a performance by The Lackatones, the notorious "house band" of Visual Communications production staffers, as part of VC's 15th anniversary festivities at the dance studio of activista Mike Yamamoto, now Mia Yamamoto. Actual musical and singing talent optional.

Visual Communications’ staff band, The Lackatones, performing after-hours, August 17, 1985

Visual Communications documentary film instructor Alan Kondo checks the camera angle during a cinematography exercise as part of VC's Filmmakers Development Program.

Alan Kondo at VC's FIlmmakers Development Program, March 1989

Musicians Play at UCLA AfroFest, April 17, 1982

Musicians energize a capacity crowd at the foot of UCLA Janss Steps during the UCLA AfroFest, hosted and presented by the UCLA Black Student Union. The all-day concert and bazaar later moved to UCLA Pauley Pavilion for an indoor concert headlined by raggae superstars Burning Spear.

Korean Friendship Bell in San Pedro, July 30, 2020

The Korean Friendship Bell, a landmark that overlooks the Pacific Ocean at San Pedro's Angel's Gate Art Center, a cultural center that sits on a windswept hillside. Installed in the mid-1970s, the Bell has attracted visitors both near and far.

Walt Louie and Kaz Takeuchi were but two of the many volunteers who collaborated on the creation of Visual Communications' mobile photographic exhibition HEADING EAST: CALIFORNIA'S ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICANS.

Walk Louie and Kaz Takeuchi Collaborating on Mobile Exhibit, August 19, 1998

Visual Communications board secretary and former development director Nancy Araki.

Portrait of Nancy Araki, January 1989

"Abolish ICE" Rally in Downtown Los Angeles, June 30, 2018

"Families Are NOT Criminals" is but one of the many urgent messages forwarded as part of the large "Abolish ICE" march and rally in the heart of downtown Los Angeles.

Jeannie Wong samples giveaways in the hospitality lounge at the San Diego Asian Film Festival. Wong was in town to present her latest documentary short film created through Visual Communications' Digital Histories initiative.

Jeannie Wong at San Diego Asian Film Festival, November 8, 2014

UCLA Community Celebrates the Retirement of Professor Royal Morales, May 18, 1996

UCLA students and alumni come together to celebrate the retirement of Filipino American history professor Royal Morales with a spirited send-off at the James West Alumni Center.

At "Past: Forward" at USC, the table of longtime Visual Communications boardmember Douglas Aihara collectively raises a toast to a career in service to the nation's premiere Asian Pacific American media arts organization.

Douglas Aihara Toasts at Past: Forward, May 12, 2018

John Esaki and Bill Sing on Amerasians: Media & the Arts, April 1988

Host John Esaki (left) is left in bemusement while welcoming to the set of AMERASIANS: MEDIA & THE ARTS Bill Sing, Los Angeles Times business columnist and co-founder of the Asian American Journalists Association.

A Folklorico Troupe at a Christmas Tree-Lighting at Los Angeles Union Station, November 29, 2022

A member of a musical folklorico troupe acknowledges the crowd who have gathered for a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony and concert at Los Angeles Union Station.

Activistas Carry Portrait of Slain Ruben Salazar, August 30, 1980

A pair of young activistas carry a large portrait of slain Los Angeles Times columnist Ruben Salazar along Whittier Blvd. during the tenth anniversary of the Chicano Moratorium. Salazar, a fierce critic of Los Angeles Police Department policies toward Chicanos and other people of color, was assassinated when a gas canister was fired into the Silver Dollar Saloon along the march route, killing him instantly.

Cheng Sim Lim and Naomi Hirahara with Visual Communications’ Filmmakers Development Program, August 22, 1987

Filmmaker Cheng Sim Lim assists journalist Naomi Hirahara during a daylight camera exercise conducted among students participating in Visual Communications' Filmmakers Development Program.

A piece of homemade furniture sits in quiet repose in a sitting room at Hollyhock House, a vanity "case home" created by architect Frank Lloyd Wright and situated adjacent to Barnsdall Art Park and the Municipal Gallery in East Hollywood.

Furniture in Hollyhock House, June 18, 2010

Joanne Ishimine and Tim Itatani with Nisei Week Queen's Court, August 14, 1988

Newscaster Joanne Ishimine and Nisei Week chairman Tim Itatani are the center of attention as they pose (top center) with the Nisei Week Queen's Court and visiting royalty in a private ceremony the day after the Queen's Coronation ceremony.

A Panel Moderator Strategizes Sustainability During a “California Dialogue II,” December 13, 1987

A panel moderator guides a session through strategies for sustainability during a morning session of "California Dialogue II," organized by the California Arts Council and held at St. Vincent's Hospital in Los Angeles' Westlake District.

James Yee at Bay Area Asian American Film Festival post-panel reception, March 21, 1986

Boston transplant James Yee, the Executive Director of San Francisco's National Asian American Telecommunications Association, visits with an event guest at a post-panel reception at UC Berkeley during the 1986 Bay Area Asian American Film Festival.

Students Practice for Nisei Week Grand Ondo, July, 1988

A large group of ondo students and volunteers practice for the Nisei Week Grand Ondo, a community dance that traditionally closes the annual summetime festival.

Linda Mabalot and Henry Jaglom at Los Angeles Independent Filmmaking Panel, May 23, 1991

Visual Communications Executive Director Linda Mabalot exchanges words with cantankerous and abrasive independent filmmaker Henry Jaglom at a panel on Los Angeles independent filmmaking at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, CA.

A Scene from Rick Chung’s NA PUA O LAKA, January 1989

Kuma hula Sissy Ka'io (right) is documented on-camera during a scene from Rick Chun's NA PUA O LAKA, produced through Visual Communications' Filmmakers Development Program.

Visual Communications co-founder Duane Kubo ponders the options for presentation during a planning session for the VC photographic exhibition "At First Light."

VC Co-Founder Duane Kubo Planning "At First Light," December 16, 2016

Visual Communications boardmember and filmmaker John Esaki.

Portrait of John Esaki, January 1989

The opening performance, UCLA Bhangra dance crew, at Visual Communications PAST: FORWARD, November 14, 2004

Members of the UCLA Bhangra dance crew open up the 2004 edition of PAST: FORWARD with a spirited dance performance onstage at the recently re-christened Aratani Japan America Theatre in Los Angeles Little Tokyo.

Santa Clause at the Lighting of a Christmas Tree at Union Station, November 29, 2023

As a pair of his trusty assistants look on, "Santa Claus" greets a young tyke looking to make his wish come true while a crowd celebrates the lighting of a Christmas tree at Los Angeles Union Station.

Percussionist Johnny Mori tunes up his taiko drums as stage technicians adjust his spotlights in advance of jazz fusion band Hiroshima's centerpiece performance as part of Visual Communications' 20th anniversary event.

Johnny Mori Performing at VC's 20th Anniversary, November 17, 1990

Walking Tour of Little Tokyo, November 2, 2019

A walking tour of Little Tokyo led by Scott Oshima (front) finally exhale as they complete the inaugural "Windows of Little Tokyo" tour. elebrating the installation of environmental artworks that meld with the locations that they were paired with. The tour was organized and funded by Sustainable Little Tokyo.

Banners at the Beginning of Nisei Week Grand Parade, August 10, 1986

Youths proudly hoists colorful banner flags along historic First Street to herald the start of the 1986 Nisei Week Grand Parade.

Candlelight Vigil at Monterey Park's Star Dance Studio, January 25, 2023

A candlelight vigil is held at Monterey Park's Star Dance Studio, where a lone gunman barged into a packed practice session and killed over a dozen dance patrons and wounded several others.

August Espiritu with Singers at Peoples' Potluck, November 1988

August Espiritu (left, with guitar) leads a group of singers through a musical number onstage at Senshin Buddhist Temple as part of a celebration for GIDRA Magazine at a version of Long Beach's long-running "Peoples' Potluck".

Rondalla Festival Performance in Historic Filipinotown, November 1988

A multi-generational rondalla group organized by Filipino American Services Group, Inc. is introduced to audiences during an all-day community festival in Los Angeles' Historic Filipinotown.

Crenshaw District Boys Danny Yamamoto (left) and Johnny Mori wield percussion instruments befitting their musical influences as high schoolers at Dorsey High School. Yamamoto and Mori opened the festivities onstage at the Japan America Theatre as part of Visual Communications' 20th anniversary event.

Danny Yamamoto and Johnny Mori Performing at VC's 20th Anniversary, November 17, 1990

Bill Watanabe, Meet Camera. Camera, Meet Bill Watanabe. Both Super 8mm camera and Little Tokyo Service Center founder make their acquaintance at USC's Doheny Memorial Library during the annual LAasSubject Archives Bazaar.

Bill Watanabe at USC's Archives Bazaar, October 17, 2015

San Jose Taiko Performs at North American Taiko Conference, July 31, 1999

San Jose Taiko electrifies an overflow house at the Japan America Theatre as the North American Taiko Conference comes to a close.

Cinematographer Taiji Miyagawa is in full effect as he documents an anniversary celebration of the influential Japanese American Community Services' Asian Involvement (JACS-AI) initiative at the Japanese American National Museum.

Taiji Miyagawa Documents Event at JANM, September 9, 2017

Wong Kar-Wai at Visual Communications’ Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival closing weekend, June 2, 1995

Filmmaker of the Moment Wong Kar-wai is interviewed by a member of the community press at UCLA during the Los Angeles Premiere screening of his hotly-anticipated feature CHUNGKING EXPRESS.

An evocative night scene along Hong Kong's iconic Nathan Road typifies that gateway city's eternal charm.

Nathan Road at Night, October 11, 2007

The members of famed electro-dance group Far East Movement (from left: Virman Coquia, Kevin Nishimura, Jae Choung, and James Roh) reprazent on the red carpet prior to a show at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts organized by the International Secret Agents, or ISA.

Far East Movement on Red Carpet, September 5, 2010

At an overflow banquet on the JACCC's Noguchi Plaza, U.S. congressman Mervyn Dymally (left) shares a hearty laugh with Bert Nakano, chair of the National Coalition for Redress & Reparations during a celebration recognizing passage of HR442, the bill authorizing monetary redress for Japanese American incarcerated during WWII.

Congressman Mervyn Dymally (left) & Chair of National Coalition for Redress & Reparations, Bert Nakano, Celebrate Japanese American Monetary Redress, August 27, 1988

Megaphone in hand, Sustainable Little Tokyo's Scott Oshima leads arts activists and fans on a tour of public art celebrating Little Tokyo's cultural heritage. Here, Scott spotlights a mural created by Edwin Ushiro and installed at Café Dulce in Japanese Village Plaza.

Scott Oshima Leads a Little Tokyo Art Tour, June 28, 2018

Karen Uchizono Crowned Nisei Week Queen, August 6, 1988

Karen Uchizono (far right) reacts in utter shock as she is named 1988 Nisei Week Queen in a ceremony held at (hotel unknown) Hotel in Westchester, CA.

Walt Louie and Kaz Takeuchi working on Visual Communications’ HEADING EAST: CALIFORNIA'S ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICANS exhibition, August 19, 1998

Walt Louie and Kaz Takeuchi were but two of the many volunteers who collaborated on the creation of Visual Communications' mobile photographic exhibition HEADING EAST: CALIFORNIA'S ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICANS.

VC Intern Pamela Tom Celebrating their 27th Birthday, November 17, 1986

Visual Communications intern Pamela Tom cuts the cake as the VC staff joins in to celebrate Pamela's 27th birthday.

As Qris Yamashita, Duane Ebata, and Linda Mabalot look on, editor Russell Leong shows off the newly-completed anthology Moving the Image: Independent Asian Pacific American Media Arts to its two main funders: Adolfo Nadal, general manager of the Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department; and Jack Shakeley, executuve director of the California Community Foundation.

VC Community Members with Moving the Image, July 1991

Members of Young Asian Pacifics United Against Tobacco (YAPUT) Christy Lieu and John Concordia, December 4, 1994

Christy Lieu and John Concordia, members of Young Asian Pacifics United Against Tobacco (YAPUT) pose in front of a billboard along Vermont Avenue advocating for alternatives to cigarettes and their adverse effects on APA youths.

“Atomic Nancy” Sekizawa on the turntables at 341FSN storefront grand opening, August 3, 2018

"Atomic Nancy" Sekizawa spins the tunes as she leverages her massive collection of singles at a grand opening party for 341FSN, a storefront space along Little Tokyo's historic First Street North and organized by Sustainable Little Tokyo.

An interior view of Washington DC's Old Post Office, the old headquarters of the National Endowment for the Arts.

Interior of Post Office, November 7, 2006

Atomic Bomb Survivor Kaz Suyeishi Calls for Peace, August 9, 1986

Atomic bomb survivor Kaz Suyeishi holds up a sign calling for peace during an anniversary gathering protesting nuclear proliferation on the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center's Noguchi Plaza.

Kenny Endo & Eitetsu Hayashi Performing at "Taiko Jam", May 17, 1986

Taiko maestros Kenny Endo (left, from Hawai'i) and Eitetsu Hayashi (of Japan) duet onstage on the Noguchi Plaza of the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center in Los Angeles Little Tokyo.

Protesters squarely and succinctly place the blame for gun violence upon the AmeriKKKan President as the "March for Our Lives" protest rally winds down across from Los Angeles City Hall.

Anti-Trump Demonstrators at "March for Our Lives", March 24, 2018

Rally Against Anti-Asian Violence During Riots Following Murder of George Floyd, July 5, 2020

A pair of clubbers turn activists for a day as they participate in a rally against violence upon Asian Pacific Americans in the wake of rioting and vandalism to denounce the murder of Minneapolis, MN motorist George Floyd at the hands of a quartet of police officers.

A Folklorico Troupe Performs at A Spring Festival Party at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, March 4, 2023

A Spring Festival party gets started with a performance from a local folklorico troupe. Held under the gazebo that dominates the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, the celebration brings together Los Angeles' Chicano and Chinese American communities as seen by the participation of both El Pueblo de Los Angeles and the Chinese American Museum.

The members of hip hop crew Dogg Poundation Including Regino Nuesca and Fred Payo (right) show out at Carson High School during filming of the anti-drug and tobacco music video IT'S UP TO YOU, produced through a partnership between Visual Communications and the Asian American Drug Abuse Program.

Dogg Poundation Filming Music Video, February 1992

John Esaki and Amy Kato celebrating at Visual Communications PAST: FORWARD, October 25, 2003

During a sequence of PAST: FORWARD, a celebration of Visual Communications and the legacy of former Executive Director Linda Mabalot at the Japan America Theatre, John Esaki and Amy Kato celebrate their long-anticipated wedding before a full house of family and supporters.

As part of a raucous installment of AMERASIANS: MEDIA & THE ARTS at Group W Cable in Gardena, CA, Glenn Horiuchi plays in the comedy improv group Cold Tofu.

Glenn Horiuchi Plays with Cold Tofu Improv Group, April 1989

During groundbreaking ceremonies celebrating the conversion of the Los Angeles Union Church into the forthcoming Union Center for the Arts, Timothy Dang, artistic director of East West Players offers a blessing for the restoration of the building as a capacity crowd of Little Tokyo stakeholders and civic dignitaries look on.

Groundbreaking of Union Center for the Arts, July 15, 1996

Community Members at James West Alumni Center, July 13, 2019

A full house of activists, community members, civic dignitaries, and founders of the UCLA Asian American Studies Center gather at the James West Alumni Center to reunite, reminisce, and plan for the future.

Nobuko Miyamoto and Dante Basco performing at Visual Communications’ 30th anniversary celebration, “The Neomedia World”, November 18, 2000

Singer Nobuko Miyamoto and spoken word artist Dante Basco engage in a spirited mash-up of "America," from the stage play West Side Story during "The Neomedia World," a 30th anniversary celebration of Visual Communications at the Japan America Theatre in Los Angeles Little Tokyo.

Yvonne Liu, one of Visual Communiations' 1998 summer interns courtesy of the Getty Summer Multicultural Internship Program, sets up a shot of one of many archival images used in the creation of the mobile exhibit HEADING EAST: CALIFORNIA'S ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICANS.

Summer Intern Yvonne Liu Working on Mobile Exhibit, July 13, 1996

The 1999 North American Taiko Conference explodes into a rowdy welcome dinner-turned jam session at Senshin Buddhist temple, home base of seminal Kinnara Taiko ensemble.

North American Taiko Conference at Senshin Buddhist Temple, July 29, 1999

The recently-deceased Asian American cinema pioneer Isadora (Loni) Ding is memorialized by fellow Bay Area filmmaker Spencer Nakasako at a large post-service gathering in San Francisco's Chinatown.

Spencer Nakasako at Isadora Ding Memorial, March 14, 2010

Dancers Perform at Festival of Philippine Art and Culture, June 19, 1993.

A stage full of dancers put on a show at Los Angeles City College as part of the second edition of the Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture, which was organized by a team of volunteers headquartered at Search to Involve Pilipino Americans, Inc.

Louise Kawabata of Great Leap, Inc Leading a Dance at Kodomo No Hi, May 4, 1986

Dancer/choreorapher Louise Kawabata, of Great Leap, Inc., leads a group of youths through a spirited movement exercise during festivities celebrating Kodomo no hi (Childrens' Day) on the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center's Noguchi Plaza. Throughout the 1980s, Great Leap regularly engaged audiences young and old through after-school programs and regualr appearances at a wide variety of performances and cultural events.

The Miles Senzaki jazz combo puts on a show on the JACCC's Noguchi Plaza during the opening weekend of the annual Nisei Week Japanese Festival.

Miles Senzaki at JACCC's Noguchi Plaza, August 11, 2001

The Great Leap Rehearsing the Show "Talk Story", August 13, 1987

The Great Leap ensemble rehearses an introductory number as part of TALK STORY, its latest pan-Asian American revue onstage at the Japan America Theatre in Los Angeles Little Tokyo.

A visitor checks out Visual Communications' inaugural production, the mobile photographic exhibit AMERICA'S CONCENTRATION CAMPS, while awaiting the start of VC's fundraising event PAST/FORWARD in the JACCC's Japan America Theatre.

VC's AMERICA'S CONCENTRATION CAMPS Exhibition at PAST/FORWARD, October 25, 2003

A full house of video art fans take in a screening of new works at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, as part of a new edition of L.A. Freewaves, a series of programs in celebration of all forms of video art and new media.

Film Screening at JACCC, February 1991

Visual Communications boardmember and entertainment attorney Casimiro Tolentino.

Portrait of Casimiro Tolentino, January 1989

Linda Mabalot at “Planting Roots” exhibition at Search to Involve Pilipino Americans, Inc, November 1988

Visual Communications' Executive Director Linda Mabalot surveys audience reactions to the mobile photo exhibition "Planting Roots" at Search to Involve Pilipino Americans, Inc. in Los Angeles' Historic Filipinotown.

Simon Rodia's iconic Watts Towers stand in quiet yet shimmering repose in the midweek sunshine during a visit to Los Angeles' Willowbrook neighborhood.

Watts Towers in Willowbrook, May 23, 2016

Chicano Demonstrators at Anti-apartheid Protest, October 11, 1986

Chicano demonstrators march in solidarity with anti-apartheid protesters in Los Angeles' Crenshaw District.

A young child experiences a work of alternate reality using a cardboard virtual reality headset while taking in a day-long art happening throughout Los Angeles Little Tokyo's Asuza Alley and organized by Sustainable Little Tokyo's Arts Action Committee.

Child Tries Alternate Reality at Sustainable LIttle Tokyo Event, July 9, 2016

The “Farce of July” March in Los Angeles, July 4, 2020

An alternative to the July 4th holiday, "Farce of July," wends its way through the streets of downtown Los Angeles. The event is one of many happenings during an election year bogged down by a worldwide pandemic and elevated civil unrest and acts of hate toward minorities, yet laser-focussed on expelling Donald Trump as U.S. President.

Youth at the “March for Our Lives” Rally, March 24, 2018

The next generation of American citizens and policymakers (read: voters) make a pointed plea for gun safety laws as the "March for Our Lives" rally winds down in downtown Los Angeles.

Visual Communications baordmember and retired WWII officer Col. Young Oak Kim.

Portrait of Young Oak Kim, January 1989

Filipino Peoples' Far West Convention Panel, September 1, 1981

An afternoon panel assessing the impact of Silme Domingo and Gene Viernes — recently-murdered labor activists and critics of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos — takes place during the Filipino Peoples' Far West Convention in Seattle, WA.

Archie and Gary Miyatake Photograph Nisei Week Queen's Court, August 6, 1988

Archie Miyatake, the son of famed modernist photographer Toyo Miyatake, works the medium-format camera as he make images of the 1988 Nisei Week Queen's Court in an exclusive photo session. At his left is his son and portrait photographer, Gary Miyatake.

Día de los Muertos Offrenda at Downtown Los Angeles Shopping Mall, Novermber 1, 2020

A special Día de los Muertos ofrenda is prominently displayed at a downtown Los Angeles shopping mall.

A Woman Smokes at the San Francisco Moon Festival, September 11, 2021

San Franciscans both young and old behave in their most authentic selves while taking in the annual Moon Festival spread out along Chinatown's iconic Grant Avenue thoroughfare.

A Navajo Dance Troupe at Children’s Day, May 3, 1988

A Navajo dance troupe from nearby Riverside, CA come to Los Angeles Little Tokyo to take part in Kodomo no hi (Childrens' Day) festivities at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center.

Arne Wong and Lori Tsang at VC Headquarters, November 1987

Veteran film animator Arne Wong greets Washington DC-based independent filmmaker Lori Tsang after a private screening of her documentary "CHINAMAN'S" CHOICE at Visual Communications' headquarters in Los Angeles Little Tokyo.

VC staff connect with funders regarding anthology Moving the Image: Independent Asian Pacific American Media Arts, July 1991

As Qris Yamashita, Duane Ebata, and Linda Mabalot look on, editor Russell Leong shows off the newly-completed anthology Moving the Image: Independent Asian Pacific American Media Arts to its two main funders: Adolfo Nadal, general manager of the Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department; and Jack Shakeley, executive director of the California Community Foundation.

Filmmaker Greg Pak is greeted by the National Asian American Telecommunications Association's Eddie Wong and Toni Tabora, and by Risa Morimoto of Asian CineVision at the third edition of the Asian Pacific Filmmakers Experience in Park City, Utah.

Greg Pak, Eddie Wong, Toni Tabora, and Risa Morimoto at Asian Pacific Filmmakers Experience in Park City, January 28, 2004

Kaz Takeuchi & John Esaki Documenting "Week of Performing Arts", May 7, 1986

VCers Kaz Takeuchi and John Esaki prepare to document the first day of the weeklong "Week of Performing Arts," a tentpole event of the Mayor's Asian Pacific American Heritage Week, at downtown Los Angeles' infamous Fletcher Bowron Square.

Elaine Bautista strikes a pose before the capacity audience at UCLA VA/Wadsworth Theatre during the "muslim suite," a key showcase as part of the annual Filipino Cultural Night.

Elaine Bautista at Filipino Cultural Night, February 19, 1989

Part of a huge crowd of protesters against gun violence march up Broadway toward the Los Angeles Civic Center during a rally as part of the "March for Our Lives" in downtown Los Angeles.

"March for Our Lives" Protestors on Broadway, March 24, 2018

Long Beach, CA-based Khmer American surf punk band Dengue Fever mesmerizes the Aratani Japan America Theatre crowd with their unique brand of music during the 2004 edition of PAST/ FORWARD, a celebration of Visual Communications and the legacy of former Executive Director Linda Mabalot.

Dengue Fever Performs at PAST/FORWARD, November 14, 2004

Derek Shimoda, John Kwon, & Ann Kaneko discuss at Visual Communications’ Monday Nite , December 15, 2008

Locally-based filmmakers Derek Shimoda, John Kwon, and Ann Kaneko muse about the various influences of the storytelling craft in an installment of Visual Communications' artists' conversation series Monday Nite VC.

L.A. Street Fair Performers, September 19, 1987

During the 1987 L.A. Street Fair, a musician and his "companion" busk for attention and some cash in front of a then-boarded L.A. Criminal Courthouse along Broadway.

During a Lunar New Year's staff outing, Visual Communications staff members Niko Dulay, Susan Soohoo, Milton Liu, and Rachelle Samson all look as if they saw God while awaiting entry into the brand-new Broad Art Museum in downtown Los Angeles.

VC Staff at Broad Art Museum, January 14, 2016

Visual Communications' fabulous cohort of summer interns hang out on the steps of VC's "eagle's nest" as dusk settles on Little Tokyo (clockwise from left): Connie Ho, Farrah Su, Joey Scher, Connie Oh, and Kathy Pham.

Summer Interns on VC's Steps, June 15, 2016

A Young Child on the Court Watches a Youth Basketball Game. August,12, 1988

During a local basketball tournament, a young cager is lost in the shuffle while members of a youth basketball team organizes during a time-out.

Taiko drum maestro Jeanne Mercer takes part in a spirited free-for-all jam session during the welcome dinner and party of the 1999 North American Taiko Conference (NATC) at Senshin Buddhist Temple in Los Angeles. Mercer and her husband Russell Baba established Mt. Shasta Taiko Company in 1985.

Jeanne Mercer at North American Taiko Conference, July 29, 1999

Jason Tiangco, Margarita Verde, Yuri Shimoda, and Esperanza Bey at LAasSubject Archives Bazaar, October 28, 2023

Jason Tiangco and Margarita Verde (center) with Yuri Shimoda and Esperanza Bey, past participants of UCLA's Community Archives program, at the LAasSubject Archives Bazaar at USC's Doheny Memorial Library.

Tanzila Ahmed and Jeff Chang at 50th Anniversary of UCLA's Asian American Studies Center, November 1, 2019

Artists and authors Tanzila Ahmed (left) and Jeff Chang dialogue on the impact of activism on their mutual activities as visual and literary artists in "The In-Betweens," an event celebrating the 50th anniversary of the UCLA Asian American Studies Center.

During an exchange with student media artists working at the KAOS Network in Los Angeles' Crenshaw District, Misako Mori engages in a storytelling lesson using a variety of found media, including scrapbooks, magazines, and pamphlets.

Student Works at KAOS Network, October 28, 1999

Clearing of Tomiuri Plaza Homeless Encampment, March 17, 2022

Little Tokyo's Tomiuri Plaza is barricaded while cleaning crews begin the process of clearing a homeless encampment that developed shortly before the COVID-19 lockdown foregrounded a new issue with unhoused Angelenos.

Musician George Abe performs as part of an ensemble as part of "TNC on the Plaza," a mixed-media performance extravaganza organized by the Tuesday Night Project and presented on the JACCC's Noguchi Plaza in Los Angeles Little Tokyo.

George Abe Performing at TNC on the Plaza, July 18, 2009

The walls of a Santa Monica-based Thai fusion restaurant is adorned with decidedly creative and "expressive" scrawlings, courtesy — apparently — by just some of its many past patrons.

Walls of Santa Monica Restaurant, July 20, 2017

Dia de los Muertos Offrenda at El Pubelo Neighborhood, November 2, 2020

One of the more prominent features of a Dia de los Muertos offrenda assembled in Los Angeles' historic El Pueblo neighborhood is a colorful skull that anchors the display.

Visual Communications boardmember and organization co-founder Robert Nakamura.

Portrait of Robert Nakamura, January 1989

Unveiling of Mural Along Temple Blvd Painted by Youths from Search to Involve Pilipino Americans, Date Unknown

Prominent Filipino American community activists and political operatives celebrate the unveiling of a mural along Temple Blvd. in Historic Filipinotown. Conceived by local artist Faustino Caigoy and painted in large part by youths affiliated with Search to Involve Pilipino Americans, Inc., the mural "Choose" celebrates the considerable legacy of Filipino Americans in America.

A signpost displayed during an "Impeach Trump" rally in downtown Los Angeles plays on the AmeriKKKan President's past career as a television celebrity.

"Impeach Trump" Rally in Downtown Los Angeles, July 2, 2017

A set of colorful ukuleles beckons potential customers to an Olvera Street vendor's stand in Los Angeles' El Pueblo neighborhood.

Ukuleles at Olvera Street, March 5, 2016

Indian American Dance Troupe at the Mayor’s Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, May 7, 1986

An Indian American dance troupe gets the audience into the swing of things as the first half of the "Week of Performing Arts" caps off the Mayor's Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

A fish-eye perspective captures the high-energy power of dance music on the lawn of Grand Park in downtown Los Angeles as L.A.'s Fourth of July celebration ramps up.

Dancer in Grand Park, July 4, 2015

+Lab's "Festival of Shadows" at JACCC's Noguchi Plaza, August 25, 2019

As night falls on a warm August night, Part One of +Lab's culminating events, "Festival of Shadows," gets underway on the JACCC's Noguchi Plaza.

A Choir Sings During Nisei Week Festival, August 13, 1988

A choir group sings an inspirational song for audiences at the annual Nisei Week Japanese Festival.

Karen Ishizuka, Tadashi Nakamura, and Robert Nakamura at Visual Communications’ Holiday Party, December 1992

The Nakamura Factory (from left: Karen Ishizuka, Tadashi Nakamura, and Robert Nakamura) react to receiving holiday cheer at the Highland Park home of Visual Communications board member Claire Aguilar during a VC staff and board Christmas party.

UCLA Samahang Pilipino Members Art Catapang & Arlie Ricasa at Cultural Night Rehearsal, February 20, 1987

UCLA Samahang Pilipino members Art Catapang (left) and Arlie Ricasa oversee a dress rehearsal in advance of the annual Filipino Cultural Night at UCLA's Royce Hall. The move to the ornate 1,900-seat Royce Hall followed years of PCNs held down the hill at the Westwood campus' Ackerman Grand Ballroom.

Jose de Vega Directing His Film "Harusami: Spring Rain", May, 1986

Director Jose de Vega directs a scene from his short drama HARUSAMI: SPRING RAIN at Los Angeles' Senshin Buddhist Temple. de Vega's film was produced through Visual Communications' Filmmakers Development Program.

Visual Communications' Preservation Manager Helen Kim exhales after conducting a well-attended seminar exploring storage and care of digital photographic images.

Helen Kim Conducts Preservation Seminar, August 19, 2012

Faith Santilla Hosts a Poetry Slam at the Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture, September 9, 2001

Spoken-word legend Faith Santilla hosts a raucous "poetry slam" competition at the Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture at Point Fermin Park in San Pedro, CA

Members of the Los Angeles-based roots-rock band Quetzal perform onstage at the Japan America Theatre during PAST/FORWARD, a concert and fundraising event for Visual Communications.

Quetzal Performs at PAST/FORWARD, October 25, 2003

Attorney Dale Minami Speaks About Japanese American Redress, February 16, 1986

San Francisco Bay Area attorney Dale Minami speaks to an audience on the progress of the Japanese American redress movement at a redress forum held at UCLA.

Anderson Le spends quality time with a promotional teddy bear announcing the theatrical engagement of ALREADY TOMORROW IN HONG KONG by Emily Ting.

Anderson Le with Promotional Teddy Bear, February 11, 2016

Members of Filipino American roots rockers Mango Pirates sing in tribute to revered labor leader Philip Vera Cruz during his memorial service in Bakersfield, CA.

Mango Pirates Sing at Philip Vera Cruz's Memorial Service, June 24, 1992

New York Afro-soul legend Joe Bataan and his band were the guests of honor at the Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture at Point Fermin Park in San Pedro, CA.

Joe Bataan at FPAC, September 9, 2001

Bill Watanabe, Founder of Little Tokyo Service Center, Celebrating the Union Center for the Arts' Centennial, March 10, 2024

Bill Watanabe, retired founder of the Little Tokyo Service Center, stands by as a centennial celebration of the Los Angeles Union Church, now the Union Center for the Arts, gets underway in a special ceremony in historic Little Tokyo.

Friends Rima Añosa and Traci Kato-Kiriyama share a laugh during a weekend get-together at Traci's Gardena, CA homestead.

Rima Añosa and Taci Kato-Kiriyama at Traci's Home, June 19, 2016

A group of activists (from left: Qris Yamashita, Mike Murase, Evelyn Yoshimura, Erich Nakano, Kathy Masaoka, and Mark Masaoka) sit in for a metadata session organized by Kristy Sakamoto (back to the viewer) at Visual Communications.

Metadata Session at VC, March 10, 2010

Longtime VC Digital Academy instructor Mar Elepaño takes time out from his day job as graduate animation professor at the USC School of Cinematic Arts to check in at VC and prepare the offices for his next class.

Mar Elepaño at VC, March 11, 2009

Lino Brocka at the Los Angeles Premiere of his film BAYAN KO: KAPIT SA PATALIM, April 4, 1987

Noted Filipino "new wave" filmmaker Lino Brocka makes a point during a spirited discussion session following the Los Angeles Premiere screening of his feature film BAYAN KO: KAPIT SA PATALIM at the 1987 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival at UCLA.

Soup's On: Kirby Penafiel heeds the call of the chimes — dinner is now served at Visual Communications' 48th anniversary event, "Past: Forward" in celebration of VC's legacy at USC.

Soup's On at Past: Forward, May 12, 2018

Visual Communications boardmember and cultural anthropologist Akemi Kikumura.

Portrait of Akemi Kikumura, January 1989

Cold Tofu Performs at UCLA Nikkei Student Union's Cultural Night, February 21, 1988

Members of the performance arts troupe Cold Tofu engage in a skit onstage at UCLA Royce Hall as part of the UCLA Nikkei Student Union's cultural night.

Eseel Borlasa, Rachelle Samson, and Susan Soohoo at “boba alley” August 11, 2021

VCers Eseel Borlasa, Rachelle Samson, and Susan Soohoo hang out at a local shop along Little Tokyo's Central Avenue, a new "boba alley" that has sprung up in anticipation of a new Metro subway hub being built up the block.

Actor Greg Watanabe emcees "The Party," a tenth anniversary fundraising event for the Tuesday Night Project on the JACCC's Noguchi Plaza in Los Angeles Little Tokyo.

Greg Watanabe at The Party, July 31, 2010

Taiko & Voice Performance at the 17th Annual Peoples' Potluck, November, 1986

Traditional singers accompany a taiko ensemble during the entertainment portion of the 17th annual Peoples' Potluck in Long Beach, CA.

LAAPFF staffers Anderson Le and Luella Costales hang out as the Film Festival's closing weekend at the Long Beach Art Theatre winds down for the night.

Andorson Le and Luella Costales at Film Festival Closing Weekend, May 11, 2013

Asian Persuasion Perform at Mike Yamaoto's Dance Studio for Asian American Drug Abuse Program Event, May 3, 1986

The members of Asian Persuasion entertain a large crowd at the dance studio of Mike Yamamoto as part of "Spring Fling," a fundraising event for the Asian American Drug Abuse Program.

Chef Warren Furutani & Robert Nakamura judging VC's "ChiliVisions" Fundraiser August 23, 1986

Here Comes Da Judge: Celebrity chili chef Warren Furutani meets up with Robert Nakamura, a judge and Visual Communications co-founder as ChiliVisions, a unique chili cook-off and film screening fundraiser for VC gets underway at the JACCC.

San Jose Taiko Performing at "Taiko Jam", May 17, 1986

Members of San Jose Taiko whip the at capacity audience into a frenzy during "Taiko Jam," a celebration of taiko on the Noguchi Plaza of the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center in Los Angeles Little Tokyo.

Regino Nuesca recording for the music video IT'S UP TO YOU for the Visual Communications and the Asian American Drug Abuse Program partnership, February 1992

High schooler Regino Nuesca awaits his singing cue from music director Scott Nagatani while spittin' dope rhymes recording the music video IT'S UP TO YOU, an anti-drug and tobacco abuse MV created as a partnership between Visual Communications and the Asian American Drug Abuse Program.

VCer Francis Cullado braces for the huge crowds set to descend upon the Long Beach Art Theatre as the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival sets up shop for its closing weekend.

Francis Cullado at Los Angeles Asian Pacific FIlm Festival, May 11, 2013

Lito Tiongson Presenting at Visual Communications, March 1988

Filipino independent videographer Lito Tiongson speaks ahead of a presentation of his news documentary productions at Visual Communications.

John Esaki photographing at the production for TAIKO!, May 1986

Visual Communications' John Esaki lines up a shot in the JACCC's James Irvine Japanese Garden during production for TAIKO!, a video documentary for the Los Angeles Childrens' Museum.

Nobuko Miyamoto, June Kuramoto, and Wendy Mori at Unveiling of Terasaki Budokan Evelyn Yoshimura Community Garden, Novermber 5, 2023

Longtime friends and musical compatriots Nobuko Miyamoto, June Okida Kuramoto, and Wendy Mori (nee Sahara) gather to support Evelyn Yoshimura at toe unveiling of a community garden created in her name at the Terasaki Budokan.

Sozenji Taiko Company Performs at Concert Held in Honor of Maceo Hernandez-Delgado, November 1990

Members of Sozenji Taiko Company receive plaudits during a concert held in honor of alum Maceo Hernadez-Delgado, who recently returned from a yearlong apprenticeship with Ondekoza Taiko company.

Graffiti Art in Los Angeles' Arts District, July 8, 2019

An elaborate work of graffiti art is displayed on one just many walls in Los Angeles' Arts District located just east of Little Tokyo.

Filmmaker Kayo Hatta (PICTURE BRIDE) and her friend Tomasina pose for the camera in the backyard of her West Los Angeles home.

Kayo Hatta with Tomasina, March 28, 1995

Pilipino Cultural Night Choir, February 19, 1989

Members of a large choir of UCLA Samahang Pilipino students stand onstage at UCLA's VA/Wadsworth Theatre to perform a closing number as part of the annual Pilipino Cultural Night.

Nisei Week Blessings, July 1988

As the members of the 1988 Nisei Week Queen's Court look on, a parade of civic dignitaries offer their blessings for the success for the upcoming week of festivities that define early August in Los Angeles Little Tokyo.

Traci-Kato Kiriyama Speaks at a Screening of WHO KILLED VINCENT CHIN?, June 22, 2002

During a symposium following an anniversary screening of Christine Choy and Renee Tajima's WHO KILLED VINCENT CHIN? at the David Henry Hwang Theatre, Traci-kato Kiriyama expounds on the need for a newer generation of AAPI activists to embrace the outcomes of the Chin murder trial as old-school activists Angela Oh and Glen Omatsu listen in.

"Multi-media presentation in-progress — Do Not Disturb."

Do Not Touch!, October 1990

Visual Communications' Linda Whang don't take no mess as she cleans up the books as VC closes out its 25th anniversary year.

Linda Whang at VC's Office, September 1995

Activists at "In Plain Sight" Artwork Protesting Migrant Detention Camps, July 3, 2020

A trio of activists are part of a contingent gathering at Santa Anita Race Track to witness the installation of "In Plain Sight," a temporary site-specific artwork protesting the reopening of migrant detention camps targetting young children.

As part of a special installment of "Monday Night VC", Philippine independent experimental filmmaker Raymond Red is greeted by (left) Visual Communications Executive Director Linda Mabalot, VC boardmember and event host Walt Louie, and filmmaker Mark Arbitrario.

Raymond Reed, Linda Mabalot, Walt Louie, and Mark Arbitario at "Monday Night VC," September 8, 2000

Jeff Chop Documenting Events at "Week of Performing Arts", May 7, 1986

VCer Jeff Chop documents the various performances and presentations of the weeklong "Week of Performing Arts" that anchored the annual Mayor's Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

Jason Tiangco standing in front of Visual Communications’ new banner, July 29, 2021

Visual Communications' Jason Tiangco stands in full South Bay "gangstah" effect after installing a new organizational banner in the front portico of Little Tokyo's Union Center for the Arts.

Estela Figueroa and young son Andres pose in front of a banner created by controversial Filipino American visual arts collective Grupo de Gago. The banner was displayed at Los Angeles City College as part of the annual Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture.

Estella Figueroa and Song at Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture, June 19, 1993

Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival co-director David Magdael and partner Jon Darrow chill out at a wine bar adjacent to the Long Beach Art Theatre.

David Magdael and Jon Darrow at Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival , May 11, 2013

Royal Morales, Co-Founder of Search to Involve Pilipino Americans, November 1988

Royal Morales, a co-founder of Search to Involve Pilipino Americans, Inc., greets visitors to the organization's Historic Filipinotown headquarters during a daylong community bazaar.

A sign for uncertain times is displayed at Row DTLA, a shopping district carved out of a clothing manufacturing complex in downtown Los Angeles' garment district.

Art in Los Angeles' Garmet District, December 17, 2017

Indigenous Peoples' Day in Los Angeles' Civic Center, October 8, 2018

A young child is part of a crowd of celebrants during Indigenous Peoples' Day in Los Angeles' Civic Center.

The Audience's Wandering Attention at "Week of Performing Arts", May 13, 1986

A kid's attention momentarily wanders during a performance at downtown Los Angeles' Fletcher Bowron Square.

Cyclists Ready for Nisei Week Bicycle Rally, August 7, 1988

A parade of cyclists gear up for the starter's gun as the first annual Nisei Week Bicycle Rally is set to pedal through the streets of Little tokyo.

At the seventh edition of the Asian Pacific Filmmakers Experience in Park City, Utah, co-founder David Magdael is greeted by journalist Ruben Nepales and film/video editor Jean Tsien.

David Magael and Friends at APFE, January 20, 2008

At a symposium at Centenary United Methodist Church, the end is near for UCLA sociology professor Don Nakanishi's tenure struggles at UCLA, as he is shown with (from left) Karen Umemoto, Gann Matsuda, Christina Ku, Emilio Virata, and Dianne Ujiiye.

Symposium for Don Nakanishi's Tenure, March 1989

Regine Velasquez and Kuh Ledesma Perform at Pasadena Civic Auditorium, August 31, 1998

Philippine songstresses Regine Velasquez (left) and Kuh Ledesma mesmerize an overflow audience at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium while headlining their "Power of Two" showcase concert for the local Filipino American community.

California State Speaker Willie Brown, April 20, 1982

To the photographer, California State Speaker Willie Brown — a Bay Area native and influential if controversial legislator — is apparently a "scrub" that gets no love.

Visual Communications ex-officio boardmember and Executive Director Linda Mabalot.

Portrait of Linda Mabalot, January 1989

Writer and spoken-word artist Joyce Nako peforms in front of an audience during a performance of Asian Pacific American women artists.

Joyce Nako Performs, February 2000

Veterans of the Great Grapepickers Strike, November 16th, 1980

Residents of Paulo Agbayani Village in Delano, CA pose for a group photo for student activists. These residents (manongs, or first-generation Filipino Americans) are veterans of the Great Grapepickers Strike of 1965 that resulted in the formation of the United Farmworkers Union (UFW). Their home, built in the mid-1970s, honors the memory of Paulo Agbayani, a striker who was felled by a heart attack while walking the picket lines.

The Yellow Pearls, “Charlie” Chin, Nobuko Miyamoto, and Chris Iijima performs at Tuesday Nite Café, July 6, 1999

What turned out to be one of the final performances of Yellow Pearls — "Charlie" Chin, Nobuko Miyamoto, and Chris Iijima — closes out an edition of Tuesday Nite Café at the Union Center for the Arts' Aratani Courtyard.

Candles are lit and left to burn as a candlelight vigil in Los Angeles Chinatown's Confucius Plaza to protest violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders reaches its conclusion.

Candle Vigil in Chinatown, March 27, 2021

Noted independent filmmaker Wayne Wang engages with members of the press as he comes to Twentieth Century Fox studios to present a sneak-preview screening of his latest feature SNOW FLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN.

Wayne Wang at Snow Flower and the Secret Fan Screening, July 11, 2011

Presidential Candidate Rev. Jesse Jackson Visits Filipino American Community, January 17, 1986

Presidential candidate The Rev. Jesse Jackson makes comments during a visit to the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles, Inc. in an effort to drive democracy-minded support for the upcoming snap election in the Philippines called by then-President Ferdinand Marcos.

Demonstrator at Candlelight Vigil for Monterey Park Star Dance Studio Shooting, January 25, 2023

A demonstrator advocates for gun control legislation in the wake of a horrific mass shooting of Chinese Americans in Monterey Park, CA at the Star Dance Studio.

Alison de la Cruz, Alice Hom, and Amy Tien are all smiles as they await the start of the 2004 edition of PAST/ FORWARD in the JACCC's basement reception room.

Alizon de la Cruz, Alice Hom, and Amy Tien at PAST/FORWARD, November 14, 2004

Actress Tamlyn Tomita Speaks Out Against KEIRO’s Care Centers’ Closure, January 26, 2021

Actress Tamlyn Tomita, masked up to the max, speaks out against KEIRO and the impending destruction of its acute care center at the hands of a new set of owners at the facility's Boyle Heights campus just east of Little Tokyo.

Demonstrators at Rally in Support of Vicha Ratanapakdee, a Murdered Thai Resident of San Fancisco1, February 6, 2021

Demonstrators make their feelings known at a rally at the Los Angeles Thai Consulate in support of Vicha Ratanapakdee, a Thai resident of San Francisco who was killed as a result of an attack by an alleged homeless man near his home.

Kaz Takeuchi is interviewed by a member of the community press prior to the World Premiere screening of his documentary SHIMON (Fingerprint) at Transamerica Occidental Life Center in downtown Los Angeles.

Kax Takeuchi Interviewed at SHIMON World Premiere, September 1998

A young boy points to a display while taking in a new exhibition at the Chinese American Museum of Los Angeles in downtown L.A.'s El Pueblo neighborhood.

Child at Chinese American Museum, January 19, 2012

Following an overflow speaking engagement in Los Angeles Little Tokyo, Grace Lee Boggs takes part in a book signing of several of her noted books. Here, she signs books for Little Tokyo power couple Jenni Kuida and Tony Osumi, as their daughter Maiya looks on.

Grace Lee Boggs at Book Signing in Little Tokyo, June 15, 2013

Activist Grace Lee Boggs with Emma Gee after Speaking at Little Tokyo’s Union Center of the Arts, June 15, 2013

Legendary Detroit-based activist Grace Lee Boggs meets up with contemporary, the equally legendary Emma Gee following a speaking engagement at the David Henry Hwang Theatre in Little Tokyo's Union Center for the Arts.

VC Staff Document Nisei Week Ondo Practice, July 1988

VCers Dean Hayasaka (with camera) and Supachai Surongsain document a summertime Nisei Week ondo practice in the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center's Noguchi Plaza. Each year, the Nisei Week Ondo enjoys the participation of several local Japanese traditional dance schools and local dance teachers hand-selected by the organizing committee to teach traditional dances.

A trio of guests to Visual Communications participate in a community class led by a class of students from California State University, Northridge led by longtime instructor and activist Glenn Omatsu.

CSUN Students at Glenn Omatsu's Workshop, March 4, 2004

Douglas Aihara, chairman of the board of Visual Communications.

Portrait of Douglas Aihara, January 1989

The members of spoken word trio zero three (Kennedy Kabasares, Traci Kato-Kiriyama, and Edren Sumagaysay) are accomapnied by guitarist Glenn Suravech in a touching performance in tribute to former Visual Communications Executive Director Linda Mabalot during PAST/FORWARD at the Japan America Theatre.

Kenedy Kabasares, Traci Kati-Kiriyama, and Edren Sumagaysay at PAST/FORWARD, November 14, 2004

Ifugao Dance Performance at UCLA's PCN, Exact Date Unknown

Student performers engage in a traditional ifugao tribal dance during the annual Pilipino Cultural Night at UCLA's Royce Hall.

Stann Nakazono Directs Amerasians: Media & the Arts Taping, March 1988

Independent filmmaker Stann Nakazono is firmly in control of taping the new entertainment series AMERASIANS: MEDIA & THE ARTS. Nakazono, who first came to Visual Communications as a 16-year old high school dropout, conceived and produced AMERASIANS for the entirety of its nearly seven-year run.

Experimental artist Tina Takemoto leads a group through a series of graphic filmmaking exercises during a workshop organized for the resident organizations of Little Tokyo's Union Center for the Arts.

Tina Takemoto Teaches Graphic Filmmaking, June 28, 2018

Mar Elepaño aligning frames of Merrilyn Yamada's DON GIOVANNI, February 18, 1987

As part of Visual Communications' Filmmakers Development Program, graphic arts film instructor Mar Elepaño lines up frames of a sequence of Merrilyn Yamada's DON GIOVANNI as he prepares to shoot the nearly-completed animated film.

Panelists at Launch of RISE: A POP HISTORY OF ASIAN AMERICA FROM THE NINETIES TO NOW, March 4, 2022

The stage is filled by guest panelists and media influencers alike at teh book launch party for Phil Yu, Jeff Yang, and Philip Wang's RISE: A POP HISTORY OF ASIAN AMERICA FROM THE NINETIES TO NOW, at the Japanese American National Museum's Aratani Hall.

Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Construction of the Go for Broke Plaza, February 13, 2024

A group of civic dignitaries and community members participate in a ceremonial ground-breaking announcing the start of construction of the Go for Broke Plaza, a low-income and transtional housing development in Los Angeles Little Tokyo.

Nisei Week Queen candidates Helen Ota and Kimberly Yoshida hang tough in front of a mural created by a team led by Anthony Cox and Ron Battle and inspired by "Atomic Nancy" Sekizawa, proprietor of Little Tokyo's legendary Atomic Café.

Nisei Week Queen Candidates in Front of "Atomic Nancy" Inspried Mural, July 22, 1989

Renee Tajima-Peña and Justin Lin speaking at Visual Communications’ PAST: FORWARD celebration, October 25, 2003

As filmmaker Renee Tajima-Peña looks one, fellow filmmaker Justin Lin makes an impassioned plea of support for Visual Communications to the Japan America Theatre crowd as PAST: FORWARD, a celebration of Visual Communications and the legacy of former Executive Director Linda Mabalot, winds down.

Portrait of Raymond Red at Visual Communications, April 4, 1988

Filipino independent filmmaker Raymond Red pays a visit to the Visual Communications offices while on a short tour to showcase his portfolio of experimental Super 8mm short films.

Film and entertainment publicist Annalee Paulo (center) is greeted by Philippine dance choreographer Joel Jacinto and fellow publicist David Magdael as she promotes one of her projects, the independent feature AMERICAN ADOBO, at the Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture at Point Fermin Park in San Pedro, CA.

Annalee Paulo, Joel Jacinto, and David Magdael at FPAC, September 8, 2001

Native Hawaiian Dance Troupe at Terasaki Budokan, March 12, 2022

Members of a Native Hawaiian dance troupe perform a musical number for the crowd during opening day festivities celebrating the formal grand opening of the Terasaki Budokan, the latest project of the Little Tokyo Service Center.

A protester makes her viewpoints known as the tenure battle for UCLA sociology professor Don Nakanishi comes to a head in late winter 1989. Nakanishi's fight to win tenure concluded in 1989 when he was finally awarded tenure; shortly after, he was named director of the UCLA Asian American Studies Center.

Protestor Advocates for Tenure of Don Nakanishi, March 9, 1989

Rodel Rodis Speaks About the Late Labor Activist Philip Vera Cruz, June 24, 1994

Philippine News columnist Rodel Rodis, a veteran of Asian American Movement struggles of the 1960s through 1990s, offers his thoughts on the recently-deceased Filipino American labor activist Philip Vera Cruz during a memorial gathering in Bakersfield, CA that drew together a wealth of fellow activists as labor proponent Kent Wong (near left).

Visual Communications volunteer Christine Lo assembles the latest edition of the VC members' newsletter IN FOCUS despite oppressive (read: no air conditioning) conditions in VC's Little Tokyo headquarters.

Christine Lo Editing VC's Newsletter IN FOCUS, August 1991

Sachi Yamamoto & Christopher Komuro working on Visual Communications' newsletter, IN FOCUS, April 19, 1986

Sachi Yamamoto and Christopher Komuro adjust the composition of a still-life for a newsletter image for IN FOCUS, the Visual Communications newsletter, as part of a photo shoot demonstrating the capabilities of the organization.

Protest for Don Nakanishi’s Tenure, February 1989

Ken. Wada of the UCLA Nikkei Student Union expresses support for UCLA sociology professor Don Nakanishi and his tenure fight as his struggles envelope the campus Third World community.

Nancy Sekizaka with Singers at Peoples' Potluck, November 1988

"Atomic Nancy" Sekizaka (far left) leads a group of singers through arousing musical number onstage at Senshin Buddhist Temple as part of a celebration for GIDRA Magazine at a version of Long Beach's long-running "Peoples' Potluck".

Protestor Poses with National Guardsman at March for Eddie Lee During LA Riots, May 2, 1992

A National Guardsman and a local homie make strange bedfellows as a march and rally for slain teenager Eddie Lee passes the intersection of Beverly and Vermont Avenues in Historical Filipinotown, a neighborhood abutting Los Angeles' Koreatown. The rally followed days of violence and mayhem following the "not-guilty" verdicts of five LAPD officers in the police abouse beating trial of motorist Rodney King.

Khmer American Dancer Performing at Kodomo No Hi, May 4, 1986

A Khmer American dancer performs a classical number during festivities celebrating Kodomo no hi (Childrens' Day) at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center in Los Angeles Little Tokyo.

The photograper (Abraham Ferrer) tests out his new one-touch Nikon digital camera in his hotel room before heading out for the day.

Abraham Ferrer Self-Portrait, October 23, 2006

Cinematographer Dean Hayasaka lines up a shot on the set of his thesis project THE LAUREATE as part of the American Film Institute's Filmmakers Conservatory. To his left is director Robert Jacobson.

Dean Hayasaka on the Set of The Laureate, February 1989

Filmmakers Kent Hirohama, Screescanda Subramoniam, and Mar Elepaño hang out in the cavernous reception hall of the French Institut Alliance Francaise as the 1989 edition of Asian CineVision's Asian American International Film Festival gets underway.

Filmmakers at Asian CineVision's Asian American International Film Festival, July 27, 1989

Theresa Navarro shows off the (Lunar New Year) money while pitching in to stuff goodie bags in preparation for the seventh edition of the Asian Pacific Filmmakers Experience in Park City, Utah.

Theresa Navarro with Money Envelopes, January 19, 2008

Producer/director Walt Louie goes for what he knows at a reception following the World Premiere screening of the television pilot program LOTUSLAND at Loyola Marymount University.

Walk Louie at World Premiere of LOTUSLAND, February 1992

Tina Takemoto Teaching +Lab Workshop for "Delicious Little Tokyo," July 21, 2018

Experimental artist Tina Takemoto leads a capacity audience through a series of exercises using found food items during a +Lab workshop, organized as part of "Delicious Little Tokyo," an initiative of the Little Tokyo Community Council and Sustainable Little Tokyo.

Members of Ballet Philippines perform a tribal performance during their residency at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood, CA. The performance was organized and staged by a committee that organizes the annual Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture (FPAC) and reflects FPAC's interest in promoting a year-round slate of cultural and social activities.

Ballet Philippines Perform at FPAC, June 28, 1996

Eddie Wong, Robert Nakamura, & Duane Kubo behind the scenes of Visual Communications’ “At First Light” exhibition, March 26, 2017

Visual Communications co-founders (from left) Eddie Wong, Robert Nakamura, and Duane Kubo strategize prior to a joint presentation to potential supporters of the VC founders' photographic exhibition "At First Light."

Maceo Hernandez-Delgado, Member of Zenzuji Taiko, Performs on Little Tokyo Nisei Week Grand Parade, August 10, 1986

Maceo Hernandez-Delgado lets out a roar as he and fellow members of Zenzuji Taiko perform on a mobile float through the streets of Los Angeles Little Tokyo as part of the annual Nisei Week Grand Parade.

On a morning stroll along Washington DC's Massachusetts Avenue, the photographer comes across a statue of confederate general Robert L. Lee adorned with a flock of pigeons eager to shit all over it.

Confederate Statue with Pigeons, November 7, 2006

VCers Francis Cullado, Junko Goda, and Milton Liu hang out in the parking lot of Little Tokyo's Nishi Hongwanji Buddhist Temple while receiving guests arriving for Visual Communications' fundraiser dance, "Dance the Night Away."

Francis Cullado, Junko Goda, and Milton Liu before Visual Communications’ “Dance the Night Away” event, May 30, 2015

Tadashi Nakamura at Community Filmmaking Workshop, April 20, 2019

During a community filmmaking workshop as part of the pop-up series "Centering the Masses" at 341 FSN, Tadashi Nakamura explain the "rule of nines" using fellow filmmaker Janet Chen as a reference model.

A demonstrator makes his feelings known about the National Rifle Association as a rally against gun violence, "March for Our Lives," is set to take place in downtown Los Angeles.

Anti-NRA Protestor at "March for Our Lives," March 24, 2018

Yen Lu Wong Speaking at Community Discussion, May 3, 1986

Dancer and performance artist Yen Lu Wong makes her feelings known during a spirited discussion at a large gathering of local Asian Pacific American artists and arts organizations held at USC.

Linda Whang and VC Interns Jay Lee, Robynn Takayama, Yan Guan, and Glenn Ige, July 31, 1994

ChiliVisions VIII coordinator Linda Whang clowns around the office with fellow summer interns (from left) Jay Lee, Robynn Takayama, Yan Guan, and Glenn Ige.

An early-evening view of Da Massa's Plantation Home in Chocolate City. Others may recognize this edifice as some building in Washington DC that got torched by British troops back in the year 1813.

The Executive Mansion, November 7, 2006

Rally for Immigration Reform by Asian Pacific Islanders for Immigration RIghts and Empowerment, June 13, 1996

A rally calling for comprehensive immigration reform organized by members of Asian Pacific Islanders For Immigrant Rights and Empowerment (API FIRE) takes place at the steps of the Los Angeles Federal Building.

Visual Communications boardmember and broadcast journalist Frank Kwan.

Portrait of Frank Kwan, January 1989

Nissei Week Car Show Display, August 13, 1988

A passerby checks out the cool ride on display during the Nisei Week Car Show, a special showcase conceived to attract newer audiences to the annual summertime festival. The Car Show was held in an open parking lot situated between San Pedro and Los Angeles Streets, directly in front of the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center.

Muni Zano behind the scenes of Dan Tirtiwinata’s short film THE DAY THE DANCERS CAME, May 1992

Actor Muni Zano (left) fine-tunes his blocking assignments as director Dan Tirtiwinata approves while setting up a scene from the short narrative film THE DAY THE DANCERS CAME.

Hawai'i Lt. Governor Ben Cayetano (center) is flanked by City of Carson Mayor Michael Mitoma and Los Angeles County Supervisor Yvonne Brathwaite Burke during blessings as part of an official visit by Cayetano to the Filipino American community.

Lt. Governor Ben Cayetano with Marow Michael Mitoma and Supervisor Yconne Brathewaite, September 15, 1995

Visual Communications’ 48th annual “Past: Forward” dinner, May 12, 2018

At "Past: Forward," Visual Communications' 48th anniversary dinner and program at USC, a "Beatles" reunion is spotted on the red carpet. Question: which one is Paul? And, which one is The Walrus? Inquiring minds want to know...

The 2014-2015 cohort of Visual Communications' Armed With a Camera Fellowship sits for a class photo (clockwise from upper left): advisor Milton Liu, Susumu Kimura, Allison Nakamura, Weldon Wong Powers, advisor Ann Kaneko, Yoko Okamura, Viet Le, Angela Chen, and Norbert Hsieh.

2014-15 Armed With a Camera Fellowshiop Cohort, December 5, 2014

The shoreline of Honolulu's Waikiki Beach is a picturesque scene on a Halloween daytime, a sharp contract to the craziness that descends upon nightfall.

Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach, October 31, 2006

Koreatown's Commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of the Los Angeles Rebellion, April 29, 2022

A pair of elderly Los Angelenos meet up during a gospel performance as part of festivities in Los Angeles Koretown commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Los Angeles Rebellion.

During a feedback session as part of Day One of the Conference for Creative Content at the Writers Guild of America, actor Elizabeth Sung poses a question to the assembled panel.

Elizabeth Sung at Conference of Creative Content at the Writers Guild of America, October 27, 2012

Emilio J. Virata and Mel Ilomin Play During Asian Pacific Heritage Month on UCLA’s Campus, April 27, 1982

UCLA students Emilio J. Virata and Mel Ilomin pick their way through a rendition of the Filipino ballad "Dahil Sa Iyo" in front of an audience at UCLA's Cooperage, a converted cafeteria-turned coffee house. Their performance is part of events celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month across the UCLA campus.

Protester Denounces Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, September 1986

A protester signals to passing traffic along Wilshire Blvd. during a demonstration denouncing the possible asylum of deposed Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos to the United States.

Independent producer Karin Chien (far left) holds sway over a "Race and Media" panel including Joy Osmanski, Greg Pak, Phil Yu, and L.S. Kim during Day One of the Conference for Creative Content at the Screen Actors Guild headquarters in midtown Los Angeles.

"Race and Media" Panel, October 26, 2013

Taiji Miyagawa rehearsing for Visual Communications’ 30th anniversary celebration, “The Neomedia World”, November 17, 2000

Taiji Miyagawa tunes his string bass as a menagerie of musicians, spoken-word poets and hangers-on rehearse a musical number in preparation for "The Neomedia World," a 30th anniversary celebration of Visual Communications.

Visual Communications boardmember and video producer Alan Kondo.

Portrait of Alan Kondo, January 1989

Writer and Publications department head of the UCLA Asian American Studies center, Russell Leong, busies himself with editing manuscript for publication into the collaborative UCLA AASC/Visual Communications anthology MOVING THE IMAGE: ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN INDEPENDENT MEDIA ARTS.

Russell Leong Editing Manuscript, October 1990

Montebello Sozenji Taiko Performing at Holiday Bazaar, November 22, 1986

Montebello Sozenji Taiko puts on a boffo performance at a holiday bazaar on the Noguchi Plaza of Los Angeles Little Tokyo's Japanese American Cultural & Community Center.

Screescanda Subramoniam and Kennedy Kabasares posing atop the Union Center for the Arts, February 28, 2000

Film and video editor Screescanda Subramoniam and Visual Communications staff member Kennedy Kabasares strike a pose as 30th anniversary cover models on a cloudy day atop the Union Center for the Arts in Los Angeles Little Tokyo.

Go-For-Broke National Education Center's Historical Clock, August 9, 1987

A neon clock is an enduring feature of the former Sanwa International Building near the corner of East First Street and Central Avenue in historic Little Tokyo's First Street North. The building was eventually absorbed into the campus of the Japanese American National Museum, and is now the Go-for-Broke National Education Center.

Academy Award-nominated documentary filmmakers Anne Tegnell and Lise Yasui of Philadelphia, PA come to pay a visit to Visual Communications' headquarters in Los Angeles Little Tokyo.

Anne Tegnell and Lise Yasui Visits Visual Communications, March 1989

Noriyuki "Pat" Morita and Erica Cho on stage at Visual Communications’ PAST: FORWARD, October 25, 2003

During the presentation of PAST: FORWARD, a celebration of Visual Communications and the legacy of former Executive Director Linda Mabalot, actor/comedian Noriyuki "Pat" Morita celebrates the completion of an onstage skit at the Japan America Theatre with audience member Erica Cho mimicking the "wax on, wax off" scene from the feature film THE KARATE KID.

Maia and Alex Shibutani at Opening of JACCC's "Big Games Little Tokyo" Exhibit, July 11, 2021

Olympic ice dancing champion siblings Maia and Alex Shibutani make a selfie with the members of a local taiko ensemble during the opening of the multi-media exhibit "Big Games Little Tokyo" at the JACCC's Doizaki Gallery and Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles Little Tokyo.

Johneric Concordia and Curtis Chin During "Our Shared Future" Panel, December 3, 2023

Johneric Concordia answers a question from the audience as filmmaker/book author Curtis Chin listens in during "Our Shared Future," a panel celebrating APA food culture at the JANM Democracy Forum.

50th Anniversary Event for the UCLA Asian American Studies Center, July 13, 2019

Just some of the many guests attending a 50th anniversary kick-off event of the UCLA Asian American Studies Center reacts in various modes as they participate in a game devised by event organizers.

Peter Chow Speaks On Pickles Make Me Cry, May 12, 1988

Asian CineVision's irrepressible Executive Director Peter Chow is interviewed by members of the local Chinese American press in advance of the Los Angeles Premiere screening of his feature-length directorial effort, PICKLES MAKE ME CRY.

John Esaki and Rodney Kageyama on Amerasians: Media & the Arts, May 1988

Host John Esaki gabs with actor and comedian Rodney Kageyama on the set of AMERASIANS: MEDIA & THE ARTS.

Legendary longtime activists Yuri and Bill Kochiyama pose in a bedroom in their Harlem, NYC apartment with a potted plant gifted to them by former Visual Communications Executive Director Steve Tatsukawa during a previous visit to their home, a longtime hub for out-of-town activists and progressives.

Yuri and Bill Kochiyama in Harlem NYC, July 21, 1991

The next generation of American citizens and policymakers (read: voters) make a pointed plea for gun safety laws as the "March for Our Lives" rally winds down in downtown Los Angeles.

Young Demonstrators at DTLA March for Our Lives, March 24, 2018

Los Lobos’s Lead Guitarist, Cesar Rosas, at UCLA MEChA’s Cinco de Mayo Celebration, May 6, 1984

UCLA MEChA's Cinco de Mayo celebration at the foot of UCLA Janss Steps brought an overflow crowd of over 7,500 to a raucous concert and party headlined by Los Lobos, "just another band from East L.A." Cesar Rosas, lead guitarist for the East Los Angeles-based roots/punk rockers, leads the band through a preview of songs from their forthcoming album, the game-changing How Will The Wolf Survive?

Tina Takemoto with the map of Little Tokyo’s historic First Street North, July 30, 2018

Cinematic artist Tina Takemoto poses in front of a comprehensive mapping project wall showcasing the histories of each of the businesses that line Little Tokyo's historic First Street North. The mapping project is a major outcome of +Lab, a place-based arts initiative of the Little Tokyo Service Center and administered by Sustainable Little Tokyo.

Irene Hirano Speaking at an Asian Pacific American Women's Network Conference, June 13, 1987

Career coach Irene Hirano leads a group exercise in leadership development at a conference organized by Asian Pacific American Women's Network at the Los Angeles Airport Hilton.

During a lunch break during Day One of the Conference for Creative Content at the Writers Guild of America, Visual Communications boardmember Henry Chan solicits the opinions of a couple of conference attendees.

Conference for Creative Content at the Writers Guild of America, October 27, 2012

Peter Hata of jazz fusion band Hiroshima tears into a guitar solo as the band plays as the centerpiece of Visual Communications' 20th anniversary event at the Japan America Theatre in Los Angeles Little Tokyo.

Peter Hata Performing at VC's 20th Anniversary, November 17, 1990

Tony Osumi and Jenni Kuida at Terasaki Budokan, November 5, 2023

Tony Osumi (left) and Jenni Kuida greet longtime APA community activist Evelyn Yoshimura at the unveiling of a community garden in her name at the Terasaki Budokan in Los Angeles Little Tokyo.

Rick Chun and Diana Yamashiro on set of a documentary production created as part of Visual Communications' Filmmakers Development Program.

Rick Chun and Diana Yamashiro on Documentary Set, February 1989

Eddie Wong with NCRR Members at JACCC, June 4, 1988

A gathering of members representing the National Coalition for Redress & Reparations gather to welcome the National Rainbow Coalition's national field representative and Visual Communications co-founder Eddie Wong, at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center.

Asian Pacific American Activists at "Abolish ICE" Rally, June 30, 2018

A large contingent of Asian Pacific American activists in Little Tokyo's Tomiuri Plaza in advance of participating in an "Abolish ICE" march and rally in downtown Los Angeles.

Chili Chefs Gathered at VC's "ChiliVisions" Fundraiser, August 23, 1986

A cohort of community chili chefs gather in community as winners are announced for the first annual CHILIVISIONS chili cook-off and film screening at the JACCC and Japan America Theatre in Los Angeles Little Tokyo.

Commemoration of Atlanta Spa Shootings at Chinatown's Confucious Plaza, March 27, 2021

A couple commemorate the murder of a group of spa workers in Atlanta, GA during a candlelight rally in Los Angeles Chinatown's Confucius Plaza to protest violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Soup is ON: Actor Roger Fan (FINISHING THE GAME) goes for what he knows as the buffet line at China Panda Restaurant gets crowded. China Panda served as the host venue, until 2010, for the Asian Pacific Filmmakers Experience in Park City, Utah.

Roger Fan at APFE Buffet Line, January 21, 2007

Youth at Candlelight Vigil at Monterey Park's Star Dance Studio, January 25, 2023

A youngster stands in support for those who lost their lives in a massacre at Monterey Park's Star Dance Studio.

Larry Clark and Eddie Wong in an episode of Artbound, April 1, 2023

Veteran filmmakers Larry Clark and Eddie Wong reminisce about their days as film school students at UCLA for an episode of KCET-TV's arts and culture series Artbound.

Visual Communications boardmember and educator Yvonne Wong-Nishio.

Portrait of Yvonne Wong-Nishio, January 1989

Rally Against Anti-Asian Hate in Torrance's Wilson Park, July 11, 2020

Japanese Americans and other residents of Los Angeles' South Bay gather at Torrance's Wilson Park in protest of an elevated trend of violence against Asian Pacific Americans.

Mother and Child at Hunger Protest for Welfare Rights, August 4, 1996

A young mother and her child stand in the middle of a large crowd protesting for welfare rights in front of the Los Angeles Federal Building.

UCLA Nikkei Student Union Nisei Week Shaved Ice Booth, August 13, 1988

Members of the UCLA Nikkei Student Union proudly pose in their shaved ice booth at the 1988 Nisei Week Carnival along Los Angeles Little Tokyo's San Pedro Street.

Chicano Youths at an “Abolish I.C.E.” March, June 30, 2018

A parade of Chicano youths from across the L.A. River in Boyle Heights show up to demonstrate against the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.) as part of the "Abolish ICE" march and rally in downtown Los Angeles.

Asian CineVision's Risa Morimoto (second from left) and Basco Brothers Dante, Darion, and Dion are greeted by Asian Pacific Filmmakers Experience honoree Taika Waititi as Visual Communications boardmember Rick Hernandez lurks in the background.

Risa Miromoto, Taika Waititi, and Basco Brothers at Asian Pacific Filmmakers Experience, January 22, 2006

Moon Festival in San Francisco's Chinatown, September 11, 2021

A trio of San Francisco Chinatown residents pose with a giant panda while taking in the myriad activities during the annual Moon Festival spread out along Chinatown's iconic Grant Avenue thoroughfare.

Panelists Strategize Prior to Discussion on Philippines, November 15, 1986

Panelist Prosy de la Cruz, Ernestine Tayabas, Reese Ehrlich, and Royal Morales strategize before participating in a discussion on the Philippines' next moves post-"People Power Revolution" during a program sponsored by East Wind Magazine in Los Angeles' Historic Filipinotown.

A Couple in Japantown in San Francisco, September 11, 2021

A couple share an intimate moment as the sun slowly sets on San Francisco's Japantown.

Film Crew Shooting Amerasians: Media & the Arts, February 10, 1988

Members of Stann Nakazono's studio crew man the video cameras for the Group W Cable news & entertainment series AMERASIANS: MEDIA & THE ARTS.

Peter Chow Speaking at National Asian American Media Arts Converence, July 27, 1985

At the National Asian American Media Arts Conference held at UCLA, Asian CineVision's Executive Director Peter Chow pontificates on the challenges of maintaining a community-based media arts organization, as independent producer Louise Low listens in.

Bolero Dancers at Children’s Day, July, 1988

A troupe of bolero dancers from Plaza de la Raza in East Los Angeles entertain the crowd during festivities at Kodomo no hi (Childrens' Day) at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center.

Pamela Tom working in the archives at Visual Communications, September 1990

Pamela Tom braves the late summer heat in Visual Communications' air-conditioning challenged offices in the RAFU SHIMPO building.

Warren Furutani and a Group of Kids, February 1, 1987

A large group of kids are joined by Warren Furutani, candidate for a seat on the Los Angeles School Board of Education.

Christine Choy at Screening of Who Killed Vincent Chin?, June 1988

Acerbic New York independent filmmaker Christine Choy emotes for a guest at a post-screening reception following a "taste-makers" showing of the Oscar-nominated feature documentary WHO KILLED VINCENT CHIN?

A crowd of nearly 1,500 ukulele enthusiasts gather to make an attempt to break the Guiness world record as part of the JACCC's "Ukulele Expo" on the JACCC's Noguchi Plaza in Los Angeles Little Tokyo.

Ukulele Players in JACCC's Noguchi Plaza, June 28, 2014

Elaine Bautista and PCN Cast Dance the Singkil, Exact Date Unknown

Elaine Bautista is the center of attention as dancers overlay a network of bamboo poles that animate the singkil, a centerpiece dance number of the "Muslim suite," as part of UCLA's annual Pilipino Cultural Night at the VA Wadsworth Theatre.

Renee Tajima Speaking at UCLA, February 6, 1988

Independent filmmaker Renee Tajima makes her point during a panel discussion celebrating the birth of New York-based Third World Newsreel at an event held at UCLA.

Visual Communications’ Intern, Shoop Rozario, setting up the Kazari Entry, August 8, 2019

Visual Communications summer intern Shoop Rozario applies the finishing touches on VC's kazari entry to the annual Tanabata Festival, which occupies the former Central Avenue adjacent to the Japanese American National Museum.

Erich Nakano, Bill Watanabe, and Chris Aihara at the Opening of the Teresaki Budokan, March 12, 2022

Building Blocks of a Community: Erich Nakano, Bill Watanabe, and Chris Aihara review a slide presentation during a special program during festivities celebrating the formal "grand opening" of the Terasaki Budokan, a community gymnasium and event space in Los Angeles Little Tokyo. Watanabe, a founding Exective Director of LTSC, initiated the process of realizing the Budokan; Nakano, a veteran of the Little Tokyo Peoples Rights Organization, is the current Executive Director of LTSC, while Aihara serves on the organization's board of directors.

A Teacher Leading Activities at Los Angeles Childrens' Museum, May 9, 1986

A teacher engages young children in a series of learning games during opening day of an exhibit celebrating Japanese American culture at the Los Angeles Childrens' Museum.

Rally in Response to Anti-Asian Hate, February 20, 2021

A rally entitled "Stand for Asians" is held in Los Angeles State Park near Chinatown. A response to the heightened instances of violence toward people of Asian and Pacific islander descent, the rally brought together a broad cross-section of the AAPI community.

Johneric Concordia, the owner and head chef of The Park's Finest in L.A.'s historic Filipinotown, prepares delicious treats for screening attendees of the documentary film OFF THE MENU at the Democracy Forum at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles Little Tokyo.

Johneric Concordia at Screening of OFF THE MENU, October 25, 2015

Young Activist at Rally Protesting Detention Camp, June 27, 2019

A young activist makes her feelings known as a crowd of nearly 1,000 demonstrators descend upon JANM for "Never Again Is NOW," a rally protesting the reopening of a detention camp for migrant children in Fort Still, OK.

Allan Terre and SIPA Cast Performing at UCLA's PCN, Exact Date Unknown

Allan Terre (near left) is one of many youths from Search to Involve Pilipino Americans, Inc. to take part in UCLA's Pilipino Cultural Night at UCLA Royce Hall.

Ballet Folklorico Troupe at The Lotus Festival, July 16, 2023

A ballet folklorico troupe performs onstage at the 2023 edition of the Day of the Lotus Festival, a longtime summetime cultural institution held at Echo Park Lake near downtown Los Angeles.

R&B group, Katonk, in Sho Tokyo Parking Structure in Little Tokyo, July 14, 1989

The members of Los Angeles-based R&B group Katonk hang out somewhere in the Sho Tokyo parking structure in Los Angeles Little Tokyo.

Stop Anti-Asian Violence Rally, March 27, 2021

Protesters make their feelings known as a large community-wide "Stop Anti-Asian Violence" march and rally makes its way through the streets of downtown Los Angeles.

Nisei Week Queens and Gilbert Lindsey at Tea, July 1988

At the Nisei Week Queen's Tea that serves as the unofficial opening event of the annual summertime cultural festival, longtime Los Angeles City Councilman Gilbert Lindsey chats with 1987 Nisei Week Queen LeeAnne Sera as 1986 Queen Jennifer Ahn looks on.

Sharon Koga Plays a Taiko Drum at the North American Taiko Conference, July 29, 1999

Sharon Koga of Senshin Buddhist Temple's Kinnara Taiko ensemble gets the party started as the 1999 North American Taiko Conference gets underway.

Signing of U.S. Flag as Peace Gesture for the Day of Rememberance, February 19, 2022

Guests sign a commemorative U.S. flag as a peace gesture by incarcerated Japanese Americans prior to an 80th anniversary program of the Day of Remembrance, which recognizes the issuance of Executive Order 9066 which authorized the relocation of Japanese Americans into concentration camps during WWII.

Barbara Hernandez, Jeff Chop, and Mike Murase at Opening of "Centering the Masses," April 5, 2019

Old-school activists Barbra Hernandez, Jeff Chop, and Mike Murase talk activism and legacies at the opening of the pop-up series "Centering the Masses" at the 341 North First Street storefront in historic Little Tokyo. In the background are reproductions of covers of GIDRA, an Asian American vernacular edited by a group that included Murase.

"Visual Communications: A Celebration of Spirit" outdoor installation, April 28, 2019

Echos of Visual Communications' famed "cubes" exhibit can be seen in a newer exhibit created for Photoville, "Visual Communications: A Celebration of Spirit" installed in Century City as a site-specific display.

Chris Tashima and Stann Nakazono behind the scenes of Soji Kashiwagi’s short film HONORABLE MENTION, July 1988

As director Soji Kashiwagi (far right) and crew member Chris Tashima look on, cameraman Stann Nakazono lines up a shot along the Sixth Street Bridge during filming of Kashiwagi's short drama HONORABLE MENTION as part of Visual Communications' Filmmakers Development Program.

UCLA Students and Members of Little Tokyo Service Center and Little Tokyo Peoples Rights Organization at San Pedro Firm Building, May 28, 1988

UCLA Nikkei Student Union co-chairs Ken Wada and Mary Katayama are the center of attention as a gathering of NSU members join with members of the Little Tokyo Service Center and the Little Tokyo Peoples Rights Organization to conduct all-day interior painting of the San Pedro Firm Building in an effort to make the LTSC property liveable for its low-income residents.

Emi Yamaki & Joanne Ishimine Rehearsing for a Multimedia VC Production, June, 1987

Emi Yamaki of Koreisha Chushoku Kai, a senior services initiative of Little Tokyo's Pacific Pioneer Center, goes over show notes with newscaster Joanne Ishimine, on hand to lend voiceover services for a multimedia presentation produced by Visual Communications.

Chris Braga Displaying a Portrait of Himself, January 30, 2020

Longtime activist Chris Braga visits Visual Communications while visiting Los Angeles to see his children. Braga, a key architect in the construction of Delano, CA's Paolo Agbayani Village, is seen displaying a portrait of himself that was made as part of Dennis Kuba's "Asian Americans" flashcard series.

Philip Esparza Spectactes California Dialogues II, December 13, 1987

Philip Esparza, the eloquent "second-in-command" of legendary Chicano theatre company El Teatro Campesino, listens in as speakers have a go at it during a morning session of "California Dialogues II," a statewide conference of artists and arts organizations of color sponsored by the California Arts Council.

Director Keo Woolford (far left) and his actors and crew members bask in the glow of an overflow crowd at an LAAPFF encore screening of his feature film THE HAUMANA at the Long Beach Art Theatre.

Keo Woolford at Screening of THE HUMANA, May 11, 2013

While greeting friends and fans prior to the World Premiere screening of his A SONG FOR OURSELVES at the Aratani/Japan America Theatre, documentary filmmaker Tadashi Nakamura meets up with Kamau Ayyubi as Karen Ishizuka looks on.

Tadashi Nakamura Meets Kamau Ayyubi, February 28, 2009

Hirokazu Kosaka with Toyo Miyatake and Alan Miyatake, July 11, 2021

The JACCC's Hirokazu Kosaka talks up the camera used by legendary modernist photographer Toyo Miyatake for curator Karen Ishizuka and Miyatake's grandson and photographer Alan Miyatake during the opening of the exhibition "Big Games Little Tokyo" at the JACCC's Doizaki Gallery.

Interviewee, Hunny, slated in public service announcement produced by Visual Communications’ & Empowering Pacific Islander Communities March 8, 2020

Hmong transwoman Hunny is slated before filming resumes for a series of public service announcements encouraging underserved AAPIs to participate in the 2020 Census. The project, produced by Visual Communications and Empowering Pacific Islander Communities (EPIC), stressed the importance of the census to the Queer Transgender Asian Pacific Islander

Traditional Japanese Dance Company Performs During Nisei Week Grand Parade, August 14, 1988

Members of a traditional Japanese dance company perform for a capacity crowd along historic First Street in Los Angeles Little Tokyo as the 1988 Nisei Week Grand Parade is in full swing.

A demonstrator waves a sign driving home the plain and simple message of a "Love is Love" rally held at Los Angeles City Hall.

Rally at Los Angeles City Hall, June 13, 2016

Hunger Strikers Advocating for Welfare and Immigrant Rights, August 4, 1996

Hunger strikers near the end of their fasting at a large rally and protest advocating for welfare and immigrant rights held on the steps of the Los Angeles Federal Building.

Elaine Bautista preens for the capacity audience at UCLA VA/Wadsworth Theatre during the "muslim suite," a key showcase as part of the annual Filipino Cultural Night.

Elaine Bautista at Filipino Cultural Night, February 20, 1989

Origami Display at JACCC, August 7, 1988

Origami animals are on display as part of an extensive exhibit in the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center's George Doizaki Gallery.

Activists at Nisei Week Grand Parade Advocate Against Displacement and Gentrification, August 12, 2018

A contingent of arts advocates and community activists take part in the annual Nisei Week Grand Parade. The group was advocating against community displacement and harmful gentrification outcomes, and was organized by Sustainable Little Tokyo.

Anti-apartheid Demonstrators in Leimert Park, October 11, 1986

Anti-apartheid demonstrators gather in Los Angeles' Leimert Park to listen to a series of speakers as the movement to end South Africa's restrictive racial system reaches a boiling point.

Panelists Ken Mochizuki, John Esaki, Gordon Mar, Laureen Chew speak at UC Berkeley, March 21, 1986

As part of the 1986 Bay Area Asian American Film Festival, a panel composed of (from left); Kingstreet Media's Ken Mochizuki, Visual Communications' John Esaki, activist Gordon Mar, and professor and actress Laureen Chew hold sway for an at capacity crowd at UC Berkeley.

Chicano Students at Protest for Professor Don Nakanishi’s Tenure, May 25, 1988

Chicano UCLA students arrive to offer their support for embattled UCLA sociology professor Don Nakanishi at a packed rally on the steps of Campbell Hall.

Alan Nishio, Yvonne Nishio, Amy Kato, Sharon Yamato, and John Esaki at Dockweiler State Beach, April 2, 2023

At Los Angeles' Dockweiler State Beach, a large bicycle rally is held in honor of longtime community activist Alan Nishio. Alan and his partner Yvonne Wong Nishio are flanked by event organizers (from left) Amy Kato, Sharon Yamato, and John Esaki.

Lindy Leong displays a film can containing elements of Robert Nakamura's UCLA Project 1 documentary MANZANAR, as a collection of Visual Communications' born-on-film catalogue is shipped to climate-controlled cold storage at the Academy Archive.

Linda Leong Holds Film Can of MANZANAR, January 21, 2005

Velina Hasu Recites Poetry at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, August 12, 1990

Playright Velina Hasu Houston recites one of her poems during a spoken-word reading at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center.

+Lab’s AIR Project Performs at JANM’s Central Plaza, August 28, 2019

The ensemble of +Lab's AIR project, "Past/Present" reaches its climax on JANM's central plaza. The show, created by Traci Kato-Kiriyama and performed by a group of young artists, offers a nuanced interpretation of memory and activism.

A visitor checks out a display of Visual Communications publications in the JACCC's Doizaki Gallery while waiting for the fundraising event PAST/FORWARD to commence in the adjacent Japan America Theatre.

Visitor at JACCC's Doisaki Gallery for PAST/ FORWARD, October 23, 2003

Thai Binh Ishizuka On Set of "Harusami: Spring Rain", May, 1986

Thai Binh Ishizuka awaits direction on the set of the short independent film HARUSAMI: SPRING RAIN, a drama directed by Jose de Vega and produced through Visual Communications' Filmmakers Development Program.

A lotus flower emerges from a reflective pool located within an urban jungle along Hong Kong's boisterous Nathan Road thoroughfare.

Flower of Nathan Road, October 11, 2007

Collage Ensemble Dance Performance, February 18, 1989

Members of performing arts collective Collage Ensemble perform onstage.

Animator and cartoonist Lela Lee makes a point to the members of the "Creating Animation" panel during Day Two of the Conference for Creative Content at the Writers Guild of America.

Lela Lee on "Creating Animation" Panel, October 28, 2012

Members of National Coalition for Redress and Reparations, August 13, 1988

Members supporting the National Coalition for Redress and Reparations man an info table as the campaign for redress winds down (from left): Meg Imamoto, Guy Aoki, Jeannette Umemoto, Bob Toji, and Kathy Masaoka.

Florante Ibanex, Rose Ibanex, Joe Bernardo, and Mary Lacallale with Lacalle's book, INSTRUMENTS OF EMPIRE, March 5, 2022

At the launch of the CSUDH Filipino American Digital Archive, longtime activista Florante Ibanez (second from right) is shown here in his ubiquitous #huelga UFW shirt along with Rose Estepa Ibanez, Joe Bernardo, and CSUDH professor Mary Talusan Lacallale, who's shown hyping her book INSTRUMENTS OF EMPIRE.

A Chinese American Dancer Performing at "Week of Performing Arts", May 7, 1986

A Chinese American classical dancer entertains the noontime crowd during a performance as part of the Mayor's Asian Pacific American Heritage Month held at downtown Los Angeles' Fletcher Bowron Square.

Ted Bonito with Demonstrators at UCLA, May 25, 1988

Ted Benito (center, at podium) leads a courtyard full of demonstrators at a noontime rally protesting the tenure denial of UCLA sociology professor Don Nakanishi on the steps of UCLA Campbell Hall.

Nobuko Miyamoto Hands over the Keys of Great Leap, Inc. to Alison de la Cruz, November 18, 2023

At the Japanese American National Museum, Nobuko Miyamoto (right) hands over the (figurative) keys of Great Leap, Inc. to Alison dela Cruz during "Ceremony," Miyamoto's retirement party that also doubled as dela Cruz' welcome as Great Leap's new Executive Director.

Navajo Elder Blessing at California Dialogue II, December 13, 1987

A quartet of Navajo elders chant an opening blessing to the gathered throng of artists, arts advocates, and activists taking part in "California Dialogue II," organized by the California Arts Council and held at St. Vincent's Hospital in Los Angeles' Westlake District.

Linda Mabalot at "Planting Roots" Exhibition, November 1988

Visual Communications' Executive Director Linda Mabalot surveys audience reactions to the mobile photo exhibition "Planting Roots" at Search to Involve Pilipino Americans, Inc. in Los Angeles' Historic Filipinotown.

Domingo Magwili Rehearsing for Amerasians: Media & the Arts, April 1988

Actor and musician Domingo "Dom" Magwili performs a pre-taped routine before going before the studio cameras at Group W Cable as part of an installment of AMERASIANS: MEDIA & THE ARTS.

Behind the scenes with Janice D. Tanaka and Screescanda Subramoniam editing WHEN YOU'RE SMILING: THE DEADLY LEGACY OF INTERNMENT, September 30, 1999

Video documentarian and former Visual Communications staffer Janice D. Tanaka checks in on Screescanda Subramoniam as the editing of the feature-length documentary WHEN YOU'RE SMILING: THE DEADLY LEGACY OF INTERNMENT nears the end.

A spiffy new smartphone application promises to bring the details of the 2016 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival to the fingertips of the average Angeleno.

Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival Promotion, April 8, 2016

Great Leap Inc. Performs at Their New Show, A SLICE OF RICE, FRIJOLE & BEANS, September 15, 1993

A revamped, multicultural iteration of Great Leap. Inc. performs onstage at Los Angeles' Barnsdall Park Gallery Theatre as a new Great Leap show, A SLICE OF RICE, FRIJOLE & BEANS, is unveiled.

UCLA Law Students Defend Affirmative Action Policies, December 17, 1981

First-year UCLA law school students Dolly Gee and Evelyn Aguilar show out at a third-world rally defending affirmative action policies.

Yen Lu Wong Performing at "Week of Performing Arts", May 7, 1986

Dancer/choreographer Yen Lu Wong performs onstage at Fletcher Bowron Square as part of the Mayor's Asian Pacific Heritage Month's "Week of Performing Arts".

Steven Okazaki at Bay Area Asian American Film Festival post-panel reception, March 21, 1986

At a post-panel reception at UC Berkeley during the 1986 Bay Area Asian American Film Festival, award-winning independent filmmaker Steven Okazaki (left) chats with a colleague representing Washington's Kingstreet Media.

Visual Communications boardmember Walt Louie chills out in the hospitality lounge of the Hawai'i International Film Festival while awaiting the World Premiere screening of RESTORING THE LIGHT, a documentary feature that he helped edit and produce.

Walt Louie at HIFF, October 14, 2011

Asiroh Cham and Duane Kubo Recognized by UCLA Asian American Studies Center, February 1, 2019

Filmmakers Asiroh Cham and Duane Kubo are recognized by the UCLA Asian American Studies Center for the impactfulness of their works during the UCLA Institute of America Cultures Film Fest, recognizing the legacy of Third World cinema artists and their works.

Cloth Doll Display at JACCC, August 7, 1988

A cloth doll display is part of an exhibit at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center's George Doizaki Gallery.

Alison De La Cruz and Roque Bucton performing in celebration of Linda Mabalot at Visual Communications’ PAST: FORWARD, October 25, 2003

As part of PAST: FORWARD, a celebration of Visual Communications and the legacy of former Executive Director Linda Mabalot at the Japan America Theatre, spoken word artist Alison dela Cruz, accompanied by musician Roque Bucton, perform a number celebrating Mabalot and her life as an activist and arts advocate.

Child Fights Back During Demonstration for Audiences in the JACC’s Plaza, August 13th, 2024

A karate sensei gets some unexpected pushback from a young student during a class demonstration for audiences crowding the JACCC's Noguchi Plaza, as the 1988 Nisei Week Japanese Festival moves into the meat of its opening weekend.

During the protest of Donald Trump's election as 45th President of the United States, a group of Chicano musicians make their feelings known from atop a bus shelter across the street from City Hall.

Chicano Musicians Outside of City Hall Rally Against Donald Trump's Election, November 9, 2016

At "Past: Forward," Visual Communications' 48th anniversary dinner and program at USC, actor Randall Park leads a celebrity raffle for a "complimentary" pour of premium whisky..

Randall Park Leads Raffle at Past: Forward, May 12, 2018

UCLA Nikkei Student Union Protest for Professor Don Nakanishi’s Tenure, May 25, 1988

Ted Benito (center, at podium) exhorts a courtyard full of demonstrators led by the UCLA Nikkei Student Union at a noontime rally protesting the tenure denial of UCLA sociology professor Don Nakanishi on the steps of UCLA Campbell Hall.

“Silent” March Through Little Tokyo Following Murder of George Floyd, June 13, 2020

USC professor and clergyman Duncan Williams (center, in purple robe) leads a large congregation in a "silent" march through Little Tokyo in the wake of violent rioting following the murder of Minneapolis, MN motorist George Floyd at the hands of a quartet of police officers.

Gerald Yoshitomo speaking at Community Discussion, May 3, 1986

Gerald Yoshitomo, the Executive Director and CEO of the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, makes a point during an open dialogue that took place at USC as part of a large gathering of local Asian Pacific American artists and arts organizations.

A work of local art sits in an empty gallery space somewhere in downtown Los Angeles' bankers district along Spring Street, the location of an effete congregation of galleries and boutiques.

Art in Bankers District, October 19, 2014

A colorful mural featuring The Beatles and other 1960s pop music icons adorn the wall of a coffee shop somewhere in New York's East Village.

Pop Music Mural, July 24, 2007

Dancers During the Annual Filipino Cultural Night at UCLA, February 19, 1989

Ensemble dancers pose in place during the "muslim suite,” a key showcase as part of the annual Filipino Cultural Night at UCLA's VC/Wadsworth Theatre.

Visual Communications boardmember and university administrator Yoon-Hee Kim.

Portrait of Yoon-Hee Kim, January 1989

Documentary filmmaker Arthur Dong (left) and film/video editor Walt Louie take a quick break at the studio editing console at KSCI-TV during the editing of the Visual Communications' 20th anniversary documentary CLAIMING A VOICE.

Arthur Dong and Walt Louie at Editing Console for CLAIMING A VOICE, September 1990

At "Past: Forward," Visual Communications' 48th anniversary dinner and program at USC, actor Randall Park celebrates with independent filmmaker Renee Tajima-Peña and her mother Marie as the two win a raffle prize of a complimentary pour of premium whisky.

Randall Park and Renee Tajima-Peña at Past: Forward, May 12, 2018

Young Spokesmodel Grant Sunoo, November 21, 1986

Young Grant Sunoo serves as a spokesmodel for a capital campaign on behalf of the then-nascent Japanese American National Museum (JANM). Early in its existence throughout the 1980s, JANM targetted those who would grow into its current support base as it realized its main campus and embarked on a wide-ranging array of exhibits and programs.

Percussionist Johnny Mori goes through his taiko solo as stage technicians adjust his spotlights in advance of jazz fusion band Hiroshima's centerpiece performance as part of Visual Communications' 20th anniversary event.

Johnny Mori Performing at VC's 20th Anniversary, November 17, 1990

Visual Communications boardmember and beverage salesman Peter Chan-Liong.

Portrait of Peter Chan-Liong, January 1989

Asian Pacific American Protestors March for End of Apartheid, October 11, 1986

Asian Pacific American protesters, many of them aligned with the National Coalition for Redress & Reparations, march in support of an end to apartheid in South Africa along the Crenshaw District's Rodeo Avenue.

50th Anniversary Chicano Moratorium, August 29, 2020

In East Los Angeles, the 50th anniversary edition of the Chicano Moratorium gets underway.

UCLA Students Protest in Favor of Don Nakanishi’s Tenure, May 25, 1988

UCLA undergrad Aileen Almeria wears her displeasure in response to sociology professor Don Nakanishi being denied tenure at UCLA. Students organized a rally to urge the UCLA sociology faculty to reconsider their decision. Nakanishi's fight to win tenure concluded in 1989 when he was finally awarded tenure; shortly after, he was named director of the UCLA Asian American Studies Center.

Visual Communications boardmember and performing arts administrator Duane Ebata.

Portrait of Duane Ebata, January 1989

Kenny Endo Performing at "Taiko Jam", May 17, 1986

Kenny Endo, a resident of Hawai'i and alum of Los Angeles' Kinnara Taiko Ensemble, returns to L.A. to perform in duet with Eitetsu Hayashi on the Noguchi Plaza of the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, as part of "Taiko Jam."

Asian Pacific Filmmakers Experience in Park City, Utah, January 19, 2024

A gaggle of APA film programmers gather with organizers of the Asian Pacific Filmmakers Experience at a hangout organized by HAAPIFest/Houston in Park City, Utah.

Joyce Nako, Glenn Horiuchi, & Taiji Miyagawa Filming an Episode of Amerasians: Media & The Arts, April 1987

On an episode of the community cable entertainment show AMERASIANS: MEDIA & THE ARTS, host Joyce Nako goes toe-to-toe with eccentric jazz purist musicians Glenn Horiuchi and Taiji Miyagawa.