International Festival

Wing Luke Museum Collection 1997.024.016.081

The lead image from our 2021 House Party got us longing for community parties from the ‘50s. The Jackson Street Community Council – an early model of interethnic community activism formed to support businesses and organizations along Jackson Street – launched the International Festival in 1951, including a parade and pageant. The Council selected four queens to represent the Chinese, Filipino, Japanese and African American communities. This newspaper clipping from July 23, 1951 celebrates that year’s International Festival queens – Elaine Sakai, JoAnne Squires, Lilyan Mar and Rosemary Blancs. 

Reconnect with community in our virtual kickback on Sunday, November 7 at 6pm. Check out the lineup and register here.