By: Yasmine Malone | Feb 27, 2025
Clarksdale, MS – On February 25, the Delta Blues Museum partnered with the Korematsu Institute to host a reception for the weeklong exhibition Am I American or Not?, a traveling museum exhibit. The exhibition was created to raise awareness about the discrimination and violence Asian Americans faced following World War II.
Courtney Peagler, Vice President and Director of Education of the Korematsu Institute, delivered the keynote address, detailing the inspiration behind the exhibit. She referenced Fred Korematsu, one of the few Asian Americans who bravely challenged Executive Order 9066 — a law signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt that authorized the forced relocation and incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. Despite facing adversity, Korematsu fought for his values of freedom and justice, taking his case to the Supreme Court in a landmark civil rights battle. His unwavering perseverance played a vital role in the ongoing fight to restore civil rights in the United States.
Peagler explained that the fight for civil rights following Executive Order 9066 mirrored the struggles of the African American Civil Rights Movement — a connection that inspired the partnership between the Korematsu Institute and the Delta Blues Museum.
“Knowing your own history, understanding that, and having a solid foundation in who you are and what you stand for prepares you to share it with others,” said Peagler. “It also takes empathy for other people’s perspectives.”
Orlando Paden, a representative of the Delta Blues Museum, expressed the importance of hosting the exhibit in the Mississippi Delta.
“Learn the history so it doesn’t repeat itself. We look at our differences instead of our commonalities… We divide ourselves from the unknown instead of looking at what’s really known and allowing that to bind us,” Paden said.
Peagler echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that the exhibition transcends any one community.
“One thing that we’re trying to do with the exhibit is making connections across communities. This isn’t just a story of Japanese and Asian Americans, but all of us. Learning more of these stories and connecting across groups makes that possible,” she said.
When asked what empowers her to continue curating historical exhibitions, Peagler responded, “Being confident in yourself and knowing that your stories matter. We can have our differences and still respect the perspectives of our neighbors. It takes a lot of empathy, which can be hard, but that’s how we acknowledge the humanity in each other.”
The reception included a question-and-answer session, where both locals and visitors shared their personal reflections on the legacy of Executive Order 9066.
Musician Bill Abel provided soulful vocals throughout the evening, while Ranchero Restaurant catered the event.
The Am I American or Not? exhibition served as a powerful reminder of the shared struggles for justice and the importance of preserving stories that inspire empathy, understanding, and unity across all communities.
Click on the video clips below to catch highlights from this impactful event.
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