As I walked through the gates of Manzanar National Historic Site, I was immediately struck by a sense of sadness and gravity. This was the site of one of the ten Japanese internment camps where, during World War II, over 110,000 Japanese Americans were forcibly removed from their homes on the West Coast and detained in harsh and inhumane conditions.

I had come to Manzanar on a photo trip, hoping to capture the essence of this dark chapter in American history through my lens. As I made my way through the camp, I was struck by the starkness and austerity of the place. The barracks where the internees lived were simple and bare, with thin walls and no insulation to protect against the harsh desert winters.

Despite the difficult conditions, the internees at Manzanar made the best of their situation. They formed a strong community, with families working together to create a sense of normalcy in the face of great adversity. They established schools, churches, and even a newspaper to keep their spirits up and stay connected to the outside world.

As I walked through the camp, I couldn’t help but think about the injustice and prejudice that had brought these people here. They were innocent civilians, targeted simply because of their heritage. It was a sobering reminder of the dangers of fear and discrimination, and a powerful call to stand up for what is right.

Despite the difficult subject matter, my trip to Manzanar was ultimately a uplifting and enriching experience. It was a chance to bear witness to a difficult chapter in our history and to pay tribute to the resilience and strength of the Japanese American community. A memorable and educational experience to be sure.

The black and white photo of the white obelisk is an homage to Ansel Adams, who took a photo of the same composition.