'97 Fellow Phyllis Murakawa wants to make sure that young students learn about the internment of Japanese Americans in concentration camps in the United States during World War II.

She interviewed internees, veterans, Free Play Committee members, and members of the Manzanar Committee for her project. Four 30-minute shows were filmed for public access television, and broadcast last fall in the LA area. Over 400,000 households tuned in to each show. The series will air again this summer in some areas.

"What amazed me was that these folks in their seventies and eighties continue to have such commitment, passion, and discipline. Their memories are crystal clear. Now that we're in the '90's, and it's okay to talk about their experience, they have many stories to tell. It was very moving to hear them."

Phyllis' APAWLI impact project is just one component of her Project TEAM (Teach and Educate America for the next Millennium). Phyllis is now starting production of a docudrama film about the internment. This will become part of a comprehensive package of materials on the internment, which will be distributed free to public schools which agree to include the contents in their curriculum. The package will include the film, the interview videos, a CD-ROM containing research materials, and a curriculum guide. Project TEAM will even provide schools with training in the use of the materials.

Seeking funding is an on-going process. Phyllis hopes that 5,000-10,000 packages will be produced and distributed. "The internment must not be forgotten. The survivors' memories are like a precious seed which I hope to plant, nurture, and grow into a nationwide awareness of the devastating effects of racism."

Phyllis credits her APAWLI training with broadening her vision. "Before, I never allowed myself to attune to and calm myself. I was always too busy with events, kids, work. The training opened up a lot of inner feelings I hadn't addressed or understood. Now I walk in the world with new eyes. I'm more selective about what I contribute to the community. I want to do more than just attend a meeting or complete a beneficial task. I want to work on projects which develop a life of their own, which will continue to grow and generate social change and awareness."

"The survivors' memories are like precious seed which I hope to plant, nurture, and grow into a nationwide awareness..."