探花精选

In this graphic memoir, co-written by Justin Eisinger and Steven Scott and illustrated by Harmony Becker, George Takei recalls his childhood experience in the U.S. Japanese American internment camps of World War II. He reflects on the years of incarceration, the difficult choices his parents had to make, and his father's enduring faith in democracy that shaped George's own activism on questions of responsible citizenship, civic participation, and marriage equality. The conversations between Takei and his father may feel familiar or perhaps inspirational as you seek to understand your family's values and begin to shape your own. It is also a powerful introduction to a pivotal moment in U.S. history that invites you to critically examine questions of civil liberties, citizenship, and democratic ideals. We look forward to engaging with the story and the art with you!

Photo: Christopher Appoldt

George Takei is an actor, author, and civil rights activist. Perhaps best known as Hikaru Sulu in the original Star Trek series and the first six films from that franchise, he has also been a prominent voice for civil rights, LBGTQ+ equality, and the remembrance of the World War II incarceration of Japanese Americans. He is a Grammy-nominated recording artist, a New York Times bestselling author, and a wry social media commentator who amassed one of Facebook's largest followings in its early years.

Takei was born in Los Angeles in 1937, but after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which forced the Takei family and other Japanese American residents of the West Coast of the United States out of their homes and into internment camps for the duration of the war. That early experience of dislocation, fear, and prejudice informed much of Takei's public life, as did the conversations he had with his father following the war.

Takei's career in stage, television, film, and voice work has spanned more than six decades. He is also an author, and They Called Us Enemy has become a widely taught book in classrooms and a frequent target of book bans. In 2025, Takei served as Honorary Chair of Banned Books Week. Among his many other honors and awards, he has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, he received the National Equal Justice Award from the Legal Defense Fund in 2025, and the PFLAG National George Takei Advocate Award was renamed for him in recognition of his enduring impact.

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A TED Talk with George Takei

Explore more on the history of Japanese American incarceration

Visit online, a local organization with a mission to preserve the stories of Japanese Americans who were unjustly incarcerated during World War II.

The Lemieux Library offers a number of resources, and our dedicated library faculty can help you pursue your research interests. View their .

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion offers programs and resources such as Red Talks and the Summer Inclusive Excellence Reading List.

The University Core office oversees Seattle U’s Core Curriculum. Contact the University Core team with questions!

In Capitol Hill, you can visit collections at the inside Volunteer Park, just over a mile north of campus.

Head a mile south of campus to the in the Chinatown-International District.