Asian American & Pacific Islander Alums
Folding4Justice: Japanese Origami's Life-Changing Impact
Is justice intertwined with the art of origami? Find out from Jun Hamamoto, East Bay origami instructor at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center. Meet Jun and hear how her incarcerated students are folding cranes and experiencing a sense of peace and calm. Danny Thongsy, UC Berkeley Class of 2024 and former incarceree, will also be here to share his journey and will co-lead a special origami folding workshop with Jun.
Come and learn how to fold cranes and doves, and make one for the World Tree of Hope.
Take home your complimentary origami paper packet!
This event is presented by the Japanese American Women Alumnae of UC Berkeley. Our vision is to inspire and support Asian American women as learners, leaders, and contributors to local and global communities in the spirit of our founding Japanese American alumnae.
Hosted by Japanese American Women Alumnae of UC Berkeley
Speakers:
Jun Hamamoto ’77 views origami as a means of spiritual healing and connection. At San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, Jun uses origami, painting, and drawing to help students feel connected to the outside world. With a background in science and math, Jun has taught at San Quentin for over 20 years. She also organizes the annual San Quentin Day of Peace and supports formerly incarcerated people in ICE custody. Since 2012, Jun has led origami projects at San Quentin. Her students have created thousands of origami models for various causes, including memorials and anti-nuclear campaigns.
Somdeng Danny Thongsy ’24 is a community activist focused on immigrant rights and ending mass incarceration. He mentors impacted individuals and supports their reintegration. A UC Berkeley sociology graduate, he was a Yuri Kochiyama Fellow with Asian American Advancing Justice-Asian Law Caucus. Danny advocated for the California Values Act (SB 54) and co-led an anti-deportation campaign. He also contributed to passing AB 2845 to improve pardon and commutation processes and advocated for AB1308 for youth offender parole hearings. As a Laotian refugee, he celebrates his cultural heritage.