Local historian Michael Sullivan will present his research into the 1929 Tacoma trial over pioneer John McAleer's will, which provided for the family of his longtime Japanese farm manager, Kichigoro "Kay" Yamamoto, including Kay's fifteen-year-old son, Ray. The estate, valued at more than $200,000 plus valuable farmland, became the subject of a closely watched case in Pierce County Superior Court. This disputed inheritance brought questions of immigration, racial discrimination, and political power into a Tacoma courtroom. 

Against the backdrop of Washington's discriminatory land laws, McAleer's wishes challenged the exclusionary politics championed by US Representative Albert Johnson, chair of the House Immigration and Naturalization Committee and a leading architect of the restrictive Immigration Act of 1924. This is a true story of loyalty, justice, immigration, and political power. 

This event is presented by the World Affairs Council of Tacoma (WACT), a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to promoting public understanding of world affairs and connecting the South Sound community with the wider world. Through educational programs, cultural activities, and public discussions, WACT explores international, political, economic, and cultural issues with particular relevance to our region. 

Enjoy 15% off your hotel stay on History Pub nights! Show your ticket at check-in.

These events are open to everyone interested in Pacific Northwest history, and beyond! Often co-sponsored by local or state historical and civic organizations, we bring you experts, scholars, first-person experiencers, historians and documentaries expounding on topics from indigenous history to the birth of Portland, early explorers to hop growing, and on and on! It's like being back in the classroom - except this time you get to settle into comfortable seats and enjoy a drink or two with dinner while you listen and learn.

This event is eligible for a History Pub Stamp