IF YOU WERE TO COLLECTIVELY consider two upcoming events this week and one current art exhibit in Faribault, you would find a common theme. That would be humanity and how we treat one another.
Let’s start with “Enmity and Empathy: Japanese Americans During World War II,” a talk by Dr. Ka Wong, set for 6 p.m. Thursday, March 19, at the Rice County Historical Society in Faribault. Wong, a professor of Asian Studies at St. Olaf College in Northfield wrote a book by that name. I’m 25 pages into the book, which was published in May 2025 by the Minnesota Historical Society Press and is a finalist for the “Emilie Buchwald Award for Minnesota Nonfiction” Minnesota Book Award.
Award nominee or not, this book is assuredly a winner for the depth and volume of information Wong shares about imprisoned Japanese Americans, something unknown to many Americans. My knowledge is limited, so I’m looking forward to this presentation.
In promoting Wong’s talk this Thursday evening, the county historical society shared this in a media release:
Drawing on personal interviews, archival sources, and historical literature, Professor Ka Wong explores the courageous struggles of trailblazers who left the incarceration camps and rebuilt their lives in the North Star State. He will share stories of college students pursuing higher education, including the two colleges in Rice County, young men and women training at the Military Intelligence Service Language School at Camp Savage and then Fort Snelling, the US Cadet Nurse Corps serving in Rochester hospitals, and entrepreneurial families and individuals in the Twin Cities and beyond.
All of this, of course, makes me think of the recent massive federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota. In that operation, many were illegally detained by federal agents, flown out of the state and held without due process in detention camps, where they remain. Others were released, some deported. I expect Wong may address this during his presentation. He can definitely provide historic perspective.
NOTE: Reserve a spot at this talk by calling (507) 332-2121. Space is limited. Admittance is free for RCHS members and $5 for non-members.
ART EXHIBIT FEATURES IMMIGRANT PORTRAITS
Immigrants are the focus of an exhibit currently showing in the hallway between the Faribault Community Center and Buckham Memorial Library. Faribault artist Kate Langlais shows 13 of her portraits from her “I Am Minnesota” project. These are first and second-generation immigrants.
Four months ago, Langlais’ immigrant portraits filled a spacious gallery at the Paradise Center for the Arts in Faribault. These are selected drawings from that show. She’s also previously shown her artwork in the same space where the 13 portraits now hang.
In my opinion, these portraits should be shared as often as possible in Faribault, which has not always been particularly welcoming to immigrants. I’m certainly not talking everyone, but too many people would rather our newest neighbors from Somalia, Mexico and other countries leave our city. I’ve heard that shouted while protesting ICE operations.
AN AUTHOR TALKS ABOUT THE GOSPEL OF SALOME
Finally, St. Olaf College professor and author Kaethe Schwehn will talk about her newest book, The Gospel of Salome, at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, at Books on Central in Faribault. The historical novel set in Biblical times follows a mother who is navigating a complex world of gender and power imbalances during the First Century. Schwehn will read from her book and talk about some of its themes, examining ideology, motherhood and a poignant argument for love and equality in today’s world, according to pre-event information.
I expect good discussion will follow, as it always does at these free literary events at Books on Central.
There’s a lot to be learned in Faribault this week. I hope locals and others will embrace these three opportunities to grow their knowledge and broaden their perspectives.
© Copyright 2026 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Faribault definitely has much to offer in education—- these all look interesting. Will you attend all 3?
I’ve already seen Kate’s immigrant portraits and I’ll attend the presentation on Japanese Americans. But I have a conflict on the evening of the Books on Central literary event.
Looking forward to Wednesday !
Thanks!
You are welcome, Dave, and thank you for coordinating. Unfortunately, I have a conflict on Wednesday evening thus can’t attend.
Welcome home, BTW!
So many good offerings in Faribault this week!
I’m so glad Books on Central utilized their space. They pack a punch, although they are small.
Yes, these literary events are a welcome addition to this small bookshop. Nice to have this in downtown Faribault.
“humanity and how we treat one another.” is a perfect introduction to all these events. Thanks for including the links. I wish I lived closer, and had more free weekends, I’d love to attend these.
I know you would appreciate and learn from all three, Rose.
My photo mentor was interred as a child during WWll. Tad Yamashiro was noted not just as a photographer, but having been the photo assistant to Diane and Allan Arbus when they had a studio and did commercial photography before they separated. He became an actor – “Sidney” on “Mash”, she, well, she became Diane Arbus. I can remember when he received compensation from the government – $25,000. He saved it for his young daughter.
Keith, thank you for sharing your connection to a Japanese American who was incarcerated during WWII. It is personal stories like this which really personalize the broader detention. These were people with families, with futures, with so much. That our government chose to imprison them rings familiar to today and those taken by federal immigration agents and imprisoned.