RIVERSIDE – Riverside Unified School District on May 2 hosted a renaming ceremony in honor of the Harada family and their legacy of striving for civil and human rights.
The Harada family overcame anti-Asian discrimination and eventually helped overturn a law in 1918 that prevented Asian and other immigrants from owning property in the U.S.
This is the first school named after an Asian American family in Riverside.
“The Harada family’s landmark legal battle for property rights in the early 20th century inspired hope for generations of immigrant communities of all backgrounds,” said Dale Kinnear, RUSD board president. “By adopting the Harada name for our school, we not only pay tribute to their remarkable story but also reaffirm our dedication to upholding the principles of equity and civil liberty.”
On June 29, 2022, the RUSD Board of Education unanimously approved the renaming of High-land Elementary School to Harada Elementary School.
“It is a very great honor for my family to be remembered this way,” said Naomi Harada, granddaughter of Jukichi and Ken Harada. “It is wonderful to know that my grandparents are getting this kind of recognition for their ability to maintain the rights of not just their children but all citizens of this country.”
Rep. Mark Takano (D-Riverside) posted on Facebook, “While I was in D.C. this week, my team along with my father attended Highland to Harada Elementary Renaming Ceremony in Riverside. I would like to extend a special thank you to the Riverside Unified School District for honoring the legacy of the Harada family and fight for AANHPI equality and rights.”