KOJI

#NoBanNoWall - Fred Korematsu was 23 in 1942 when he refused to leave his home after FDR ordered 120,000 Japanese Americans to be "interned" (a sanitized term for incarceration). Korematsu was eventually arrested, convicted for evading internment, and ruled against by the Supreme Court. His conviction was upheld until 1983, but the Supreme Court decision was never overturned. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1998. Following the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11th, 2001, he spent the rest of his life advocating for Muslims. We celebrate Fred Korematsu today because his story is still important as we fight to protect our Muslim brothers and sisters (and all minorities) from state violence and oppression and work to create an equitable society for all. My name is Andrew Koji Shiraki. My middle and last name are Japanese. I remember my history and my family - my great aunts, great uncles, and cousins who were incarcerated during WWII for being Japanese American. I stand and march with you who fight for freedom and love today.

Women's March tomorrow, see you there.

This was a special tour. Thanks to all who sang along, supported our non-profit partners, put on a show, shared their art, and helped us along the way. I loved every minute. Community moves us forward. Special thanks to The Homeless Gospel Choir and our non-profit partners: Pittsburgh Action Against Rape, Naim Edwards, Pass the Bass, Hardwired, Holla Back, DC Fair Food, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Photo by Dani Fresh (@danifreakinfresh)

The tour picks up again today in Richmond. It's been an honor touring with @thgchoir. We've been having good and tough conversation with people all along the rust belt and sorting out some of what needs to be done to create equity and justice for all people. Thanks for letting us be a part of this community and showing us the good in people. See ya soon! 12/14 - Richmond, VA @ Strange Matter 12/15 - Baltimore, MD @ The Sidebar 12/16 - Philadelphia, PA @ The Voltage Lounge Photo by @dsummersphoto. South Bend, 2010. #springsongvol1 #ssv1 #houseshow

Tour with fellow freedom fighter, @thgchoir, starts today. #unity 12/9 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Mr. Roboto Project - tickets 12/10 - Detroit, MI @ The Majestic Cafe - tickets 12/11 - Ft. Wayne, IN @ This Old House 12/12 - Columbus, OH @ Double Happiness - tickets 12/14 - Richmond, VA @ Strange Matter - tickets 12/15 - Baltimore, MD @ The Sidebar - tickets 12/16 - Philadelphia, PA @ The Voltage Loung - ticketse Photo by Dani Fresh.

I'm honored to announce that Spring Song Vol. 1 is coming to vinyl via The Native Sound. The record is strictly limited to a one-time pressing of 300 copies spread over two variants – half translucent green / black, limited to 100 copies, and a solid translucent green, limited to 200 copies. Orders will ship late-January 2017, with a digital download of the record delivered to your inbox immediately. Pre-order here: bit.ly/springsonglp

Muhammad Ali transcends. #restinpower

Yuri Kochiyama is a great inspiration to me. She was a piano and Sunday school teacher, mother of six, Asian American activist and Nobel Peace Prize nominee who advocated for Civil Rights, ending the Vietnam war, nuclear disarmament, and reparations for Japanese Americans who were interned during World War II, among many other causes. Yuri Kochiyama was with Malcom X the day he was assassinated and held him as he lay dying in the Audobon Ballroom in Harlem. She would have been 95 today. #restinpower

Mindset is playing their final show tomorrow at St. Stephens's in DC. I'm grateful for all that Mindset has contributed during their time as a band. If you're in DC early, please join me in marching, singing, and standing in solidarity with the @immokalee.workers in urging @wendys to join the Fair Food Program. We'll at the Wendy's on 3900 Georgia Ave. NW from 12-2pm. Photo by @danifreakinfresh. (at Detroit, Michigan)

It's been magical traveling through Appalachia this spring. My first two shows with Sinai Vessel were very special. Looking forward to more. Special thanks to all who have brought their amazing energy to these shows including Formative Years. 4/13 - Atlanta, GA @ Hill Street House - RSVP 4/14 - Jacksonville, FL @ Rain Dogs - RSVP 4/15 - Miami, FL @ Churchill’s - RSVP 4/16 - Tampa, FL @ Mojo - RSVP 4/17 - Savannah, GA @ Bomb Shelter - RSVP 4/19 - Charleston, SC @ Vinyl Countdown - RSVP 4/20 - Charlotte, NC @ The Odd Room - RSVP 4/21 - Towson, MD @ Elevation Underground - RSVP 4/22 - Vineland, NJ @ The Oak Tavern - RSVP 4/23 - Lancaster, PA @ House Show - RSVP 4/24 - Hamden, CT @ The Space - SOLD OUT w/ Sinai Vessel (solo, 4/13 - 4/23) w/ Transit (4/24) Photo by Cameron Flaisch

Shout out to my brother, @doctordestroyer, a true visionary. #nationalsiblingday

I hope you’ve also written to CNN, CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, etc. and your local and federal representatives for actually promoting violence and injustice through corporatism and militarism. Blessings! -k