In January 2025, Vernon T. Bateman’s works were, for the first time, exhibited internationally in Tokyo, Japan. The show was a highlight of the 3rd U.S. Peace Delegation to Koreans in Japan, a population whose struggles bear many parallels to those of Black/New Afrikan people in the U.S. Watch as the delegation delivers Bateman’s books to students and the principle of a historic elementary/middle school, as Bateman delivers his message of love and peace to the Korean people in Japan, as the principle responds with his own immediate words of solidarity with Bateman, and his suggestion that the new books be introduced into their English-language learning curriculum!
Vernon in Tokyo: Art that teaches around the world
Sign the petition to exonerate Vernon T. Bateman and learn more about his struggle at FreeVernon.org!
Resources
- Learn more about the broader history and the key roles schools play in “Chongryon: The struggle of Koreans in Japan,” published in Liberation School by delegation leader Derek Ford (available in text and audio).
- Dig deeper into the parallel struggles of Koreans in Japan and Afrikans in Amerika in “Groundings with Koreans in another belly of the beast,” published in Hood Communist by delegation member D. Musa Springer.
- See and hear about a January 2024 DePauw-Korea University exchange program on this episode of Constituent Notes, hosted by Kevin Howley.
Credits
Music: “It’s Never Too Late,” by Marcel Cartier and Agent of Change
Film/Production: Derek R. Ford
Translation: Dr. Chung Kiyul
Organizers: Institute for 21st Century International Relations
Funders: Supported in part by the Peace and Conflict Studies Program at DePauw, University
Featured photo: A group of children receive one of Vernon T. Bateman’s book, C.O.V.I.D. 19: Children of Victory Determined to Express their Appreciation. Credit: Institute for 21st Century International Relations.