International House Berkeley

1941 Despite protests, International House opens its doors as the first coeducational, interracial living center west of the Hudson River. Dedicated to intercultural friendship and peace, I-House is the second of four Houses funded by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Founder Harry Edmonds strives to "strike bigotry right hard in the nose" George Kelham is the architect of the 240,000 sq. ft. building, an East Bay icon. August 18, 1930 1930 1930's I-House is one of the very few places in the Bay Area where people of diverse ethnic backgrounds can gather comfortably in an integrated setting. When the barbers on campus refuse to cut Black students' hair, Allen Blaisdell protests and barbershops are integrated. Eugenie Carneiro establishes the first International Festival and coordinates cultural programs for the next 23 years. 1930 - 55 At each International Festival, we see a spark shining with faith in the belief that people of different backgrounds and cultures can work together toward a common good. -Eugenie Carneiro A newspaper photo of Executive Director Blaisdell with residents from Syria, India, Japan, Iraq and Afghanistan. Following the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Japanese students are deported and Blaisdell assists Japanese American students. Allen Blaisdell arranged for my transfer to I-House Chicago to avoid being sent to an internment camp. This would not have been possible if I had not lived in this caring community of friends. There was a special irony in being in the House at that time.The world seemed to be in flames with bombs dropping in Asia and Europe; but at I-House, we wanted to keep alive the hope for a world of friendship among all peoples. 1942 – Harold Gilliam (IH 1941-42) , author, journalist – Bernice Tajima International House is "drafted" by the U.S. Navy, renamed "Callaghan Hall" and occupied by 800-900 Navy cadets–nearly double the pre-war occupancy. Most are not allowed to use the elevators so that they stay in shape! 1943 - 46 During the Callaghan Hall years, I-House residents live in five fraternity houses and organize traditional programs. This is the first time I-House residents shared rooms and many enjoy the close friendships of roommates. 1943 - 46 Allen Blaisdell is the first Executive Director of I-House, serving from 1930 to 1961. Throughout his tenure he fought racial discrimination and bravely denounced the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.

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