Civil rights, anti-Semitic vandalism and JACL chapter news

Vol. 50, No. 2, January 8, 1960. 8 pages. View this issue

A wave of anti-Semitic vandalism, set off by a Christmas Eve attack on a synagogue in Cologne, Germany, led this eight-page issue. An editorial warned that Japanese Americans know how such smears can escalate and urged continued JACL vigilance against slurs. Washington representative Mike Masaoka accepted an invitation to a national leadership conference on civil rights legislation, and also looked back at the top events of the 1950s for Americans of Japanese ancestry. Bill Hosokawa and Harry K. Honda wrote columns, Honda’s a tribute to Jimmie Sakamoto and the Seattle Japanese American Courier.

Chapter news fills much of the paper: new officers in San Benito, Hollister, French Camp, Mile-Hi and East Los Angeles, where Mrs. Mable Yoshizaki became the chapter’s first woman president. Also inside: a Tucson teacher denied a marriage license, Rep. Dan Inouye’s nomination for an award, and a memorial planned for an Issei sailor in San Diego.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• Anti-Semitic Outbursts, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A wave of anti-Semitic vandalism, triggered by a Christmas Eve synagogue desecration in Cologne, has spread across several nations including the United States. The editorial warns that Japanese Americans know well how such smears can escalate and urges continued JACL vigilance against slurs like “Japs.”
• From the Frying Pan (Denver), by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Bill Hosokawa’s column covers a range of Japanese American community news, including Colorado chapter activities and Nisei achievements. He also notes the upcoming JACL national convention in Sacramento.
• Remembering Jimmie Sakamoto and The Courier, by Harry K. Honda, page 3. A tribute recalls the founding of the Seattle Japanese American Courier by Jimmie Sakamoto in 1928 and his lifelong dedication to the Nisei community. It honors his wife Misao for her steadfast support through the paper’s hard years.
• Washington Newsletter: Top Events of the ’50s, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Mike Masaoka reviews the top events of the 1950s for Americans of Japanese ancestry, including passage of the McCarran-Walter Act and the repeal of discriminatory laws. He highlights the progress made toward equality and looks ahead to the 1960 JACL national convention.

National

• JACL Invited to Attend Special Civil Rights Planning Parley, page 1. Washington representative Mike Masaoka accepted an invitation to attend a top-level national leadership conference on civil rights legislation during the new Congress session. The meeting aims to secure meaningful civil rights bills and will be followed by discussions with congressional leaders and the Attorney General.
• Arizona Nisei Denied Marriage License, page 1. Henry Ovama, a Nisei high school teacher in Tucson, Arizona, was denied a marriage license to wed Mary Ann Jordan, a airline employee, on racial grounds. The couple appealed to the Arizona Supreme Court, which has not yet issued a decision.
• Rep. Dan Inouye Named Outstanding Young Man, page 1. Hawaii Congressman Dan Inouye was nominated for the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce’s Ten Outstanding Young Men award. The honor recognizes his courage, service, and contributions as the first Japanese American congressman.
• ACLU Recommends Revisions to Okinawa Criminal Codes, page 3. The American Civil Liberties Union sent recommendations to the High Commissioner of the Ryukyu Islands urging revisions to proposed Okinawan criminal codes. The ACLU urged transferring criminal jurisdiction to Okinawan courts and protecting freedom of speech and assembly.

Incarceration & Redress

• Memorial to Honor Issei Sailor to Be Placed at San Diego Hospital, page 1. Tamme Kashiwabara, a Japanese-born Navy enlistee, left a $5,000 bequest to the U.S. Naval Hospital in San Diego, though little is known about his life. The Navy will create a pool and Japanese garden memorial in his honor on the hospital grounds.

Community

• San Benito JACLers Hold 1960 Elections, page 1. The San Benito JACL chapter elected Dennis Nishita as president for 1960 along with a full slate of new officers. The chapter also announced plans for its upcoming Brotherhood Week activities.
• Hollister Chapter Elects New Officers, page 1. The Hollister JACL chapter installed new officers for 1960 following its annual elections. The chapter’s leadership will guide community programs for the coming year.
• Nisei Attorney Heads French Camp JACL, page 1. Tosh Hotta was named president of the French Camp JACL chapter at its monthly meeting. He is a longtime community leader and prominent local farmer.
• West L.A. JACL Plans Advanced Dance Class, page 2. The West Los Angeles JACL announced an advanced dance class in Long Beach. The class follows an exhibition given at the 1959 Nisei Week Coronation Ball.
• East Los Angeles JACL Plans Scholarships for Roosevelt High Graduates, by Roy Yamadera, page 2. At the request of Roosevelt High faculty, the East Los Angeles JACL will sponsor at least two scholarships for Japanese American graduates. The chapter hopes the awards will show Nisei students that the community supports them.
• Oregon Nisei Vets Elect Officers, page 2. Chuck Shimomura was chosen 1960 commander of the Oregon Nisei Veterans. Installation rites are set for Jan. 23 at the Ho-Ti restaurant.
• Pacific Northwest District Council Prepares for Jan. 23-24 Parley, page 4. The Puyallup Valley JACL will host the 14th biennial Pacific Northwest District Council convention in Tacoma on January 23-24. Business will focus on repealing Washington’s alien land law and electing new district officers.
• Seattle JACL Chapter News, page 4. The Seattle JACL reported its 1000 Club membership standings and new member additions for the second half of December. Chapter leaders also announced their plans for the coming year.
• Cleveland JACL Board of Advisers Formed, page 4. The Cleveland JACL organized a board of advisers headed by prominent churchman Dr. John Bruere to guide the chapter. The board aims to help the chapter serve as a community organization for persons of Japanese ancestry.
• Boise Valley Cherry Tree Project Honors Community, page 4. Idaho JACL chapters donated Kwanzan cherry trees and a bronze plaque to the Ann Morrison Memorial Park in Boise. The project was a gesture of thanks to Idaho for repealing its anti-miscegenation law.
• East Los Angeles JACL Elects Woman President, page 4. Mrs. Mable Yoshizaki was elected the first woman president of the East Los Angeles JACL chapter. She is a hospital executive and former leader in the chapter.
• Puyallup Valley JACL Prepares for Northwest Parley, page 4. The Puyallup Valley JACL is hosting the Pacific Northwest District Council convention. Delegates will discuss repealing Washington’s alien land law and select new district officers.
• Mile-Hi JACL Installs Officers, page 5. Denver’s Mile-Hi JACL installed Owski Toniwaki as president for 1960 at its inaugural dinner-dance. Bill Kuroki served as toastmaster for the event.
• Idaho Falls JACL Yuletide Party, page 5. The Idaho Falls JACL held its annual Christmas party featuring talent from Sansei youngsters, including dance, baton twirling, and vocal performances. The event drew families to the local Armory.
• Chicago JACL Junior Chapter Activities, by Jean Kimura, page 6. The Chicago Jr. JACL, composed mostly of young adults, is planning a membership drive and social activities under chairman Hal Arai. The column describes the group’s value in developing future community leaders.
• Fremont Nisei Woman Appointed to Agricultural District Board, page 6. Gov. Edmund G. Brown appointed Kimi Fujii Hayward to the board of the First District Agricultural Association. She is associated with her brother’s flower nursery in Hayward.

Obituaries

• Takashi Inuzuka Dies Dec. 24, page 1. Portland issei florist and community leader Takashi Inuzuka died of cancer on Dec. 24 at age 78. He was honored by the local Nikkeijin Kai for his leadership and contributions to the community.
• Susumu Willie Nieda Dies Suddenly, page 4. Hayward nurseryman Susumu Willie Nieda died suddenly while bowling. He was active in the Golden Gate Nisei VFW Post and California Flower Growers Association.
• Pioneer Issei Author Hajime Fujita Nearly Forgotten, page 6. Hajime Fujita, a once widely known Issei writer and critic, lives in a Kansas sanatorium after 15 years of tuberculosis treatment. The article recounts his career as a journalist, novelist, and translator in both Japan and America.

Military & Veterans

• Sgt. Ben Kuroda Recognized, page 1. Nisei Medal of Honor holder Sgt. Kuroda was honored with recognition for his military service. The article details his heroism during World War II.
• Gardena Sansei Eagle Scout Selected for Washington Event, page 7. Ronald Matsuda of Gardena Explorer Post 255 was chosen to attend the Report to the Nation event in Washington, D.C. as one of 50 Eagle Scouts nationwide. He is an honor student and holds several scouting awards.

JACL

• Planning Commission Operational Bulletin No. 2, page 2. The JACL Planning Commission released its second operational bulletin with suggested program areas for chapter discussion. The bulletin poses questions on public relations, civil rights, youth, scholarships, and organization.

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