Vol. 52, No. 15, April 14, 1961. 4 pages. View this issue
Race and discrimination ran through the front page of this four-page issue. James Michener, author of Hawaii, told the New York Post that he and his Nisei wife faced more racial discrimination in the islands than in Pennsylvania, and the paper printed reactions from Hawaiian residents on both sides. Dick Akagi’s column “Whites Only” followed Mari Michener’s response and questioned Nisei acceptance of exclusive clubs. Larry Tajiri explained why the word “Jap” is offensive, and Mike Masaoka reported that a coalition in Congress was blocking immigration and civil rights bills.
The rest of the issue is chapter news. Saburo Kido’s “Living with JACL” continued his account of planning the 1961 national convention in Los Angeles, and Kumeo Yoshinari reported on JACL finances and the 1000 Club. Mt. Olympus reached a record 235 members, and West Los Angeles held an Easter egg hunt for nearly 800 people.
What’s in this issue
Commentary
- Whites Only, by Dick Akagi, page 1. Dick Akagi reports on Mari Michener’s reactions to the New York Post story about racial discrimination in Hawaii. He argues that Nisei acceptance of exclusive clubs reflects a servant-like mentality.
- Congressional Resume, by Mike Masaoka, page 1. Mike Masaoka assesses the slow pace of the new Congress in enacting President Kennedy’s legislative priorities. He notes that the coalition of conservative Republicans and Dixiecrat Democrats continues to block major proposals including immigration and civil rights reform.
- Panel of Americans Addresses Prejudice at San Francisco State, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The San Francisco State College chapter of Panel of Americans, sponsored by San Francisco Jr. JACL, presented a discussion program on ethnic stereotypes. The panel includes members of several religious and ethnic backgrounds.
- Living with JACL, by Saburo Kido, page 4. Saburo Kido continues his series on the history of the 1961 JACL national convention in Los Angeles. He recounts planning efforts and key volunteers who organized the event.
National
- Refugee from Paradise Raps Hawaii, page 1. James Michener, author of Hawaii, left the islands and told the New York Post that he and his Nisei wife faced more racial discrimination there than in Pennsylvania. The article quotes Michener and reactions from many Hawaiian residents, both defending and criticizing his remarks.
- Why ‘Jap’ Is Offensive, by Larry Tajiri, page 3. Larry Tajiri explains why the term ‘Jap’ is considered offensive by Japanese Americans, citing its association with wartime prejudice and dictionary definitions. He discusses a protest to Life magazine and newspaper usage of the term.
- Seek Naturalization Rights for Korean Conflict Veterans, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Senator Clair Engle and Senator Oren Long introduced legislation to extend naturalization privileges to noncitizen veterans of the Korean War. The bill would place them on equal footing with veterans of World Wars I and II.
Community
- Delano Chapter Active in Area, by Lily Misono, page 3. The Delano JACL chapter, founded in 1941, serves the Delano-McFarland area with a membership of 55. The article describes its community projects, including baseball sponsorship, Christmas dinners, and the 1000 Club.
- Orange County’s PR Role Highlight, by Ken Uyesugi, page 4. Orange County JACL highlights its public relations work through an annual installation banquet attended by local officials and a chapter newsletter. The chapter also runs an Easter egg hunt and membership drives.
- Reedley CL Keeps Busy April Calendar, page 4. The Reedley JACL chapter held a dinner meeting featuring a guest speaker from the Guide Dogs organization and voted a donation to that group. The chapter also planned a potluck dinner and a car wash fundraiser.
- Mt. Olympus JACL Hits All-Time High, page 4. Mt. Olympus JACL in Salt Lake City reached a record membership of 235 during its March campaign. Chapter leaders credited a dedicated committee for the achievement.
- 800 Enjoy West L.A. Eggshunt, page 4. Nearly 800 children and parents attended the West Los Angeles JACL Easter egg hunt at Stoner Avenue Playground. Organizers distributed 600 sacks of candy and 40 gallons of soft drinks.
JACL
- JACL Finances Off to Fine Start, by Kumeo Yoshinari, page 4. National Treasurer Kumeo Yoshinari reports that JACL membership and dues remittances are ahead of schedule in early 1961. He discusses the 1000 Club quota system and proposals for future chapter assessments.
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