Vol. 54, No. 20, May 18, 1962. 4 pages. View this issue
An Ohio probate judge halted the adoption of a mixed-race girl by a Japanese American couple, and the case led this four-page issue. According to the front-page story, he cited concerns about racial mixing, the ruling drew swift public criticism, and the couple planned to appeal. Another thread ran through the paper: the JACL and UCLA agreed to co-sponsor a history of the Japanese in America. An editorial credited Ralph Merritt and Frank Chuman for securing UCLA’s role, and the San Jose JACL chapter raised $10,000 toward the effort.
Also inside: word that the 1962 JACL National Convention in Seattle was approaching, alongside the World’s Fair. Chapter news covered Shirley Okada’s Central California scholarship, a Cincinnati Junior JACL outing, the Detroit cultural series and a new Tulare County chapel. Two editorials asked how Issei and Nisei treat visitors from Japan.
What’s in this issue
National
- Ohio Judge Halts Adoption Because Wife Is Japanese, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A Cincinnati-area probate judge halted the adoption of a mixed-race girl by a Japanese American couple, citing concerns about racial mixing. The ruling drew swift public reaction and criticism of its bigotry, and the couple planned to appeal.
JACL
- Seattle JACL National Convention Set, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The 1962 JACL National Convention in Seattle is approaching, with delegates and chapters preparing for the biennial meeting. The convention will coincide with the World’s Fair and several other national gatherings.
Community
- Shirley Okada Wins Central California Scholarship, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Shirley Okada, a Dinuba High School student, was among the winners of Central California JACL scholarships. Her academic record and community service were recognized by the chapter.
- San Jose JACL Raises $10,000 for Japanese American History Project, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The San Jose JACL chapter set a record by raising $10,000 toward the Japanese American history project. The funds support the JACL-UCLA effort to write a comprehensive history of Japanese Americans.
- Salt Lake JACL Remembered in Issei Will, by P.C. Staff, page 1. An Issei bequest of $1,500 to the Salt Lake JACL chapter is to be shared with a church. The estate gift honors the chapter’s service to the community.
- Cincinnati Jr. JACL Outing, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Cincinnati Junior JACL planned a community outing and activities for its members. Details of the event were announced for chapter participants.
- Calligraphy, Flower Arrangement, Block Printing Highlight Detroit Cultural Series, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Detroit JACL cultural series featured calligraphy, flower arrangement, and block printing workshops. The series drew one of the best turnouts of the year.
- Tulare County Chapel Dedicated, by P.C. Staff, page 4. A new $35,000 chapel in Tulare County was dedicated to serve the local Japanese American community. The event marked the completion of the building project.
Commentary
- Person to Person, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Colorado’s governor warmly welcomed Kanagawa’s governor to Denver during a return goodwill tour. The editorial notes that Japanese visitors to America tend to focus on restaurants and professional interests rather than the Japanese American community.
- Something to Ponder, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Japanese visitors to the United States are primarily interested in professional matters and food rather than the Japanese American community. The editorial urges local Issei and Nisei to reflect on how much effort they put into hosting these guests.
- Coup for History Project, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The JACL and UCLA agreed to co-sponsor a history of the Japanese in America, a major undertaking. The editorial credits Ralph Merritt, Frank Chuman, and others for securing UCLA’s participation.
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