Vol. 56, No. 8, February 22, 1963. 4 pages. View this issue
Civil rights led the news in this four-page issue. Governor Edmund G. Brown proposed a seven-point program of civil rights legislation for California, covering fair employment, housing nondiscrimination and de facto school segregation. On page 4, Assemblyman Byron Rumford’s Fair Housing Act (AB 1240) was introduced as the top priority of the California Committee for Fair Practices, backed by JACL chapters. The front page also reported on the JACL and UCLA’s seven-month planning effort for a Japanese American history project, envisioned as a $450,000 scholarly account of the Issei and Nisei.
Elsewhere, Mrs. May Hirata placed first in a Rutherford, New Jersey school board race, and the Supreme Court struck down a law that stripped citizenship from draft evaders. Elmer Ogawa wrote about the growing Rokka Ski Club in Seattle. Community news included a Seabrook JACL Pioneer Night, Chicago JACL Human Relations Awards and the Sakamotos’ 60th wedding anniversary.
What’s in this issue
Incarceration & Redress
- Seven-Point Civil Rights Program Proposed by Gov. Brown, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Governor Edmund G. Brown proposed a seven-point civil rights program to complete California’s unfinished business of guaranteeing equality and opportunity to every citizen. The program includes fair employment enforcement, housing nondiscrimination, and measures to address de facto school segregation.
JACL
- Japanese History Project Launched at UCLA, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A seven-month planning effort by the JACL and UCLA launched the Japanese American history project, envisioned as a $450,000 scholarly account of the Issei and Nisei. The progress report outlines seven sub-projects including oral history collection, archival research, and publication of a comprehensive social history.
Community
- May Hirata Places First in Rutherford Board of Education Race, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Mrs. May Hirata, a Poston High graduate, received the highest vote total in the four-way Rutherford, New Jersey Board of Education election. Her win was praised by the local paper as a reflection of community acceptance.
- Church Minister and Mother Honored with Chicago JACL Human Relations Awards, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Rev. Fujiu and Mrs. Maxine Wilkinson received the 1963 Chicago JACL Human Relations Awards for their community service. Rev. Fujiu was recognized for his church’s role in bridging multiracial neighborhood relations.
- Sumitomo-Gardena Groundbreaking Held, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Ground-breaking ceremonies for a new Gardena branch of the Sumitomo Bank of California were held with bank chairman Shoro Hotta in attendance. The new office is located at Redondo Beach Boulevard and Normandie Avenue.
- Seabrook JACL Pioneer Night Honors Community Pioneers, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Seabrook JACL held a Pioneer Night at the Community House, featuring speakers and local entertainment honoring early settlers. Attendees included Rep. Milton Glenn and the program was organized by committee chairmen Fuji Sasaki and Tomi Nakamura.
- Sakamoto Couple Celebrates 60th Wedding Anniversary, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Fresno Issei couple Setsugo and Asayo Sakamoto celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, having married in Sacramento in 1902. Mr. Sakamoto, a jeweler turned insurance and securities district manager, was honored in 1953 as Mr. Fresno and remains an active JACL member.
National
- Supreme Court Rules Out Expatriation Law Affecting Draft Evaders, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The United States Supreme Court struck down a federal statute that stripped citizenship from Americans who left the country to evade the draft. The majority held that the loss of citizenship imposed without a fair trial was invalid.
- Fair Housing Bill Gains Priority in California Legislature, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Assemblyman Byron Rumford’s Fair Housing Act (AB 1240) was introduced as the top priority of the California Committee for Fair Practices, backed by JACL chapters. The bill would give the FEPC authority to enforce nondiscrimination in housing sales and rentals.
Military & Veterans
- Nisei Ski Enthusiasm Soars in Seattle, by Elmer Ogawa, page 3. Seattle’s Rokka Ski Club has grown rapidly since its 1936 founding, with membership now heavily Sansei and instruction increasingly in demand. Nobi Kano, a Kibei and former ski trooper, has been a central figure in the club’s development.
Obituaries
- Mrs. Akiko Kimoto Dies at 42, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Mrs. Akiko Kimoto of Parlier died February 13 at Reedley Hospital, survived by her husband, three sons, a daughter, her mother, three brothers, and seven sisters.
- Daijito Uyeno, Stamp Dealer, Dies at 83, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Daijito Uyeno, a Kyoto-born stamp dealer whose clients included President Franklin D. Roosevelt, died of a heart attack in Washington, D.C. He had operated his business there since emigrating in 1904 and was a longtime D.C. JACL member.
- George M. Miyano Dies at 46, by P.C. Staff, page 3. George M. Miyano of Sebastopol, an active JACL and American Legion member and chief mechanic for Albers Milling, died at his home on February 15. He is survived by his wife, three children, and siblings.
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