Whither JACL, and a week of civil rights news in 1963

Vol. 56, No. 12, March 22, 1963. 4 pages. View this issue

An editorial titled “Whither JACL” opened this four-page issue, arguing that the organization had to move from correcting discriminatory laws toward more active civic participation and stronger chapter services. Civil rights ran through much of the news. Hawaii Senator Kazuhisa Abe explained why he introduced a bill to drop Christmas and Good Friday as legal holidays, and the editorial page reprinted his statement. Other stories covered Utah’s repeal of its law banning marriages between members of specified races, the Rumford Fair Housing Bill heading for a hearing in Sacramento, and Senator Thomas Dodd’s proposed fair employment commission for Washington, D.C.

Elsewhere, Bill Hosokawa’s column compared the Jewish and Nisei experience of keeping a group identity. Chief Warrant Officer James H. Ishihara was reported killed in South Vietnam. Community items include a Berkeley housing referendum, a Keiro Home fund drive for Issei, and judo and wrestling results.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• Whither JACL, page 1. The editorial argues JACL must shift from purely negative civil rights work toward positive civic participation and stronger chapter services. It urges members to make their views known to elected officers and legislators.
• Editorial: Christmas and Good Friday as Public Financed Aids in Hawaii, page 2. The editorial reprints Senator Abe’s full statement arguing that paid state holidays for Christian observances raise First Amendment concerns. It notes that the constitutional question deserves debate even though the author’s position is contested.
• From the Frying Pan, by Bill Hosokawa, page 2. Bill Hosokawa compares the experience of American Jews and Nisei in resisting assimilation and maintaining group identity. He quotes Dore Schary on the value of cultural diversity and against self-isolation.

National

• Sen. Abe Tells Why Christmas Bill Introduced, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Hawaii Senator Kazuhisa Abe explained at a hospital press conference that his bill to drop Christmas and Good Friday as legal holidays was meant to raise religious freedom questions. He said he regretted the controversy and proposed Buddha Day as a holiday instead.
• Nisei-Supported Banks Denied, page 1. The California State Banking Commission denied applications for two new state banks, one in Little Tokyo and one in the Olympic-Vermont area. Both proposed banks had many Nisei businessmen and professionals as directors.
• Toronto Public Schools Protested for Racial Epithet in Reader, page 1. A Toronto sixth-grade reader, All Sails Set, contained the slur Jap, prompting complaints from the Japanese Canadian community. The New Canadian reported that teachers struggled to explain the term to students.
• Anti-Miscegenation Bill Passed in Utah, page 1. The Utah legislature passed a bill repealing the state law banning marriages between members of specified races and sent it to the governor. The measure cleared the Senate in February and the Assembly in March.
• Sen. Dodd Offers FEPC Bill for D.C., page 1. Senator Thomas Dodd proposed a five-member Fair Employment Practices Commission for Washington, D.C. to end racial and religious job discrimination. He cited figures showing near-total exclusion of nonwhite workers from many jobs.
• Housing Bill Due for Public Hearing, page 1. The Rumford Fair Housing Bill is scheduled for hearing before an Assembly committee in Sacramento. The bill extends anti-discrimination rules to most private housing and is supported by JACL.
• Michigan Constitution on Ballot, by Dr. Joseph D. Sasaki, page 3. Dr. Joseph D. Sasaki explains that Michigan voters will choose on April 1 between the 1908 constitution and a new one. The proposed document adds equal protection provisions and creates a Civil Rights Commission.

Community

• Philadelphia JACL Installation Set for Matsunaga Talk, page 1. The Philadelphia JACL installation dinner-dance will feature Congressman Spark Matsunaga as speaker. The event is scheduled for March 30 at the Valley Forge Hotel in Norristown, Pennsylvania.
• Miami Chinese Attorney May Be First Oriental Elected to Florida Legislature, page 1. Edmund J. Gong defeated veteran John B. Orr Jr. for the Democratic nomination in Florida’s legislature primary. He would be the first Oriental to serve in that body.
• St. Louis Architect’s Chapel Design Cited, page 1. Architect Gyo Obata was honored by the American Iron and Steel Institute for designing the St. Louis Priory Chapel. The judges praised its welded wire fabric and thin shell construction.
• Rep. Horiuchi Speaks ‘Eskimo’ Irish, page 1. Colorado Rep. Seiji Horiuchi read a St. Patrick’s Day resolution in what was called Eskimo Irish during a legislative session. The lighthearted account was reported by the Denver Post.
• Gardena-Ichikawa Sister City Program Head Named, page 1. Ken Nakaoka was named permanent program chairman of the Gardena-Ichikawa Sister City Committee. An Ichikawa delegation is expected in October and Gardena will host four Japanese high school students.
• Berkeley Fair Housing Referendum Opposition Heavy, page 1. Opponents of a Berkeley ordinance banning housing discrimination gathered enough signatures to force a referendum in the April 2 election. Critics argue the council passed it improperly, while supporters say it mirrors state employment protections.
• Fountain Valley Council Repeals Anti-Union Ordinance, page 1. The Fountain Valley City Council repealed its ordinance banning city employees from union activity after the city attorney warned of legal problems. Union representatives said the replacement clause was acceptable.
• Placer Buddhist Church Plans New Temple, page 1. The Placer Buddhist Church announced plans to build a new temple and social hall in Penryn on a $130,000 budget.
• Japanese Hospital Launches Fund Drive for Issei Convalescent Center, page 3. The Japanese Community Memorial Hospital in Los Angeles announced plans for a $300,000 52-bed Keiro Home for Issei convalescent care. A fund drive is underway with the Consul General serving as honorary chairman.
• Racial Discrimination in Orange County Court, page 3. A Marine sergeant and his wife sought an injunction against Santa Ana apartment owners who allegedly refused them housing because of race. The case was heard in Superior Court before Judge Stephen K. Tamura.
• Membership Horizon, by Aac Matsushige, page 4. PSWDC Regional Director Aac Matsushige expresses hope for a membership increase in Southern California. He argues the chapters need a tangible source of renewed enthusiasm to reactivate inactive members.
• Impressions: Southern California Hi-Co Youth Organization, page 4. The author praises the Southern California Hi-Co youth organization and its planning for the April 5-7 conference at Camp Colby. The author highlights the members’ dedication to their community and to the Issei.
• Marysville JACLers Contribute Japanese Garden to Yuba College Library, page 4. Marysville JACL members helped build a miniature Japanese garden at the new Yuba College library. The project was led by chapter president Roger Tokunaga and co-chairmen Bob Inouye and Bill Tsuji.

Military & Veterans

• Viet-Cong Gunfire Fatal to Nisei Officer, page 1. Chief Warrant Officer James H. Ishihara was shot down and killed by Viet-Cong guerrillas while flying over the Mekong River delta in South Vietnam. He was a 20-year Army veteran and the fourth Hawaiian soldier to die in the conflict.

Sports

• Shinohara Retains AAU Grand Champion Judo Title, page 3. Kazuo Shinohara of Los Angeles successfully defended his AAU judo individual championship at the tournament. The competition drew strong entries from across the country.
• Oregon Sansei Compete in State Prep Wrestling Tourney, page 3. Richard Henjyoji of Cleveland High School won the 106-pound state wrestling title in Oregon, and Ron Iwasaki of Hillsboro took second place in his bracket. Both are Nisei athletes from Oregon.

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