Civil rights, fair housing and the repeal of Nebraska’s marriage ban

Vol. 56, No. 14, April 5, 1963. 4 pages. View this issue

Civil rights ran through this four-page issue. The front-page editorial, “Racism in Civil Rights,” rejected the idea that only Negro Americans should concern themselves with the subject, and Mike Masaoka’s Washington Newsletter praised a package of Republican civil rights bills. News pages followed fair housing in California and funding troubles at a Minnesota anti-discrimination commission. The Nebraska legislature voted 29-12 to repeal its ban on interracial marriage, with JACL credited for lobbying.

Elsewhere, Bill Hosokawa remembered Dr. Konai Miyamoto of Denver and argued for recording the Issei pioneers’ stories. Senator Daniel Inouye answered a Hawaii report on the ILWU. Ontario agreed to remove a racial slur from a Grade 6 reader. Sports, chapter reports and the PSWDC convention plans fill the rest of the issue.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• Racism in Civil Rights, by By K. Patrick Okura, page 1. JACL rejects racism in civil rights in any form, condemning the suggestion that only Negro Americans should concern themselves with civil rights. The editorial argues that Japanese Americans understand civil rights are at risk for all when any group is denied them.
• Washington Newsletter: Republican Civil Rights Bills Make Neat Package for 88th, by Mike Masaoka, page 2. Masaoka praises a package of civil rights bills introduced by Republican senators based on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights recommendations. He urges Democrats to join in co-sponsoring or introducing similar legislation.
• U.S.-Japan Trade Picture Improving; Curb on Securities Investment Money Lifted, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Japan abolished the six-month waiting period for repatriation of foreign capital, which analysts say will stimulate American investment in Japanese stocks. The U.S. and Japan also agreed in principle to negotiate limits on Japanese cotton textile exports.
• Letterbox: Wakano-Ura Rules Discussed, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Readers respond to recent editorial and column topics on civil rights and JACL priorities. Letters argue the Alien Land Law and the word Jap remain issues requiring JACL attention.
• Two Cases of the Jitters, by Elmer Ogawa, page 2. The editorial comments on senatorial rhetoric about super-patriots and on a Hawaii report on subversive activities. It argues that free thought and civil liberties must be defended even when they are uncomfortable.
• Letterbox: Roadblocks to First-Class Citizenship, by Carol Tamura, page 2. Carol Tamura and Toyo Henmi write that JACL must still push for repeal of the Washington Alien Land Law and removal of the word Jap from public use. They argue that past achievements should not blind members to remaining work.
• Colorado First, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Colorado Trumpet editorial praises Seiji Horiuchi, the first Nisei elected to the Colorado legislature, for his perseverance. It contrasts his election with broader questions about public acceptance of minority candidates.
• From the Frying Pan: A Disappearing Breed, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Hosokawa reflects on the aging Issei pioneers who attended Dr. Miyamoto’s funeral and the urgency of recording their stories. He argues that Nisei are best placed to preserve this history.
• Impressions, by Isaac Matsushige, page 4. PSW Regional Director Isaac Matsushige reflects on the importance of individual JACL members taking responsibility for community concerns and the organization’s direction. He calls on members to define what JACL stands for today.

National

• Nebraska Legislature Abolishes Interracial Marriage Ban, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Nebraska legislature voted 29-12 to repeal the long-standing ban on interracial marriage. JACL, through national president Okura, was credited with lobbying for the bill’s passage.
• Senior Citizen Home in Berkeley to Open in July, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Strawberry Creek Lodge, a Berkeley residence for persons 62 or older of moderate means, will accommodate 185 residents. Rates start at $67.50 for single units and it is expected to open by July.
• Fair Housing Bill Passes First State Hurdle, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Rumford fair housing bill, AB 1240, cleared the Assembly Committee on Governmental Efficiency and Economy with a do-pass recommendation. The bill would extend anti-discrimination housing protections to nearly all private housing and move enforcement under an expanded FEPC.
• Civil Rights Body Stymied by Lack of Funds in Minnesota, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Minnesota’s State Commission Against Discrimination requested $206,000 but the governor budgeted only $128,500, threatening its ability to enforce fair housing and FEPC laws. Opponents seek to limit the agency by withholding operating funds.
• Hawaiians Not Certain Fair Employment Bill Necessary for State, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Hawaii’s Director of Labor Alfred Laureta told legislators the state may not have a real discrimination problem in employment. Senate Bill 21 would make it unlawful for employers to discriminate against prospective employees on the basis of race, creed, color, or national origin.
• Supreme Court Hears Negro Plea for Pilot Job with Airlines, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Marion D. Green, a Negro former Air Force captain, argued before the Supreme Court that Colorado may forbid discriminatory hiring by interstate airlines. Continental Airlines had rejected him despite his superior flying experience.
• Toronto Education Department Agrees to Delete Epithet from Grade 6 Reader, by P.C. Staff, page 2. After protests from Japanese Canadians, the Ontario Department of Education and publisher Copp-Clark agreed to remove the word Jap from a Grade 6 reader. The essay about the Alaska Highway used the slur twice.
• Sen. Inouye Raps Hawaii State Subversive Activities Report on Linking ILWU to Communism, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Senator Daniel Inouye criticized a Hawaii subversive activities commission report for guilt-by-association reasoning against the ILWU. He rebutted each of the commission’s cited ILWU positions point by point.
• Peru Orders Return of Assets to Former Japanese Residents Evacuated to U.S.A., by P.C. Staff, page 4. Peru has ordered return of assets belonging to former Japanese residents evacuated to the United States during World War II. The Japanese consulate is seeking current addresses for those affected.

Obituaries

• Dr. K.K. Miyamoto of Denver Succumbs, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Dr. Konai K. Miyamoto, a Denver dentist and community leader, died March 22 at age 86. He was credited with winning Governor Ralph Carr’s support for admitting Japanese American evacuees in 1942 and was decorated by the Japanese government.
• Dr. K.K. Miyamoto of Denver Succumbs, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Hosokawa remembers Dr. Konai Miyamoto as a generous civic leader who supported Japanese students and visitors and died nearly penniless. He argues the passing of Issei pioneers makes the JACL Issei History Project urgent.
• Kaz Sugano, 48, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Kaz Sugano, past commander of Monterey Nisei VFW Post 1629, died March 24 at age 48. He was also a VFW district chaplain, church elder, and JACL member.

JACL

• Preparing for PSWDC Convention, by P.C. Staff, page 1. PSWDC convention chairman Akira Ohno and committee members are preparing for the two-day May 18-19 meeting at the Thunderbird International Hotel. Registration forms are being sent to all PSWDC chapters this week.
• Bay Area JACL Baseball League Starts June 16, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Bay Area JACL baseball league for teenagers will begin June 16 with several teams. San Francisco JACL has issued a tryout call for April 6.

Community

• Placer County Orchards Hit by Hailstorm, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A 15-minute hailstorm destroyed pear and plum orchards in Placer County, including those of Issei and Nisei growers near Newcastle and Ophir. Losses could reach $3,000,000 according to an industry spokesman.
• Sansei Saves Life of His Brother, Honored, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Dennis Higashiyama, 15, of Quincy, Washington, was honored by the Red Cross for administering mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to his brother David after a kite contacted a power line. The award was presented at a school assembly.
• Ex-PC Staffer Honored, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Joy Utsuno of East Los Angeles City College was one of two students receiving a $100 Bank of America business award. She is the daughter of active East Los Angeles JACLers.
• Pregnancies Regarded as Status Symbols by Confused Girls, Dr. Togasaki Reveals, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Dr. Yoshiye Togasaki of Contra Costa County told the California Medical Association that some girls treat pregnancy as a status symbol. Her study of 21 schools found inconsistent school policies on handling pregnant students.
• Fresno JACL Announced 1963 District Council Scholarship Awards, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Central California District Council announced scholarship awards and trophies for chapter students. Applications must be submitted by April 15 according to the committee.
• Chapter Reports and 1000 Club Notes, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Multiple JACL chapters reported new officers and membership figures for 1963. The reports cover officers for the Gardena Valley, Stockton, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, and other chapters.
• Financial Problems in Intermountain Temporarily Eased, by Margaret Yamasaki, page 4. The Intermountain District Council’s second quarterly meeting at Idaho Falls addressed financial strains from increased meeting costs. Delegates adopted temporary measures to ease the treasury burden.
• Memorable Month of March, by Daisy Uyeda, page 4. Berkeley JACL supported the Citizens for Fair Housing campaign for the April 2 referendum on the city’s fair housing ordinance. The chapter also reported on its installation of officers and youth programs.
• Chapter Calls: Benefit Movie, Bowling, and Events, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Chapters across California announced upcoming events including a Salinas Valley benefit movie, San Mateo bowling tournament, and Southwest LA Issei movie night. These events are intended to raise funds and build community participation.
• Salinas Valley JACL Vice-President Appointed to Insurance Agency, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Maj. Harry S. Iida, a retired Army officer and Salinas Valley JACL vice-president, was appointed as a salesman with Kelly-Husted Lifeplan insurance agency. He received a direct G-2 commission in the Philippines in World War II.
• Yosh Inadomi Elected Head of Belvedere Rotary, by P.C. Staff, page 4. East Los Angeles businessman Yosh Inadomi was elected president of the Belvedere Rotary for the coming year. He is also president of the Japanese American Community Services and an associate board member of the Eastside Boys Club.

Military & Veterans

• Colorado First: Horiuchi Praised, by P.C. Staff, page 2. A Colorado Trumpet editorial praised Seiji Horiuchi, an agricultural consultant and Nisei elected to the Colorado legislature, as a model of success through hard work. Congressman Dominick’s remarks on him were reprinted in the Congressional Record.

Sports

• Tok Ishizawa Bowls Sanctioned 300 Game, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Veteran Nisei bowler Tok Ishizawa rolled a perfect 300 game in a qualifying round at Holiday Bowl on March 27. He finished with a series score of 717.
• JACL Nisei Relays to Have Competition in Open, Junior, Cub and Midget Divisions, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The 12th annual JACL Nisei Relays will be held at University High School with divisions for all age groups. Entry forms are due to the Southern California JACL office by May 17.

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