Vol. 57, No. 8, August 23, 1963. 4 pages. View this issue
Civil rights for Negro citizens was the main subject of this four-page issue from August 1963. Frank F. Chuman, a national JACL board member, urged members to understand the demands for equal rights and to work patiently toward solutions. Harry Takagi wrote about how JACL policy on civil rights should fit the organization’s purpose, while Rev. Andrew Kuroda called the struggle a moral issue. Mike Masaoka reported that at least 20 JACL members planned to join the August 28 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
Also inside: Congressman Spark Matsunaga introduced a bill on naturalized citizens, and National JACL President E. Patrick Okura was appointed to the Nebraska Human Rights Commission. Chiye Tomihiro profiled Lawrence Miyasato, a former 100th Battalion veteran elected deputy county attorney in Montana. Page 4 covers the close of the Nisei Week Festival and Seiji Ozawa’s Hollywood Bowl debut.
What’s in this issue
Commentary
- Understanding the Demands of Negroes, by Frank F. Chuman, page 1. The editorial calls on JACL members to understand the demands of Negro citizens for equal rights and to work patiently through conferences and local chapters toward solutions. It cautions that demonstrations, while attention-getting, cannot solve problems overnight and must be paired with changes in law and good faith.
- Civil Rights Stand: JACL Policy and Individual Views, by Harry Takagi, page 1. Takagi argues that JACL policy on civil rights must be consistent with its primary purpose of protecting Japanese American welfare and keep the support of its membership. He notes that personal convictions may differ from organizational policy.
- Moral Implications of the Civil Rights Movement, by Rev. Andrew Kuroda, page 1. Rev. Kuroda contends the civil rights struggle is fundamentally a moral issue about whether the nation can correct social injustice peacefully. He describes the injustices faced by Negroes, including segregation and unequal pay, and argues they are justified in demanding rights.
Community
- George Hayashibara Named Outstanding Citizen of the Year in Wilmington, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Wilmington’s 101 Ranch Market owner George Hayashibara was honored by the Chamber of Commerce for his work with youth. He has sponsored little league teams and personally chauffeurs and treats players, and he is also a 1600 Club member of the Long Beach-Harbor JACL chapter.
- Gakuen’s Future to Be Surveyed, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Japanese Language School Unified System began a survey of its 1,200 students and parents on the future of Japanese language study in the United States. Results will be published without identifying respondents and used for future planning.
- Arizona JACLer Heads Local United Chest Fund Drive, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Tom Kadomoto, president of the Glendale Board of Realtors and a past JACL chapter president, was named chairman of the Glendale United Chest drive. The local quota is $25,000.
- Seattle Nisei Week Columnist Column, by Elmer O. Badger, page 3. A Seattle columnist humorously describes struggling to write his weekly column amid household distractions. The piece is lighthearted commentary on procrastination.
- Nisei Week Festival Ends as Ever; 60,000 Witness Ondo Parade, by Soichi Fukui, page 4. The 23rd annual Nisei Week Festival concluded with an Ondo parade drawing an estimated 60,000 spectators, including actress Shirley MacLaine and visiting Nagoya Mayor Kiyoshi Sugito. Festival chairman Soichi Fukui praised the community’s cooperation.
- Impressions of the Southland, by Maac Matsushige, page 4. PSW District Regional Director Maac Matsushige reflects on the Nisei Week Festival’s close and thanks the many volunteers who made it successful. He previews the upcoming PSWDC meeting in Hollywood.
National
- Matsunaga Introduces Bill to Repeal Bias Provisions Against Naturalized Citizens, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Congressman Spark Matsunaga introduced a bill to repeal provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act that strip naturalized citizens of citizenship if they reside abroad in their former homeland. He argues naturalized citizens should be treated the same as native-born citizens.
- At Least 20 JACLers Joining ‘March in Washington’, by Mike Masaoka, page 1. About 20 JACL members will join the August 28 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, led by national officers and regional leaders. The JACL contingent will march as a unit to show Japanese American support for civil rights.
- Ex-100th Infantry Veteran Surprised by Election as Deputy D.A. in Montana, by Chiye Tomihiro, page 1. Lawrence Miyasato, a former 100th Battalion veteran from Kauai, was elected Deputy County Attorney of Valley County, Montana, becoming possibly the only Nisei prosecutor in the mainland U.S. He attended a prosecutors’ course at Northwestern University and remains active in the VFW and community affairs.
JACL
- Pat Okura Appointed to State Commission, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Nebraska Governor Frank Morrison appointed National JACL President E. Patrick Okura to the newly established Nebraska Human Rights Commission. The appointment aims to improve relationships among peoples in the state.
Arts & Entertainment
- Seiji Ozawa Hollywood Bowl Debut Draws Mixed Critical Comments, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Critics reviewed the Hollywood Bowl debut of 27-year-old Japanese conductor Seiji Ozawa with mixed opinions. Harrison Green and Albert Goldberg offered measured assessments, while Nisei musician Tak Shindo praised the performance warmly.
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