Vol. 57, No. 10, September 6, 1963. 4 pages. View this issue
The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom filled this four-page issue. K. Patrick Okura wrote that JACL “did itself proud,” with the Washington, D.C. chapter praised for organizing its members. A staff report described about 35 JACL members marching under the organization’s banner, led by National President Pat Okura. Mike Masaoka’s column called the march an orderly petition for redress of grievances, and a second column urged JACL to answer the call for civil rights support. Rep. Spark Matsunaga spoke on the same theme at a Pacific Northwest convention.
Elsewhere in the issue: Okura met with Senators and Congressmen after the march to press for civil rights and immigration legislation. Bill Hosokawa wrote about autumn mushroom hunting in Colorado, and Chicago veterans planned to mark the 20th anniversary of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Chapter news came from Monterey Peninsula, Orange County, San Francisco and New York.
What’s in this issue
National
- JACL Did Itself Proud, by K. Patrick Okura, page 1. JACL participated proudly in the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, with the D.C. chapter praised for its organizing. The march was orderly and peaceful, and JACL members felt privileged to share in this momentous civil rights event.
- JACL March Under Banner in August 28 March for Jobs, Freedom, by P.C. Staff, page 1. About 35 JACL members marched under the organization’s banner in the March on Washington, drawing attention for their distinctive banner. The JACL contingent was led by National President Pat Okura and included placards calling for civil rights and fair wages.
- Nisei girl asked to appear before House committee, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Wendy Nakashima of Atlanta was among American students returning from Cuba who were served subpoenas to appear before the House Committee on Un-American Activities. She stated that the students’ sit-in showed group solidarity.
- Seattle rights commission asks jail for bias, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Seattle’s Human Rights Commission voted to propose jail sentences and fines for housing discrimination violations. The penalties would mirror the maximum allowed under state law.
- National JACL president Okura calls on Congressmen for civil rights support, by P.C. Staff, page 1. After the August 28 March, National JACL President Pat Okura met with Senators and Congressmen to urge support for civil rights and immigration liberalization legislation. He was accompanied by Washington representative Mike Masaoka.
- Twenty-six donate to National JACL civil rights fund, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Twenty-six contributions were received for the JACL Civil Rights Fund from Washington, D.C. after expenses for the August 28 March, the balance will go to the National Conference on Civil Rights.
Community
- Orange County JACL to turn down ‘seat’ on human relations council if offered, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Orange County JACL board decided not to sit on a human relations council if formed, as stated in its August newsletter. The board also decided that taking part in demonstrations would not enhance Nisei standing in the county.
- Azumano to chair PNWDC convention, by P.C. Staff, page 1. George Azumano accepted the general chairmanship of the Pacific Northwest District Council convention in Portland. Senator Daniel Inouye will be the guest speaker at the convention banquet.
- Regional Review: Monterey Peninsula JACL health plan, by T. Clifford Nakajima, page 2. The Monterey Peninsula JACL chapter describes its group health insurance plan sponsored through Blue Cross, which has increased chapter membership. The plan covers members and families and includes a major medical component.
- Chicago veterans to commemorate 20th anniversary of 442nd, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The 442nd Vets Committee and Chicago Nisei Post 1183 will jointly mark the 20th anniversary of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Rep. Spark Matsunaga will be the principal speaker at the dinner-dance.
- NAACP attorney reveals store picketing in Fresno was not authorized, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Fresno NAACP attorney Hugh Goodwin said grocery store picketing was not authorized by the local branch. The city then appointed a human relations committee that included Japanese American community members.
- San Francisco Jr. JACLers entertain handicapped group, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Members of the San Francisco Jr. JACL entertained 30 handicapped children at Lahonda YMCA Camp with Japanese and American music and dance. The program was sponsored by the El Portal PTA.
Commentary
- That August 28 March, by Mike Masaoka, page 1. Washington representative Mike Masaoka describes JACL’s participation in the August 28 March as part of a historic petition for redress of grievances. He recounts the orderly, dignified character of the march and its significance for civil rights.
- JACL answers Negroes’ painful call for help, by Mike Masaoka, page 2. Masaoka argues that JACL must support civil rights for all Americans, recounting discrimination JACL members have faced. He urges the organization to keep working for equal treatment through democratic means.
- Challenge Before New York JACL, by Murray Sprung, page 2. A New York JACL member argues the chapter should not disband simply because its goals seem achieved. He urges continued vigilance and service to protect the rights of all minorities.
- Racial quotas in employment, page 2. The writer opposes racial quotas for employment, arguing they make race a qualification rather than eliminating it as a consideration. The piece argues that Negro advancement requires special education and training instead.
- By The Numbers, by Elmer Ogiwa, page 2. Elmer Ogiwa reflects on how modern life reduces people to numbers, recalling his army serial number and the hidden racial classification it contained. He recounts a wartime incident involving a Japanese American sergeant.
- From the Frying Pan, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Bill Hosokawa describes the autumn mushroom season in Colorado, when Japanese Americans hunt a prized forest mushroom. He conveys the excitement of the chase and the delight of eating the harvest.
- Impressions, by Frank Hironaka, page 4. The writer reflects on his years working with Nisei youth and the importance of compassion in walking alongside others. He ties this to the PSWDC’s support for civil rights efforts.
Military & Veterans
- Matsunaga answers Negroes’ painful call for help, says JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Rep. Spark Matsunaga told the PNWDC-EDC joint convention that JACL had answered the call for civil rights support. He praised JACL’s civil rights statement and urged members to press Congress on the civil rights bill.
Incarceration & Redress
- Kusumoto Memorial school proposal for Shonien site in Los Angeles, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Dr. Yaemitsu Sugimachi proposed establishing an incorporated Kusumoto Memorial Japanese Language School at the Shonien site if it is sold. He argued the Shonien should remain a memorial to founder Joy Rokuichi Kusumoto’s work for Japanese American children.
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