Vol. 59, No. 4, July 24, 1964. 4 pages. View this issue
Civil rights and fair housing ran through this four-page issue. Opposition to California’s Proposition 14, which would undermine fair housing laws, was organized by Japanese American groups, and a Free Methodist Conference adopted a civil rights resolution affirming fair housing and equal opportunity. Mike Masaoka wrote about Senator Hiram Fong of Hawaii, who was placed in nomination as a favorite son candidate for President, and his Washington Newsletter reviewed the Civil Rights Act and the positions of party leaders. The JACL national convention was also remembered, in an unsigned piece on the warm welcome and renewed friendships, and in a column by Isao Matsushige.
Other pages carry local news: nine candidates for the Nisei Week Festival queen, introduced at the Consul General’s tea, and the Orange County JAYs celebrating their 10th anniversary. Also inside are a groundbreaking for a Sumitomo Bank branch in Oakland, a look at Nisei performers in the film Hawaii, and Elmer Ogawa’s feature on deep-sea salmon fishing out of Westport, Washington.
What’s in this issue
JACL
- The Little Things That Count, page 1. A writer recounts the warm welcome and camaraderie experienced at the JACL national convention, reflecting on the small gestures that made the week memorable. The piece emphasizes friendships renewed and the sense of community felt among delegates.
- Senator Fong Nominated for President at National Convention, by Mike Masaoka, page 1. Senator Hiram Fong of Hawaii was placed in nomination as a favorite son candidate for President at the Republican National Convention. His nomination was hailed as a milestone for Americans of Asian ancestry.
National
- Free Methodist Youths Told to Welcome Challenge as Their Parents Did 20 Years Ago, page 1. Free Methodist Conference youths were urged to meet the civil rights challenge in the spirit that their parents showed after the war. The Conference adopted a civil rights resolution affirming fair housing and equal opportunity.
- Cal. Prop. 14 Declared Support of Fair Housing Laws, page 1. Opposition to California’s Proposition 14, which would undermine fair housing laws, was organized by Japanese American groups. Coalition leaders argued the measure threatened civil rights for minorities statewide.
Community
- Oakland JACLer Again Heads City’s Park Commission, page 1. An Oakland JACL member was reappointed to lead the city’s park commission. The appointment was noted as a recognition of community service by a Japanese American leader.
- Impressions, by Isao Matsushige, page 2. Regional director Matsushige reflects on the impressions left by the national convention and its leadership. He highlights the work of local chapters and the importance of continued community engagement.
- Nisei Week Festival Queen Candidates Introduced at Consul General’s Tea, page 2. Nine young women were introduced as candidates for the Nisei Week Festival queen at the Consul General’s residence. Seven were sponsored by local JACL chapters, with Pasadena JACL hosting the occasion.
- Orange County JAYs Celebrate 10th Anniversary, page 2. The Orange County JAYs marked their 10th anniversary with a banquet at Disneyland Hotel featuring Mike Masaoka as speaker. His address on the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Proposition 14 resonated with older Nisei who recalled wartime hostility.
- Fong Qualifies for Presidential Ballot in California, page 3. Senator Hiram Fong qualified for the California presidential primary ballot as a favorite son candidate. Supporters said his candidacy reflected the rising political influence of Americans of Asian ancestry.
Commentary
- Washington Newsletter, by Mike Masaoka, page 1. Masaoka reviews federal legislative developments affecting civil rights and Japanese Americans in Washington. He discusses the Civil Rights Act and the positions of Republican and Democratic leaders.
Military & Veterans
- Sumitomo Breaks Ground for Oakland Branch, by Larry Yajiri, page 3. Ground was broken in Oakland for the new Sumitomo Bank branch, a significant development for the local Japanese American business community. Officials and community leaders attended the groundbreaking ceremony.
Arts & Entertainment
- Hawaii Script Still Unfinished, page 3. Production on the film Hawaii, which features many Japanese American and Nisei performers, continued with several actors receiving credits. The article profiles several performers including George Takei and Miike Tai.
Sports
- Deep-Sea Salmon Fishing, by Elmer Ogawa, page 4. A Northwest outdoors feature describes the growth of charter salmon fishing out of Westport, Washington, and the species sought. The article emphasizes the thrill of deep-sea fishing for king and silver salmon.
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