The July 1964 issue: Proposition 14, convention honors and youth

Vol. 59, No. 3, July 17, 1964. 4 pages. View this issue

Proposition 14 was the main subject of this four-page issue. In an open letter to all JACLers, Mike Masaoka urged members to work to defeat the measure, which would permit racial discrimination in housing sales, and compared it to the alien land laws. Also on the front page, Marie Kurihara reported on the NC-WNDYC summer conference, where Dr. Kitano of UCLA spoke on Japanese American youth and juvenile problems, and the paper reported that vandals smeared anti-Japanese slogans on the walls of a new theater in Los Angeles.

Page 2 carries the JACL biennial convention recognitions: Henry Y. Kasai as Nisei of the Biennium, along with tributes to Dr. Thomas T. Omori, Congressman Spark Matsunaga and Hito Okada. Masaoka also analyzed the Republican National Convention in San Francisco. Page 4 has Jack Mayeda’s column on the Youth Assembly in Detroit, and news of a new Junior JACL cabinet and a memorial scholarship for Joe Shinode.

What’s in this issue

Community

  • Dr. Kitano Comments on Japanese American Juvenile Delinquency and Trends at NC-WNDYC Summer Conference, by Marie Kurihara, page 1. Dr. Kitano of UCLA, the principal speaker at the NC-WNDYC summer conference, presented a historical overview of Japanese American youth and analyzed juvenile problems. He suggested Nisei should look at themselves and develop a more positive perspective and creative writing.
  • West Los Angeles JACL and Venice-Culver Junior JACL Elect First Cabinet, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Venice-Culver Junior JACL chapter held its election and elected new officers, and raised funds through a booth at the Venice carnival. The chapter’s treasury was bolstered by the event.
  • Joe Shinode Memorial Scholarship Established, by P.C. Staff, page 4. A memorial scholarship in honor of Joe Shinode has been established by the community. The scholarship will support students in his memory.

Commentary

  • Open Letter to All JACLers: Proponents, Philosophy of Anti-Housing Prop. 14 Akin to Alien Land Law, by Mike Masaoka, page 1. Masaoka urges JACL members to work to defeat Proposition 14, which would permit racial discrimination in housing sales. He compares the measure to the alien land laws and calls for members to take risks in defending civil rights.
  • Second Thoughts: Giving Credit Where Due, by Jack Mayeda, page 4. Jack Mayeda credits Shirley Satoh and others for the success of the JACL Youth Assembly at the Detroit convention. He reflects on youth aspirations and calls for JACL to help youth define their goals and responsibilities.

National

  • Vandals Smear Anti-Japanese Slogans on Walls of New Half-Million Dollar Toho Theater, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Vandals spray-painted anti-Japanese slogans on the walls of a new half-million dollar theater in Los Angeles. The incident was reported as part of a pattern of anti-Japanese hostility.
  • Republican National Convention Analysis: Goldwater Supporters Control Proceedings, by Mike Masaoka, page 2. Goldwater supporters gained control of the Republican National Convention in San Francisco, defeating efforts by Scranton forces. The author expresses concern that Goldwater’s candidacy could bring bitter racial conflict to the party.

JACL

  • Henry Y. Kasai Named Nisei of the Biennium for 1963-64, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Henry Y. Kasai of Salt Lake City is honored as JACL Nisei of the Biennium for his civic service, community leadership, and promotion of goodwill between the United States and Japan. His accomplishments include persuading the Utah legislature to repeal discriminatory laws.
  • Dr. Thomas T. Omori Honored at JACL Biennial Convention Recognitions Banquet, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Dr. Thomas T. Omori, a scientist and JACL honoree, is recognized for his work in science and his dedicated community service to young people. The citation praises his commitment to peace and international cooperation.
  • Spark Matsunaga Honored at JACL Biennial Convention Recognitions Banquet, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Congressman Spark Matsunaga is honored for his public service, wartime military service, and community activism. The citation recognizes his humanitarian work and dedication to civic organizations.
  • Hito Okada Honored with JACL Award for Distinguished Service, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Hito Okada, a longtime JACL national treasurer, is recognized for his leadership in establishing the JACL Credit Union and for financial guidance during the wartime evacuation. His efforts helped Japanese Americans rebuild their finances.
  • Post-Convention Propositions and Letters on JACL Resolutions, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Letters to the editor discuss the JACL national convention in Detroit and proposals for a National Junior JACL organization. Writers note the need for youth involvement and a Youth Assembly to guide future programs.

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