Vol. 59, No. 25, December 18, 1964. 48 pages. View this issue
A National Junior JACL and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ran through this 48-page holiday issue. National President Kumeo Yoshinari described interim steps toward a permanent Junior JACL by the 1966 national convention in San Diego. Mike M. Masaoka reviewed JACL’s role in passing the Civil Rights Act, and T. Scott Miyakawa answered six basic questions about the Japanese American Research Project and its $100,000 Carnegie Corporation grant.
Elsewhere are Masaoka’s reports on tax-free evacuation claims, proposed immigration legislation and Supreme Court rulings. Bill Hosokawa wrote a tribute to Pfc. Wayne Arakaki, killed in Vietnam. Marie Kurihara profiled the artist Chiura Obata, and chapter reports came from Pasadena, Fresno, Monterey and Seabrook. About 27 of the pages carry season’s greetings.
What’s in this issue
JACL
- Assisting in Formation of National Junior JACL, by Kumeo Yoshinari, page 1. National President Kumeo Yoshinari addresses concerns among youth about JACL’s commitment to a National Junior JACL. He outlines interim steps, including a part-time paid youth coordinator and plans for a permanent organization by the 1966 convention.
Commentary
- New Challenges Facing JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The editorial argues that JACL must look beyond 1976 and renew its purpose, noting the organization’s strong resources but lack of unity, creativity, and direction. It calls on the organization to become a more vital citizens group in a complex society.
- Accommodations for All, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The editorial welcomes the Supreme Court’s upholding of the public accommodations section of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as a historic decision. It frames the ruling as a significant step toward equal treatment under the law.
- JACL Views on Proposed Immigration Legislation, by Mike M. Masaoka, page 6. The article presents JACL’s position on the Administration’s proposed immigration revisions, including the elimination of national origins quotas. It discusses how the proposal would affect Japanese and other Asian applicants.
- Defense of the Chinese and Japanese Ancestry Denied Citizenship, by P.C. Staff, page 10. This editorial addresses discriminatory laws that once denied citizenship and land rights to persons of Asian ancestry. It calls for continued vigilance to ensure equal protection for all Americans.
In-Depth
- Answers to Six Basic Questions Most Often Asked About the Japanese American Research Project, by T. Scott Miyakawa, page 1. The article reviews the Japanese American Research Project’s 1964 developments, including a $100,000 Carnegie Corporation grant. It describes emerging findings on the diversity of Issei careers and outlines the Project’s five research programs.
Arts & Entertainment
- Sumi-e Paintings Portray His Philosophy of Life, by Marie Kurihara, page 3. The article profiles artist Professor Chiura Obata, examining his sumi-e brush painting and his philosophy of life shaped by nature. It traces his career from early training in Japan through his work teaching art at Tanforan and Topaz during evacuation.
National
- Most Important Legislative Enactment: Civil Rights Act, by Mike M. Masaoka, page 5. This Washington Representative report reviews JACL’s role in securing passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the votes of key legislators. It also outlines the implications of the act and the challenges ahead for the organization.
- Supreme Court Rulings, Critical Cases, by Mike M. Masaoka, page 8. This report summarizes significant Supreme Court decisions on civil rights, immigration, expatriation, apportionment, and religious freedom during the past biennium. It also describes pending cases of concern to Japanese Americans.
Military & Veterans
- Wayne Arakaki: 1944-1964, by Bill Hosokawa, page 5. Bill Hosokawa writes a tribute to Pfc. Wayne Arakaki, a 20-year-old soldier killed in Vietnam. The piece reflects on his short life and on the broader American commitment in Vietnam.
- GI Commemorative Services Held at Arlington, by Mike M. Masaoka, page 11. JACL organized commemorative services at Arlington National Cemetery honoring Japanese American veterans of World War II on the 20th anniversary of their service. The event included wreath ceremonies, tributes from officials, and visits to gravesites.
Obituaries
- Wayne Arakaki Memorial, by P.C. Staff, page 5. A tribute remembers Wayne Arakaki and the sacrifices of young Americans serving in Vietnam. The piece honors his courage and the hopes his family and community held for him.
Incarceration & Redress
- Evacuation Claims Tax Liability, by Mike M. Masaoka, page 6. The report explains how the Internal Revenue Service questioned whether evacuation claim awards were taxable and how Congress passed legislation declaring them tax-free. JACL and its allies worked to secure the clarification.
Community
- Record-Busting Year for Pasadena JACL, by Mack Yamaguchi, page 11. The Pasadena JACL chapter reports a productive year of membership growth, community events, and political campaigns. Highlights include installation dinners, picnics, and the chapter’s No on Prop. 14 efforts.
- Fresno and Monterey Chapters Share 1964 Activities, by P.C. Staff, page 14. Multiple chapters report on their 1964 activities, including membership drives, youth programs, and community service. The reports highlight local leadership and the continuing work of JACL chapters across California.
- Seabrook JACL Youth Dancers Highlight New Jersey Tercentenary, by P.C. Staff, page 20. The Seabrook JACL dancers performed at New Jersey Tercentenary events, drawing praise from citizens and the press. The article highlights the chapter’s youth programs and the history of Japanese Americans in the Seabrook area.
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