Vol. 60, No. 13, March 26, 1965. 6 pages. View this issue
The Selma-to-Montgomery march shaped this six-page issue. Mike Masaoka, writing from Washington, asked how JACL could best meet the challenge of the voting rights fight, and argued that the Japanese American experience of discrimination gave the community a shared stake in it. On page 3, Todd Ito described marching in Selma with Negro demonstrators and the hostility they faced, and a California Sansei was reported clubbed by a posse in Montgomery.
Also in this issue: tributes to Dr. Clarence Pickett of the American Friends Service Committee, who stood up for Japanese Americans during World War II. Chapter news reported San Francisco and Fresno JACL working toward record membership. Raymond Uno wrote about facing change, Carol Hasegawa about traits Japanese Americans share, and Tamotsu Murayama about Nisei newsmen in Japan.
What’s in this issue
Commentary
- How Best Can JACL Meet Challenge of Voting Rights Fight, by Mike Masaoka, page 1. Mike Masaoka, writing from Washington, discusses how JACL can respond to the voting rights struggle highlighted by the Selma-to-Montgomery march. He argues that the Japanese American experience of discrimination gives the community a shared stake in the fight.
- What JACL Has Meant to Me, by Harry K. Kuroki, page 1. Chapter members reflect on the personal value JACL has held for them over the years. The piece shares how the organization shaped their sense of belonging and civic responsibility.
- From the Known to the Unknown, by Raymond Uno, page 1. Chapter president Raymond Uno reflects on the anxiety that comes with uncertain change and how JACL must face its new challenges. He urges members to meet disagreement with maturity.
- Frying Pan, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A recurring column reflects on community life and current events affecting Japanese Americans. It is a brief opinion piece.
- Dr. Clarence E. Pickett, by Mike Masaoka, page 2. Mike Masaoka’s Washington Newsletter pays tribute to Dr. Clarence Pickett, recounting his work with the AFSC on behalf of Japanese Americans. Masaoka describes Pickett’s efforts during and after the war.
- JACLer Marches in Alabama, by Todd Ito, page 3. A JACL member recounts marching in Selma with Negro demonstrators and the hostility they faced. He describes the determination of the marchers in their nonviolent campaign.
- Our Group Characteristics, by Carol Hasegawa, page 5. Carol Hasegawa identifies traits she believes Japanese Americans share, including responsibility, industriousness, and belief in education. She notes these characteristics may fade as the community assimilates.
Community
- San Francisco JACL Nears All-Time High Membership, by P.C. Staff, page 1. San Francisco JACL is on pace to surpass its previous high of 1,228 members, with a possible 1,450 by March 31. The membership chairman reported strong renewals and new member drives across its twelve teams.
- Fresno JACL Out to Surpass 1,000 Membership Mark, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Fresno JACL is working to beat its all-time membership high. Chapter membership chairman reports steady progress.
- Southern California Issei Group Organized for Walter Fund, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A Southern California committee of Issei was organized to support the Walter Memorial Fund. Members pledged cooperation in renewing memberships on time.
- Bride and Groom Oldest in Hawaii Statistically, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A Hawaii couple is noted as the oldest bride and groom recorded in the state’s statistics. The brief item covers the wedding details.
- Calif. Sansei Demonstrating in Montgomery, Clubbed by Posse, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A California Sansei participating in the Montgomery demonstrations was clubbed by a posse. The incident is reported as part of the broader civil rights protests.
- Jr. High Student Wins Salt Lake Honors, by P.C. Staff, page 5. A junior high student from Salt Lake City was recognized for academic achievement. The brief report highlights the student’s accomplishment.
National
- Clarence Pickett Dead, Stood Up for Nisei in WW2, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Dr. Clarence Pickett, longtime executive secretary of the American Friends Service Committee, died in Boise, Idaho. He was remembered for championing Japanese Americans during and after World War II.
- South Africa Bends Apartheid Law for Japan Businessmen, by P.C. Staff, page 1. South Africa eased its apartheid laws to accommodate expanding Japanese business interests. The change was reported alongside related developments in Hawaii.
- Nikkei Voice: Temptation of Expediency, by P.C. Staff, page 5. An editorial considers how Japanese Americans should approach expedient political choices in the civil rights era. It calls for principled action.
In-Depth
- History Project Questionnaires Offer Japan Trip, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The JACL Japanese American History Project has prepared bilingual questionnaires for Issei and Nisei to document their experiences. Participants may also be eligible for a trip to Japan.
Military & Veterans
- Nisei Newsmen Prosper in Japan, by Tamotsu Murayama, page 2. Tokyo Topics reports on Nisei journalists who have advanced in Japanese newspapers, including Hawaiian-born Kunpei Saiki, promoted to sports editor. The column highlights their rising status in Japan.
Obituaries
- Amos Alonzo Stagg, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Amos Alonzo Stagg, the grand old man of intercollegiate sports, is remembered for his coaching career and sportsmanship. The tribute notes his support for Japanese Americans during the war.
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