Vol. 60, No. 19, May 7, 1965. 4 pages. View this issue
JACL members and their work filled this four-page issue. Kumeo A. Yeshinari wrote about a dinner that honored friends who stood by Japanese Americans during the wartime incarceration, and about the women of JACL and a fashion show that lifted the mood of the Southland gathering. George Nakamura reported that the Pacific Northwest District Council voted to back the campaign to repeal Washington’s Alien Land Law, with a measure planned for the November ballot. A report from Long Beach covered the Pacific Southwest District Council convention.
Other pages looked at Sacramento groups meeting over youth delinquency, a career guidance program in West Los Angeles, and plans for a full-time JACL program director. Mike Masaoka’s Washington Newsletter appears on page 2, along with the history project’s profile of George Shima, the Potato King. Page 3 carries a personal column and news that the San Jose chapter honored 23 graduates.
What’s in this issue
Community
- Tributes to Friends and the Women, by Kumeo A. Yeshinari, page 1. The article recounts a JACL dinner honoring friends who supported Japanese Americans during wartime incarceration, with emotional testimonials. It also praises the women of JACL and the fashion show that enlivened the Southland gathering.
- Sacramentans to Air Delinquency Issue, page 1. Sacramento community groups organized a coordinating meeting after arrests of Nisei teenagers, aiming to address youth delinquency. Local representatives agreed youth issues were urgent and discussed forming a youth council.
- Career Guidance Offered by West L.A., by Ronald Yoshida, page 1. West Los Angeles Japanese American organizations scheduled a Sunday career guidance program for high school students. The event features speakers covering a wide range of professional and trade careers.
- Full-Time Program Director to Push JACL Activities, page 1. National JACL president Kumeo Yoshinari described plans to hire a full-time program director to strengthen JACL activities. The article also covers membership dues changes and a report on immigration testimony before a Senate subcommittee.
- Convention Gimmicks but No Theme, page 1. The JACL national convention banquet in San Diego featured lighthearted gimmicks, including a lapel button and decorations, but no official convention theme. Organizers outlined plans for the upcoming convention and the Jr. JACL formation.
- Ex-Waialua Athlete Selected as Toledo Univ.’s ‘Outstanding Teacher’, page 1. Dr. George Takeshita, a professor of international trade and transportation at the University of Toledo, received the outstanding teacher award. The article traces his background, from his Hawaii upbringing to his Army service and academic career.
- Nisei Solons on Both Sides of Howell Obscenity Bill, page 1. Hawaii state senators, including Vincent Yano, debated a bill to penalize selling obscene material to minors, with opponents calling it censorship. The article reports the divided positions of Nisei legislators on the measure.
- Rep. Mink Due for Two Honorary Degrees, page 1. Congresswoman Patsy T. Mink was scheduled to receive two honorary degrees. The brief notes the honor and her role in national civil rights and education legislation.
- Court Rejects Hawaii Reapportionment Plan, page 1. A federal three-judge court rejected a proposed Hawaii legislative reapportionment plan. The article summarizes the court’s reasoning regarding equal representation.
- San Jose Honors 23 Outstanding Grads, page 3. The San Jose JACL chapter honored 23 outstanding graduating students at its annual event. The article lists the honorees and their achievements.
JACL
- Long Beach, page 1. The author reflects on attending the Pacific Southwest District Council convention in Long Beach and the contributions of JACL women. The piece describes the convention’s programming and expresses gratitude to the host community.
- All-Girl Telephone Committee, page 1. The Contra Costa JACL chapter’s all-women telephone committee uses a pyramid calling structure to spread announcements quickly. The system has also increased member participation and representation in chapter leadership.
- PNWDC Ratifies Push to Repeal Alien Land Law, by George Nakamura, page 1. The Pacific Northwest District Council voted to support the campaign to repeal Washington’s Alien Land Law, with a November ballot measure planned. The council also discussed a Portland Jr. JACL workshop and an upcoming convention.
Commentary
- Washington Newsletter, by Mike Masaoka, page 2. Mike Masaoka’s column reflects on his experiences after wartime deprivation of constitutional rights and his advocacy for Japanese Americans. He pledges to keep speaking out for equality and civil rights.
- From the Frying Pan, page 3. This column offers a light, personal account of visiting the Chicago JACL headquarters and of entertainers such as Pat Suzuki. It also includes a commentary on Playboy magazine and the career of photographer Vince Tajiri.
In-Depth
- History Project: Fabulous George Shima, Potato King, page 2. This installment of the JACL-UCLA history project profiles George Shima, the early Japanese American farmer known as the Potato King. It traces his rise in California agriculture.
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