Civil rights, immigration and a Nisei Boys State winner

Vol. 60, No. 26, June 25, 1965. 6 pages. View this issue

Civil rights ran through the news in this six-page issue. Ontario’s civil rights commission considered an ombudsman post, with the Japanese Canadian Citizens Association in favor. The Virginia Supreme Court agreed to review an anti-miscegenation law, and Seattle’s mayor issued an order barring discrimination in city contracts. Mike Masaoka’s Washington Newsletter reported a slowdown in immigration legislation, and a Chicago group that included JACL formed to push for a fair U.S. immigration law. Harry Honda wrote about Junior JACL planning for the 1966 convention and about the judges for National JACL scholarship applications.

Other pages carry community news. Bob Yamagata of Blackfoot was elected lieutenant governor at Idaho Boys State, and Senator Hiram Fong spoke at McKinley High School’s centennial commencement. Carol Hasegawa’s column describes being mistaken for a foreigner. The sports page covers a Nisei pitcher drafted by Cleveland and Nisei cowboys heading for the rodeo finals.

What’s in this issue

National

• Ontario civil rights commission mulls ombudsman post; JCCA in favor of action, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Ontario civil rights commission is considering creating an ombudsman post to handle discrimination complaints. The Japanese Canadian Citizens Association supports the move as a way to strengthen civil rights protections.
• Denver judge reminds need for federal approval of Indian leases, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A forgotten federal law from 1938 requires Interior Department approval of certain contracts with Indians. A Denver county judge applied it to void a loan agreement.
• Virginia court to test validity of its anti-miscegenation law, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Virginia Supreme Court agreed to review the conviction of a white man and Negro woman who married in violation of the state’s anti-miscegenation law. The couple’s attorneys argue the law violates constitutional guarantees.
• Presbyterian Church of Canada votes on interracial marriage, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Presbyterian Church of Canada’s General Assembly accepted interracial marriage but declined to encourage future unions. The vote was a notable decision on racial issues.
• Washington Newsletter: Immigration Bill Slowdown, by Mike Masaoka, page 2. Immigration legislation is delayed as Senate and House subcommittees prepare their reports. The Senate Judiciary Committee was expected to complete its work by midJune.
• Russians fire rain-making anti-aircraft shells, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Soviet scientists developed rain-making techniques using chemicals and aircraft. The report describes the methods and their potential use for agriculture.

Community

• Nisei diploma in Mexico excels as example of an American in foreign land, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A Nisei woman living in Monterrey, Mexico is profiled as an example of an American succeeding abroad. Her education and family background are described.
• NCWNDYC youth hold summer conference at Asilomar, by Roy Omi, page 1. Northern California and Western Nevada District Youth Council members gathered at Asilomar for their summer conference June 16-20. Workshops, speakers, and social activities focused on individual and community problems.
• Jr. JACL interim councillors prepare for major 1966 convention, by Harry Honda, page 1. Junior JACL interim councillors are preparing youth activities for the coming year and the 1966 national convention. Youth projects and convention planning are discussed.
• Friends of Museum raise funds for Japanese collection in Milwaukee, by P.C. Staff, page 1. JACL members in Milwaukee helped raise funds for the Japanese collection at the new Milwaukee Museum. Japanese dolls and models were transported with help from Chicago JACL.
• Rep. Walter Memorial Fund now $4,700, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The JACL-Walter Memorial Fund has raised $4,761 from 381 contributors since April. Donations honor the late Pennsylvania congressman for his work on behalf of Japanese Americans.
• Idaho boys elect Sansei lieutenant governor, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Bob Yamagata of Blackfoot was elected lieutenant governor at Idaho Boys State. The Intermountain JACL hosted the delegation to thank the American Legion for supporting repeal of Idaho’s anti-Mongolian voter law.
• DeSilva, who helped Nisei regain jobs after Evacuation, to be given testimonial, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Jose DeSilva, a Hotel and Restaurant Workers union leader, is honored for helping Nisei regain jobs after the war. The testimonial recognizes his role in opening employment for Japanese Americans.
• Fullerton Savings & Loan moves into new building, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Merit Savings and Loan moves into a new building in Los Angeles. The institution’s growth is noted.
• Sen. Fong reveals own rules for success at McKinley centennial commencement, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Senator Hiram Fong addressed McKinley High School’s centennial commencement with a list of rules for success. His advice includes continuous learning, maintaining enthusiasm, and living by the Golden Rule.
• Seattle mayor’s executive order bars discrimination in city contracts, by Elmer Ogawa, page 4. Seattle Mayor Edwin Eller issued an executive order prohibiting discrimination in city employment and contracting. Philip Hayasaka of the Seattle Human Relations Commission said his office would enforce the order.
• Chicago JACL, JASC join immigration group to try for fair U.S. immigration law, by P.C. Staff, page 4. A Committee for a Fair U.S. Immigration Law was formed by religious, community, and service organizations including JACL and JASC. The group seeks reform of national origin quotas.
• Seattle JACL seeks Evacuation material, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Seattle JACL subcommittee on history is collecting materials about the Evacuation for an archive. Members are asked to contribute documents and photographs.
• Cortez JACL to honor local area graduates, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Cortez JACL chapter announced plans to honor local high school graduates at a dinner. Scholarships and awards will be presented.
• Speaking Out Quietly: Some Trying Moments, by Carol Hasegawa, page 5. A columnist describes the experiences of being a Japanese American, including being mistaken for a foreigner. She reflects on how Japanese Americans often avoid greeting each other.
• Who’s Who of Scholarship Judges Offered, by Harry Honda, page 5. Distinguished leaders and educators have agreed to serve as judges for National JACL scholarship applications. Oregon educators are among those named.
• Generations of Nisei cowboys head for rodeo finals, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Nisei cowboys from several generations are competing in rodeo finals. Their achievements in the sport are highlighted.

Military & Veterans

• Nisei artist called to exhibit at White House show, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Tadashi Sato, a Nisei artist and World War II veteran, had a work displayed at the White House Festival of Arts. He plans to spend the summer in Europe.
• Nisei pitcher drafted by Cleveland, to play for Salinas farm club, by P.C. Staff, page 6. A Nisei pitcher was drafted by the Cleveland organization and assigned to its Salinas farm club. The signing is reported as a milestone for Japanese American athletes.

Commentary

• American way of life is ‘hysterical’ says Kyoto professor, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Dr. Koji Sato, a Kyoto University psychology professor, criticized American culture as hysterical and exaggerated. He contrasted American openness with what he sees as Japanese honesty and maturity.
• One of My Proudest Possessions, by Otis E. Barsel, page 2. A Dayton attorney describes what her JACL membership means to her. She values the organization’s work against discrimination and for civil rights.
• Dinedon’s Vision of Hope, by Masao W. Satow, page 4. A column reflecting on Japanese American experiences and community life. The author discusses lessons from the war years and the importance of cooperation.

In-Depth

• Watch the Sansei Generation, by P.C. Staff, page 2. A summary of George DeVos’s study of Japanese American cultural traditions and acculturation, originally published in the Holiday Issue. It examines how Nisei traditions are carried into the Sansei generation.
• The Day It Rained, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A recap of the June 1965 Denver-area cloudburst and flood that devastated farmland along the South Platte and Arkansas rivers. Some Issei and Nisei farmers were among those hit hardest.

Sports

• Weightlifter Kono Crank threatens records, competes in final AAU meet, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Weightlifter Kono Crank competed in the final AAU meet despite a reported injury. His performance is described in detail.

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