Vol. 61, No. 8, August 20, 1965. 6 pages. View this issue
The Los Angeles riot and its effect on Japanese Americans were the main news of this August 1965 issue. The front page reported that Nisei businesses suffered about $1 million in losses, with some owners spared and others burned out or looted. The editor wrote from inside the curfew zone, describing National Guard patrols, damaged buildings and the need for continued talks between Negro and Japanese American communities. The front page also reported that the House was set to debate an immigration bill revising the national origins quota system.
Elsewhere in these six pages, a JACL piece recalled the organization’s opposition to the Asia-Pacific Triangle provision of the 1952 law, and Todd Endo wrote on Japanese American heritage. Tad Moto profiled the San Diego national convention board, Alan Kumamoto reported on a youth workshop in Portland, and Elmer Ogawa covered Seattle’s housing efforts.
What’s in this issue
National
- House Debate Set for Immigration Bill, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The House is scheduled to debate an immigration bill that would revise the national origins quota system. The measure has drawn attention for its potential to end discrimination against Asian immigrants.
- JACL Was Not Pleased With Asia-Pacific Triangle in 1952 Law, by P.C. Staff, page 5. JACL testimony opposed the Asia-Pacific Triangle provision of the 1952 immigration law. The organization argued the provision was discriminatory against Asian immigrants.
Community
- Los Angeles Riot Heaps Nisei Business With $1 Million Loss, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Nisei businesses in Los Angeles suffered heavy losses during the Watts riot, with damages estimated at $1 million. Several Japanese American owners were spared while others saw property burned or looted.
- LA Riot Subject for Speaker at PSW Fall Session, by P.C. Staff, page 1. George W. Thompson, a speaker on the Los Angeles riot, will address the PSWDC fall session. The riot’s impact on the community will be the focus of the discussion.
- California Poultryman Cited for Efficiency, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A California poultryman received recognition for his contributions to the industry. The article highlights his achievements and their impact on local agriculture.
- Issei Innkeepers of Seattle History Project, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A history project documenting Issei innkeepers in Seattle is underway. The effort aims to preserve the stories of early Japanese American hotel and lodging operators.
- Dormitory Completed at Los Angeles Japanese Center, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A new dormitory has been completed in Los Angeles to serve residents. The facility marks a milestone for the community.
- Youth Ministry Workshop in Portland, by Alan Kumamoto, page 4. A youth workshop held in Portland drew participants from across the Pacific Northwest District. Speakers addressed the theme of Japanese American identity and the role of youth.
- Constructive Attempts to Ease Housing Situation, by Elmer Ogawa, page 4. The Seattle JACL chapter has approved constructive measures to address the local housing shortage. The article outlines the approach and community response.
- Role of Chapter in Community, by P.C. Staff, page 4. A discussion of how JACL chapters can serve their communities through active participation. The article emphasizes the chapter’s role in local civic life.
- Convention Board Dissected, by Tad Moto, page 6. The article profiles members of the national convention board in San Diego, including cochairmen George Kodama and May Hirahara. Their JACL service and personal backgrounds are described.
- Striking Educational Differences Seen in State Survey of Californians of Asian Ancestry, by P.C. Staff, page 6. A California state report on Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino populations shows differences in education and employment. Japanese Americans had higher educational attainment than other groups studied.
Commentary
- Inside the Los Angeles Riot Area, page 2. The editor describes the tense atmosphere in the curfew zone following the riots, including National Guard presence and damage to hundreds of buildings. He reflects on renewed racial stereotypes and calls for continued dialogue between Negro and Japanese American communities.
- Look at Our Heritage, by Todd Endo, page 5. The writer argues that Japanese Americans should embrace their heritage while fully participating as Americans. He urges readers to balance cultural pride with national belonging.
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