JACL’s San Diego convention and its honors, 1966

Vol. 63, No. 5, July 29, 1966. 4 pages. View this issue

The coming JACL convention in San Diego shaped this four-page issue. Phil S. Gibson, former chief justice of the California Supreme Court, was to receive the National JACL scroll of appreciation at the recognitions banquet, in part for his 1952 ruling invalidating the California Alien Land Law. Five finalists were named for Nisei of the Biennium. A $250 Michener scholarship was added to the Masaoka memorial awards, and former Masaoka scholarship winners sent letters of thanks to Mrs. Haruye Masaoka. Kaz Horita wrote about what the convention should accomplish, and Mike Masaoka praised a July 12 foreign policy declaration by President Johnson.

Elsewhere, Bill Hosokawa described a Denver community picnic, and an editorial looked at Michael Lee’s UCLA study of Japanese American leaders and civil rights. A history page printed humorous excerpts from Ambassador Muragaki’s diary of the 1860 delegation’s American travels. Tomoko Yano wrote about Salt Lake City’s Nihonmachi.

What’s in this issue

JACL

• JACL to Honor Chief Justice Phil S. Gibson, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The JACL will honor former California Chief Justice Phil S. Gibson with a scroll at the San Diego convention recognitions banquet. Gibson is recognized for his judicial leadership and his 1952 ruling invalidating the California Alien Land Law.
• Michener Scholarship Awards Announced, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A $250 Mr. and Mrs. James Michener scholarship was added to the Pvt. Ben Frank Masaoka memorial awards, with Jonathan Ray Ochi of Idaho Falls named the $400 recipient. The national JACL scholarship program now totals 12 high school awards and one graduate award worth $2,800.
• Five Espoused for Nisei of the Biennium Honors, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Five finalists were selected for the 1965-1966 Nisei of the Biennium honors: Kenji Fujii, Dr. Kazumi Kasuga, Rep. Patsy T. Mink, Yoshihiro Uchida, and Henry T. Ushijima. The gold medallion recipient will be announced at the San Diego convention recognitions banquet.
• Masaoka Scholarship Winners Express Appreciation, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Former Masaoka scholarship recipients sent letters of appreciation, presented as a bound volume to honoree Mrs. Haruye Masaoka on the scholarship’s 20th anniversary. Several recipients described their professional achievements and gratitude for the program.
• Pacific Southwest JACL District Council Third Quarterly Agenda, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The PSW JACL district council will hold its third quarterly session on Aug. 14 in Santa Barbara to review the national convention actions. The agenda includes nominations for the 1967 district board and awards, with a luncheon and orchid ranch tour scheduled.

Commentary

• JCCA Hails Proposals to End Canadian Immigration Bars, by P.C. Staff, page 1. JCCA national president Edward Ide welcomed proposals by Canadian minister Jean Marchand to eliminate racial discrimination in immigration law. Ide said the changes would bring more Japanese immigrants and affirmed the JCCA’s commitment to serving its community.
• Asian Doctrine, by Mike Masaoka, page 2. Masaoka praises President Johnson’s July 12 declaration shifting American foreign policy toward equal consideration for Europe and Asia. He criticizes Senator Fulbright’s opposition and urges JACL to endorse the new policy.
• San Diego, by Kaz Horita, page 3. Horita reflects on what the 19th Biennial National JACL Convention should accomplish, including inspiring delegates and expanding the national staff. He argues the organization’s programs are sound but need more staff support to get results.
• From the Frying Pan, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Hosokawa describes a community picnic in Denver and observes the growing Sansei and Yonsei generations. He also notes population growth figures for Japanese Americans and follows up on a reader question about a Portland school bus.
• Japanese Americans and Civil Rights, by P.C. Staff, page 4. This editorial discusses Michael Lee’s UCLA study on Japanese American leaders’ attitudes toward civil rights. It finds that Nisei involvement remains limited and that a gap exists between leaders and the community.
• Nihonmachi, by Tomoko Yano, page 4. Tomoko Yano thanks the Pacific Citizen for reprinting her chapter newsletter article on Salt Lake City’s Nihonmachi. She also clarifies her role and requests that the paper publish Japanese recipes.

Community

• Southland Nisei GOP Reactivated, by P.C. Staff, page 1. About 150 people heard Robert Finch, GOP lieutenant governor candidate, at a meeting that marked the first steps to reactivate the Japanese American Republicans of Southern California. A slate of board candidates was selected and a charter from the national committee is being sought.
• Progressive Westside Installs Officers, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Progressive Westside JACL, a young adult chapter covering greater Los Angeles, installed its 1966 officers at its first meeting. A photo shows the newly installed officers.
• Chicago JACL Human Relations Committee Named, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Kay Yamashita and Mari Aki were named co-chairmen of the Chicago JACL Human Relations Committee. The committee plans to focus on education and suggests ways Nisei can support civil rights efforts.

In-Depth

• History Project: Humorous Diary, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Excerpts from Ambassador Muragaki’s 19th-century diary, displayed at the convention’s Japanese American Research Project exhibit, recount the 1860 Japanese delegation’s travels in America. The humorous observations include reactions to American customs such as waltzing and an encounter with Commodore Perry’s widow.

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