Civil rights and the Nisei role: JACL debates in 1968

Vol. 66, No. 13, March 29, 1968. 6 pages. View this issue

The place of Japanese Americans in the civil rights movement ran through this six-page issue. Jerry Enomoto wrote about a Sacramento youth conference that asked whether brotherhood was an impossible dream. Jeffrey Matsui and Martha Asakura each answered a letter from Ronald Iseri on whether Nisei should speak up for other minorities. William L. Taylor of the Civil Rights Commission argued that comparing Negro ghetto life to past immigrant experience is misleading, and Philip Hayasaka urged JACL to act as an outside influence in Portland.

Elsewhere in the issue, a Pittsburg fishing area called Jap Point was renamed Japanese Point after a complaint about the epithet. San Francisco’s Japanese Cultural and Trade Center held its opening festival, and plans were announced for a new Nihonmachi to the north. Bill Hosokawa reported on Seattle interviews, and Roger Nikaido followed the civil rights bill in the House. JACL pages cover officer nominations, fundraising totals and convention plans.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• YES Conference and Brotherhood, by Jerry Enomoto, page 1. Enomoto describes a Sacramento youth conference where high school and college students discussed whether brotherhood was an impossible dream. He reflects on the hopeful idealism of the youth and their desire to act for change.
• In Our Glass Houses, page 1. The writer responds to Mr. Iseri’s letter, arguing that Nisei must step out of their comfortable position and speak for Negroes and Mexican Americans. The author disagrees that violent risk is never necessary, citing civil rights workers who were killed.
• Against Mother Nature, by Roger Nikaido, page 2. A House subcommittee report warned that humanity’s war against pollution, slums, and resource misuse may soon dwarf any military war. Nikaido argues the public and lawmakers are dangerously complacent about these long-term threats.
• From the Frying Pan: Seattle Interviews, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Hosokawa reports on conversations with Prof. Frank Miyamoto about Northwest Nisei assimilation and language barriers, and on the struggles of the Seattle Japanese-language North American Post. He reflects on the decline of Seattle’s Japanese community landmarks.
• Nisei Dilemma and the Sansei Question, by Jeffrey Matsui, page 4. Matsui responds to Ronald Iseri’s letter, arguing that Nisei should engage more visibly in civil rights and not assume their acceptance is secure. He warns that Nisei gains may depend on U.S.-Japan relations rather than their own sacrifice.
• Sounding Board: Nisei Dilemma Continued, by Jeffrey Matsui, page 4. Matsui responds to Ronald Iseri’s letter, arguing that Nisei too often side with the majority and must examine whether their acceptance is genuine. He calls for Nisei to confront these questions rather than dismiss them.
• Sakamoto’s Sermon, by Sakamoto, page 4. The columnist highlights W. Clement Stone’s positive-action philosophy and uses it to encourage JACL members to aim higher. The column urges readers toward active, optimistic commitment.
• Brighten the Corner Where You Are, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The editorial urges Japanese Americans to speak up against racial slurs and exclusion of other minorities, even when it takes courage. It frames a greater America as one where minority background enriches democracy.
• We Can Be Heard, by Martha Asakura, page 6. Asakura responds to Ronald Iseri’s letter, praising the democratic opportunity to speak up and the respect Japanese Americans have earned through quiet accomplishment. She calls on Nisei to voice their heritage more potently.

National

• Nominations Sought for National JACL Officers, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Nominations for JACL national offices to be elected at the 20th biennial convention are due June 21. Chapters must submit candidates through district nominations chairmen on official forms.
• Civil Rights Role for JACL Suggested in Portland, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Seattle Human Relations Commission director Philip Hayasaka urged JACL to play an external-influence role in civil rights, including bridging white and Negro communities. He said the Nisei’s acceptance is fragile and that the racial society remains closed.
• Nisei a ‘White’ to Eyes of NAACP Man, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Gilbert Tanaka was approved for a Glen Cove, Long Island fire department waiting list, prompting a state discrimination investigation. A local NAACP president said Japanese Americans are not discriminated against like Negroes.
• JACL Role in Civil Rights: Interpret the Problem, by William L. Taylor, page 1. Civil Rights Commission staff director William Taylor argues that Japanese Americans overcame discrimination through strengths Negroes were denied, such as education and family unity. He cautions that comparing Negro ghetto life to past immigrant experience is misleading and dangerous.
• House Receives Civil Rights Bill, by Roger Nikaido, page 2. After passing the Senate 71 to 20, the civil rights bill was sent to the House Rules Committee, which postponed action until April 9. The delay makes it more likely that the open housing provision will be narrowed.
• Taylor Report on Ghetto Life, by William L. Taylor, page 4. Taylor summarizes a Civil Rights Commission report describing how ghetto residents feel trapped, isolated, and powerless. He documents inadequate schools, policing, health services, and job access as barriers to escape.

Community

• Fishing Area Name Changed from Jap Point, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Bethel Island Chamber of Commerce agreed to rename a Pittsburg fishing area called Jap Point to Japanese Point after the Hokubei Mainichi raised concerns about the derogatory epithet.
• CCDC Oratorical Contest Scheduled, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Central California District Council announced its oratorical contest for May 11 in Reedley, with the theme JACL Heritage for the Future. Scholarships and achievement awards will also be presented to outstanding high school graduates.
• San Jose Orators to Vie at April 20 Potluck, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Candidates from about 35 county high schools will be guests at the San Jose JACL potluck supper on April 20, where the oratorical contest will follow. Organizers anticipate a turnout of 200.
• New Nihonmachi to Rise North of New San Francisco Japanese Cultural Center, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The San Francisco Redevelopment Agency agreed to sell sites in a four-block area to the Nihonmachi Community Development Corp. The plan will add shops, apartments, and a Japanese cultural center, with redevelopment proceeding in stages.
• Japanese Cultural and Trade Center Opens in San Francisco, by Yosh Hotta, page 1. San Francisco’s Japanese Cultural and Trade Center held its opening festival, featuring government, trade, and company showrooms plus a hotel and restaurants. The complex was seven years in planning and construction.
• Lesson in City Government, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Los Angeles architect Kazuo Umemoto and partner William Perkinson face City Council scrutiny over a $302,887 golf course design contract. JACL’s Jeffrey Matsui asked that Umemoto’s reputation be protected during the investigation.

Military & Veterans

• Oakland Sansei Dies of Wounds in Vietnam, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Sgt. Benji Yamane of Oakland died March 16 from wounds received in Vietnam after a booby trap blast during a night ambush. He had entered service in 1966 after attending UC Berkeley and was sent to Vietnam the previous October.

JACL

• Hotel Reserved for 1972 JACL National Convention, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Planning for the 1972 JACL Convention in Washington, D.C. has begun with the reservation of the Shoreham Hotel. Harry Takagi chairs the ad hoc planning committee.
• 1000 Club Notes, by P.C. Staff, page 4. National JACL headquarters listed new and renewed 1000 Club memberships for the first half of March. The column lists members by year of membership milestone.
• Chapter and District Fundraising Reports, by Henry Ota, page 5. A fundraising report shows JACL districts collectively raised $147,935 against a $135,000 quota. The author proposes quota adjustments for the next biennium that reward districts exceeding their goals.
• Convention Youth Events and Fee Schedule, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Convention committees are preparing youth events and tentative adult fees for the San Jose convention. Chapters will receive informational and pre-registration mailings before the end of March and in April.

Thank you for exploring the Pacific Citizen archive. The title, introduction and contents on this page were written by an AI model from scans of the printed issue, so they may contain mistakes. If you spot one, we would be grateful if you let us know.