Vol. 66, No. 19, May 10, 1968. 6 pages. View this issue
Questions about where JACL should stand drew the most attention in this six-page issue. National President Jerry Enomoto reported that a Committee of District Governors was reviewing JACL policy, including the constitutional limit on political activity and whether it should allow wider civil rights work. Roger Nikaido wrote about student protest around the world, while Bill Hosokawa described a college student, Shirley Kishiyama, asking why the Nisei and JACL went along with the Evacuation. Jeffrey Matsui’s column on leadership and Alon Kumamoto’s note on youth concerns about JACL’s direction touched the same themes.
Elsewhere, Seattle property owners waited to learn whether a proposed domed stadium would take the former Nihonmachi area. Brig. Gen. Francis S. Takemoto would not go with the 29th Infantry Brigade because of mandatory retirement. Masao W. Satow looked back at the Endowment Fund, and Tom Takeda asked chapters to report expected attendance for the San Jose national convention by May 10.
What’s in this issue
Commentary
- Time to Update Fundamental Policy, by Harold Enomoto, page 1. JACL National President Jerry Enomoto notes the Committee of District Governors is reviewing JACL policy and possible updating of legislative positions. The article urges reconsideration of the constitutional restriction on political activity to allow broader civil rights involvement.
- Youth Unrest, by Roger Nikaido, page 2. Nikaido surveys worldwide student protests and the shift of many American youths from alienation toward political involvement, such as the McCarthy campaign. He compares this with the Sansei generation and suggests that change is best achieved working within the system.
- Jets and Youth, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Hosokawa recounts a conversation with Shirley Kishiyama, a college student questioning why the Nisei and JACL accepted the Evacuation. He explains the context of cooperation and legal challenges, and reflects on the generation gap.
- Love, by Yosh Hotta, page 4. Hotta reflects on the meaning of love and the burden of reacting to every wrong, drawing on his experiences as a Japanese American veteran. He concludes that understanding and compassion for others are more important than loving everyone.
- Real Leaders, by Jeffrey Matsui, page 4. Matsui argues the Japanese American community lacks a single spokesman and relies on collective decision making, which outsiders misread as absence of leadership. He calls for action-oriented leaders who will engage the community and the wider world.
- Editor’s Desk: League of Women Voters, by Harry K. Honda, page 6. Honda highlights the League of Women Voters’ programs and its planned national fundraising drive, suggesting JACL chapters consider similar civic approaches. He discusses its research-driven, nonpartisan methods and membership pressure dynamics.
Community
- Governor’s Conference on Human Rights in California, by Harold Enomoto, page 1. A Sacramento conference on human rights drew human relations workers and officials, with Governor Reagan announcing community relations specialist appointments. The author reflects on the difficulty of the problems and the need for constructive training and support.
- Nipponmachi Property Owners in Seattle in Wait & See Mood, by Elmer Ogawa, page 3. Seattle’s former Nihonmachi area is under consideration for a $40 million domed stadium, leaving Japanese American property owners uncertain. The article describes the uprooting of the community and the fate of the Japanese daily newspaper.
- Condition of My S.J., by Alon Kumamoto, page 4. Kumamoto discusses the upcoming San Jose national convention and the Pacific Southwest youth concerns about JACL’s direction. He notes youth-managed programs and the ongoing tension with adult leadership.
- Sansei Charged with School Vandalism, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Three 14-year-old boys were arrested in connection with two vandalism incidents at Peary Junior High School in Gardena. They were released to their parents and suspended pending further action.
Military & Veterans
- Brig. Gen. Takemoto Reports Without Nisei General, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Brig. Gen. Francis S. Takemoto, the first Nisei brigadier general, will be unable to accompany the 29th Infantry Brigade to active duty due to mandatory retirement. The article details his leadership in bringing the brigade to readiness.
JACL
- National Endowment Fund, by Masao W. Satow, page 6. Satow traces the history of JACL’s Endowment Fund from its 1936 origins through postwar trust establishment. He raises whether the goal of one million dollars should be revised or the fund used for projects.
- Midwest District Council Meeting Preview, by Henry Tanaka, page 6. Midwest District Governor Henry Tanaka previews the Detroit district meeting covering youth programs, human rights activities, and JACL structural reorganization. He notes workshops and the oratorical contest planned for the event.
- Confab Corral: Convention Pre-Registration, by Tom Takeda, page 6. Convention committees request chapters report estimated attendance for the San Jose National Convention to plan events, housing, baby-sitting, and tours. Chapter presidents are asked to submit numbers by May 10.
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