JACL weighs its future: headquarters, staffing and the 1972 convention

Vol. 74, No. 19, May 19, 1972. 6 pages. View this issue

JACL’s own direction ran through the front page of this six-page issue. District councils debated whether National headquarters should stay in San Francisco or move to Los Angeles, with National President Ray Uno among the speakers. A piece on the March Planning Commission sessions asked whether the organization was at a make-or-break point on funding, staffing and programs. Harry Kawahara’s column recommended abolishing the volunteer Personnel Committee, and Bill Marutani’s East Wind promoted the National Convention in Washington, D.C., where San Jose Mayor Norman Mineta will speak at the banquet.

Other items are worth a look. Kawahara also wrote about guiding visitors at the Pasadena Art Museum’s Executive Order 9066 exhibit. Asian American delegates pressed their needs at the United Methodist General Conference. JACL joined the ACLU campaign against a death penalty initiative, and KTLA promised not to show Fu Manchu films after protests. Allan Beekman reviewed a book of Japanese proverbs.

What’s in this issue

Community

• CCDC to Discuss Confab Agenda, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Central California District Council will meet May 20 in Fresno to discuss issues on the National Council agenda, including proposed amendments and funding matters. District Governor Fred Hirasuna announced the session.
• Idaho Falls to Host May 20 IDC Meet, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Idaho Falls JACL will host the second quarterly Intermountain District Council session on May 20 at the Stardust Motel. A chapter recognition banquet is also scheduled that evening.
• HQ Retention Issue Debated by District Council, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Central California district favored keeping National JACL headquarters in San Francisco, and speakers including National President Ray Uno opposed moving it to Los Angeles. Costs and options for a new building on Sutter St. were also reviewed.
• Credit Union Lowers New Auto Loan Rate, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The National JACL Credit Union reduced its interest rate on new auto, truck, and camper loans. Membership eligibility and loan protection insurance details are also described.
• Mayor Mineta to Be Speaker for National Convention Banquet, by Cherry Tsutsumida, page 1. San Jose Mayor Norman Mineta will keynote the Convention Banquet at the 22nd Biennial National JACL Convention in Washington, D.C. His career in business and civic life is profiled.
• Seattle University Marks Ethnic Week, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Seattle University’s Ethnic Cultural Week features JACL community involvement coordinator Warren Furutani and a Seattle JACL exhibit. Films, panels, and a picnic are also part of the event.
• United Methodist Conference: Asian American Needs Expressed, by P.C. Staff, page 3. An Asian American caucus at the United Methodist General Conference in Atlanta pressed for an Asian American bishop and greater representation. Delegates described the loss of Asian conferences and the need for ministers.
• United Church of Christ Nikkei Slate Conference, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The 57th annual conference of Japanese American United Church of Christ congregations will meet June 2-4 in El Cerrito. Guest speakers and Kyodan representatives are scheduled.
• Asian American Optimism, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Rev. Paul Hagiya reported to Methodist delegates that integration had weakened Asian American churches. He expressed renewed hope from the Commission on Religion and Race.
• Japanese Community Hosts Chinese Table Tennis Team, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Bay Area Community JACL joined about 200 organizations as an official host for the People’s Republic of China table tennis team’s San Francisco visit. The event was part of the team’s U.S. tour.
• Pasadena JACL Hosts Tea for Nisei Week Candidates, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Pasadena JACL held a tea to select its candidate for Nisei Week queen and Nisei Relays queen. Carol Toshima was named the Nisei Relays candidate.
• Milwaukee Graduates to Hear Judge Callow, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Milwaukee JACL’s graduates dinner was moved to May 20 with Judge William G. Callow as speaker. The chapter will also announce its Elizabeth Campbell scholarship recipient.
• Eden Township JACL Bazaar Set for June 11, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Eden Township JACL plans its ninth annual bazaar with Japanese and American foods and games on June 10-11. Proceeds support the community center and chapter activities.
• Japanese Language School and Honolulu News Items, by P.C. Staff, page 5. A miscellany of news from Hawaii and Los Angeles includes a Fort Gakuen Japanese Language School anniversary and a Honolulu gang-violence warning. Reports cover community honors and crime.
• Goro Fujise to Speak on U.S.-China Rapprochement, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California’s Public Education Committee invites Nisei businessmen to hear NHK commentator Goro Fujise. His talk covers U.S.-China relations and Japan’s economy.
• Asian Americans for McGovern Dinner, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Asian Americans for McGovern announced a May 25 dinner in Los Angeles featuring Senator George McGovern. The event includes entertainment by Asian artists and ticket information.

National

• JACL Joins ACLU Campaign Against Initiative Reinstating Death Penalty, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California launched a campaign against a ballot initiative to restore capital punishment in California. Coalition members including JACL joined in opposing the measure.
• KTLA Promises Not to Show Racist Fu Manchu Films, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Asian American groups protested KTLA’s showing of Fu Manchu films, calling them racist stereotypes. The station said it would not schedule them again and would cooperate with the community.

JACL

• Planning Commission: Make or Break Point, page 1. Participants in the March Planning Commission sessions debate JACL’s direction, funding, staffing, and national programs at a crossroads. The discussion covers membership, regionalization, and whether to professionalize the organization.

Military & Veterans

• Listing of All Nisei War Dead Sought, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Sponsors of Memorial Day rites at Golden Gate National Cemetery asked for names of Northern California Nisei war dead. Information may be forwarded to JACL headquarters.

Commentary

• Letter on Public Health Nurse and Japanese Community, by Gail Katagiri, page 2. A reader argues that organized protest by the Japanese community is necessary when public officials neglect its health needs. The letter rejects the view that organizing admits second-class status.
• Effects of Issei Respect for Education, by Vaughn Greene, page 2. The writer traces the Issei’s respect for education to Confucian teachings. He links this heritage to Japanese American identity.
• Perspectives: Personnel Committee, by Harry Kawahara, page 3. A JACL national officer reviews staffing issues, program priorities, and budget pressures facing the organization. He recommends abolishing the volunteer Personnel Committee in favor of staff management.
• A New Sense of Pride, by Harry Kawahara, page 3. The author reflects on volunteering as a guide at the Pasadena Art Museum exhibit Executive Order 9066. He sees growing willingness among Nisei to speak openly about the wartime evacuation.
• East Wind, by Bill Marutani, page 3. The columnist promotes the 1972 National JACL Convention in Washington, D.C., praising its sights and the Eastern District chapters. He highlights a Philadelphia-hosted opening event.
• Japanese Proverbs and Sayings Book Review, by Allan Beekman, page 5. The reviewer examines Daniel Crump Buchanan’s collection of Japanese proverbs and sayings, arranged by category. He notes how the sayings reveal national character and their Chinese and Buddhist origins.

Arts & Entertainment

• Film Reviews of Japanese-Themed Hollywood Movies, by P.C. Staff, page 2. A reviewer grades Hollywood films with Japanese themes, from War Bride to Sayonara. The column notes that few such films have appeared recently despite closer U.S.-Japan ties.

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