Washington awaits JACL’s 1972 convention, and the Moose Lodge ruling

Vol. 74, No. 24, June 23, 1972. 6 pages. View this issue

The 1972 JACL National Convention in Washington, D.C. was the main subject of this six-page issue. Convention chairman William Marumoto described the events planned for delegates, from an Ambassador’s reception to Congressional tributes, and Harry Takagi profiled Marumoto as the highest-ranking Nisei in the Nixon Administration. Norman Mineta, mayor of San Jose, was set to speak at the July 1 banquet. General Mark Clark was to address the memorial service for Japanese American war dead at Arlington National Cemetery.

The Supreme Court’s 6-3 Moose Lodge decision drew two pieces, a news report and a response from Los Angeles Councilman Gilbert Lindsay. Yori Wada’s keynote, “Our Mellow Yellowness,” looked at Issei history and mental health. A Jeffrey Matsui column argued that JACL needed younger drivers. Readers will also find a report on how Little Tokyo projects were saved in Los Angeles, plus Nisei Olympics results.

What’s in this issue

JACL

• Where Else, But? Washington, D.C. Awaits JACL Convention Delegates, by William Marumoto, page 1. Convention chairman William Marumoto describes the special events and sites that make the 1972 National JACL Convention in Washington, D.C. unique. He highlights the Ambassador reception, Congressional tributes, and local attractions for delegates and families.
• Punctuality Part of Final Confab Banquet Menu, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Norman Mineta, mayor of San Jose, will speak at the JACL Convention Banquet on July 1. Banquet chairman George Obata promises a tightly run program in the Ambassador Room.
• JACL Planning: More Know-How Needed, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Continuing excerpts from the 1972 National Planning Commission meeting, delegates debate the role of the Jr. JACL, youth representation on the National Board, and how to recruit young adults. Speakers call for better program guidance and youth expertise on staff.

Commentary

• Washington Profile: Bill Marumoto, Nixon Administration Assistant, by Harry Takagi, page 1. Profile of William Marumoto, the highest-ranking Nisei in the Nixon Administration, who works on minority recruitment and government strategy. The article portrays his early-rising work style, his Japanese-influenced values, and his skill in developing strategies.
• Our Mellow Yellowness, by Yori Wada, page 3. Keynote address to the first Asian American Mental Health Conference reflects on Issei history, racism, and how Nisei experiences shaped the mental health of later generations. Wada urges Asian Americans to learn their history and understand their parents’ struggles.
• Students Mess Own Opportunity, by Fresno Bee, page 3. An editorial reprinted from the Fresno Bee criticizes Sacramento State students who forced Earl Warren’s withdrawal as commencement speaker. It notes Warren later supported repeal of the Emergency Detention Act and calls his record one of strong advocacy for individual rights.
• Civil Rights Progress Being Undone by Ruling, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Los Angeles Councilman Gilbert Lindsay criticizes the Supreme Court Moose Lodge decision as a setback to civil rights. He warns the court is abandoning minorities and urges it to protect the defenseless.
• JACL Is Like a Car, by Jeffrey Matsui, page 5. Matsui uses the metaphor of a vehicle to argue that JACL needs younger drivers and fresh participation. He contends that Sansei have been treated as passengers and urges the organization to mature by sharing control.

Military & Veterans

• Gen. Mark Clark to Address Rites at Arlington, by P.C. Staff, page 2. General Mark Clark will speak at the July 1 Memorial Service for Japanese American War Dead at Arlington National Cemetery. Medal of Honor recipient Hiroshi Miyamura will attend, and the U.S. Army Band will play.

National

• Whaling Industry Faces Extinction Threat, by P.C. Staff, page 2. An article on the decline of whale populations traces the end of U.S. whaling and details the blue whale’s near extinction. It examines the impact of modern whaling technology and questions whether whale products are necessary.
• Bias in Private Clubs OK by High Tribunal, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that the Moose Lodge may exclude black guests because private club discrimination does not violate the Fourteenth Amendment. Dissenting justices warned the ruling sanctioned state-linked racial discrimination.

Community

• Denver Japanese Community Graduates Honored at Dinner, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Denver’s Japanese community held a combined graduates dinner honoring students with scholarships from JACL and other groups. Organizers say the unified event produced the largest graduation program in years.
• L.A. Allows Romex, Little Tokyo Saved, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Los Angeles City Council gave preliminary approval to optional use of Romex cable in construction, averting loss of federal redevelopment funds that threatened Little Tokyo projects. Opponents, mostly labor union members, had protested the change.
• Eden Issei Center to Open in San Lorenzo, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Eden Issei Center Committee announces the opening of a senior center for Issei at the Eden Japanese Community Center. The center will operate on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month.

Arts & Entertainment

• Japanese Cinema: Film Style and National Character, by Allan Beekman, page 6. A review of Donald Richie’s book on Japanese cinema, tracing the art form’s respected status and the artistry of directors such as Kurosawa. The reviewer praises the book as a valuable reference.

Sports

• Berkeley JACL Overpowers Competition in Three Divisions; Six Records Set, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Berkeley JACL won the overall title at the 20th San Francisco JACL Nisei Olympics, with six new records set across divisions. Sequoia took the Pee Wee and Bantam divisions.

Obituaries

• Kelly Kageyama, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Obituary of Kelly Kageyama of Monterey, a World War II internee who served in the armed forces and later was active in Little League, Scouting, and church work. He worked at the Monterey Post Office until his death.

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