Redress after the payments: NCRR’s 10th anniversary conference

Vol. 111, No. 15, November 9, 1990. 8 pages. View this issue

Redress and its aftermath ran through the November 9, 1990 issue. Edna Ikeda reported on the 10th anniversary conference of the National Coalition for Redress/Reparations at Cal State Long Beach, where nearly 400 people looked at post-redress challenges, with keynote speaker Bert Nakano and tributes to Rep. Norman Mineta and the late Sen. Spark Matsunaga. Other pieces covered what redress payments mean for Medi-Cal, a House bill to make Manzanar a national historic site, and a Harvard case study of the redress campaign. Hank Tanaka and Bob Sato wrote on the JACL Legacy Fund.

Elsewhere in the 8 pages, the front page reported JACL’s protest of a racial slur used in New Hampshire’s Senate race. Bill Hosokawa’s column recalled a visit to his Seattle childhood home. Grant Ujifusa wrote about his grandfather’s belief that in America one did not have to “know your place,” and Paul and Louann Igasaki examined President Bush’s veto of the 1990 Civil Rights Act.

What’s in this issue

Incarceration & Redress

• 400 Participate at 10th Anniversary NCRR Conference on Post-Redress Challenges, by Edna Ikeda, page 1. Nearly 400 people attended the National Coalition for Redress/Reparations 10th anniversary conference at Cal State Long Beach, examining post-redress challenges facing the Japanese American community. The event featured keynote speaker Bert Nakano, tributes to Rep. Norman Mineta and the late Sen. Spark Matsunaga, workshops on the psychological impact of camps, and cultural performances.
• House Bill Makes Manzanar Historic Site, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Legislation was introduced in Congress to make the entire 6,000-acre Manzanar WWII camp area a national historic site, authored by Rep. Mel Levine with co-sponsors including Reps. William Thomas, Norman Mineta and Robert Matsui. The site would include a visitor’s center with a strong oral history program.
• Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government Develops Case History of Redress, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Professor Steven Kelman of Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government wrote a 20,000-word case history titled ‘Against All Odds: The Japanese Americans’ Campaign for Redress,’ taught to graduate students in fall 1990. The study highlights Norman Mineta’s work in the House, Grant Ujifusa’s efforts among Republicans, and Spark Matsunaga’s role in the Senate, noting redress advocates faced a 10-1 negative mail ratio in Congress yet succeeded.

National

• Medi-Cal Regulations on Redress Payments to Be Available at Banks, by P.C. Staff, page 1. With redress payments underway, JACL has received many calls about how the payments affect Medi-Cal and other public assistance benefits. JACL worked with Sumitomo and Union banks to create fact sheets, available in English and Japanese, and warned recipients that redress checks are only valid for one year.
• National Conference for Southeast Asians Set, by P.C. Staff, page 1. St. Petersburg, Florida will host the 12th annual National Association for the Education and Advancement of Cambodian, Laotian and Vietnamese Americans Conference in April 1991. NAFEA was founded in 1979 and changed its name from NAVAE in 1989.
• ‘Caucasian-Bashing’ Dispute in Hawaii Pits U.H. Professors in Media Brawl, by From the Honolulu Papers, page 1. A dispute erupted at the University of Hawaii after a student’s op-ed lamenting anti-Caucasian sentiment prompted Dr. Haunani-Kay Trask, director of the Center for Hawaiian Studies, to respond sharply, leading the UH Philosophy Department to pass a resolution against her. Trask defended her remarks as addressing the historic oppression of Native Hawaiians, while a dean said the university would not fire her for speaking out.
• ‘Jap’ Racist Language Rapped in New Hampshire’s Senate Race, by P.C. Staff, page 1. New England JACL and National JACL Headquarters protested the use of racist language by Democratic Senate candidate John Durkin of New Hampshire, who accused opponent Bob Smith of accepting support from ‘Japs’ and being a Japanese agent. JACL officials and others called for an apology, while Durkin defended his remarks and criticized a Japanese auto dealers’ PAC’s anti-Durkin ad spending.
• AAJA Job Survey: Why Journalists Leave, Why They Stay, by P.C. Staff, page 2. An Asian American Journalists Association study found that almost 36% of current Asian Pacific American journalists say they are likely to leave the field within five years, citing lack of advancement opportunities and job stress. The study also found that journalists who leave earn less money than those who stay, and highlighted a glass ceiling preventing career advancement.
• Temple City Guided by Takasugi Ruling on English-Only Signs, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Temple City changed its ordinance requiring 50 percent of business signs to be in English after a court ruling by Judge Robert Takasugi found a similar law in Pomona unconstitutional. The Asian Pacific American Legal Center worked with city officials to revise the law, which now requires only that the business name be in English lettering of a certain size.
• AAJA Survey Continued, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Continuing coverage of the AAJA survey notes that journalists believe ethnicity was somewhat of an advantage in obtaining jobs but not in other job-related areas like story assignments or professional recognition. Respondents said they support Asian American causes personally but strive for objectivity in their reporting.
• Minority Journalists Plan Joint Confab, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Four minority journalist organizations formed the ‘1994 Unity Convention’ nonprofit corporation to coordinate a joint meeting planned for 1994 in Atlanta. The groups expressed frustration over the lack of progress in hiring and promotion of minorities in news media relative to the growing diversity of the U.S. population.

Community

• Asian Community Home Fundraiser Fetes Leaders, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Asian Community Center’s recognitions dinner fundraiser in Sacramento attracted more than 400 attendees and honored Dr. William Fong and Mayor Anne Rudin. Fong served on the ACC board and is the facility’s medical director, while Rudin has served on the city council and as mayor.
• Breakfast with Matsui, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Houston JACL will host a breakfast meeting with Rep. Robert Matsui, who will address the convention of the National Asian Pacific Bar Association. Paul Igasaki and Amy Kato of the JACL Washington Office are also expected to attend.
• Florin JACL Chapter Stages Its First Talent Revue, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The first Florin JACL Talent Show, held at the Sacramento Buddhist Church Hall, was a huge success with a capacity house enjoying performances by local talent. The show featured a barber shop quartet, vocal and instrumental soloists, dancers, and karate exhibitions, organized by a large volunteer committee.
• Hawaii Golf Club Memberships Sky-High, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Japanese owners of five Hawaii golf courses are marketing memberships in those courses to buyers in Japan at prices ranging from $77,000 to $192,000 each. Concerns have been raised over access issues for courses marketed exclusively to Japanese citizens versus local golfers.
• Historic Nippon Kan Eyed by Seattle Musicians, by P.C. Staff, page 2. A coalition of musical groups is looking at the historic Nippon Kan and Kobe Park Building as a permanent home after the couple who led its restoration announced they are stepping back due to financial strain. Seattle Weekly publisher David Brewster has been a leading force in finding a concert hall for midsize musical groups.
• Early Thanksgiving Luncheon at JACCC, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Volunteers enjoyed the fourth annual JACCC Early Thanksgiving luncheon, prepared and served by staff in the North Gallery. Volunteer director Toni Kitazawa noted that volunteers contributed a total of 7,592 hours during the past fiscal year.
• President Bush Hands Seattle JACLer Award as Top Teacher, by Susan Cassidy, page 3. Seattle JACL Board member Akiko Kurose received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching from President Bush, one of two teachers chosen from Washington state. Kurose, a first-grade teacher for 20 years, integrates science into all subjects and previously served on President Carter’s Advisory Council to Education for Underprivileged Children.
• Cal-Stanford ‘Big Game Nite’ Slated Nov. 17, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The California Japanese American Alumni Association announced that reservations for its ‘Big Game Nite’ event are approaching 200. The event follows the Cal-Stanford football game and will be held at the Berkeley Marina Marriott.
• Sugiyama Plan to Raise School Funds Approved, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Seattle school board approved board member Al Sugiyama’s proposal to establish an education foundation to raise millions of dollars for the district. The funds would support supplemental programs without replacing state basic education money.
• Tri-State Buddhists to Hold 75th Anniversary Reunion July 5-6, 1991, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Tri-State Buddhist Temples is planning a combined 75th anniversary and reunion event in Denver, seeking to contact former members and evacuees from several regional temples. Former members are asked to report to the reunion committee.
• ‘New Horizons’ Nikkei Singles of Chicago to Wrap Up 1990, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Under president Merle Kaneko, membership in New Horizons, the Nikkei Singles of Greater Chicago, increased to 120 members in 1990. The group’s activities included a Lake Michigan cruise, a Bahama cruise, and educational seminars, with an annual Christmas party planned for December 9.
• The Newsmakers, by P.C. Staff, page 8. This community column profiles the accomplishments of the Omi family, including Dr. Steven Katsu Omi’s Ph.D. in Forestry Physiology and athletic achievements, Rev. Dr. Frank M. Omi’s ministry career, Dr. Philip Omi’s academic leadership at Colorado State, and Dr. Sheldon Omi’s dental career. It also notes Warren Furumoto’s work organizing a minority recruitment program at CSU Northridge.

JACL

• National JACL Nikkei Singles Mile-Hi Convention Committee Facing Its 1991 Deadlines, by Kiyoto Futa, page 2. The Denver-based committee organizing the 1991 National JACL Singles Convention is working through changing logistics including hotel pricing structures. The overall schedule includes sports events, workshops, a banquet, and tours to the Colorado Rocky Mountains or Air Force Academy.
• Houston JACL to Host DC Meeting, Golf Tourney, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Houston JACL Caper VI golf tournament is scheduled for March 2-8, 1991, with 24 golfers from the Midwest and Mountain Plains Districts participating. The tournament precedes the Mt. Plains District Council meeting hosted by Houston JACL.
• JACL Legacy Fund: A Nisei’s Perspective on Redress and the Legacy Fund, by Hank Tanaka, page 5. MDC Governor Hank Tanaka reflects on the JACL’s 12-year legislative campaign for redress, crediting the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians and leaders like Senators Inouye and Matsunaga and Representatives Matsui and Mineta. He urges support for the JACL Legacy Fund to continue the organization’s work for future generations.
• A PNW Perspective on the Legacy Fund, by Bob Sato, page 5. PNWDC Governor Bob Sato reports on Seattle-area 1000 Club members and Portland district meetings discussing the JACL Legacy Fund Campaign, with chapter presidents asked to appoint campaign chairs and promote the fund to non-JACL members. Sato expresses confidence the $10 million campaign goal can be met through grassroots community support.
• Legacy Fund, by Hank Tanaka, page 6. This continuation piece emphasizes JACL’s role in the redress campaign’s success and announces that the Cleveland JACL Chapter board members have agreed to serve as the local Legacy Fund Campaign Committee. The author encourages members to give generously, quoting Aristotle on the difficulty and nobility of charitable giving.

Commentary

• No Stock in ‘Know Your Place’ Dictum, by Grant Ujifusa, page 3. Grant Ujifusa shares remarks made upon receiving an award from an Asian American society, honoring his grandfather Shuichi Ujifusa who emigrated from Japan to Wyoming in 1904. He recounts his grandfather’s belief that in America, unlike Japan, one did not have to ‘know your place,’ inspiring pride in both his Asian heritage and American identity.
• Truth About Redress, by P.C. Staff, page 4. An editorial addresses reader misunderstanding of redress payments, clarifying that they are not being made to Japanese prisoners of war but to American citizens wrongly incarcerated by their own government. The editorial emphasizes that redress was a noble action addressing race prejudice, war hysteria, and failed political leadership, not something to be resented.
• Apology to All, by Violet Kazue de Cristoforo, page 4. A letter to the editor discusses the need for apology and recognition regarding Issei experiences. The brief letter reflects on wartime treatment of Japanese Americans.
• ‘Fantasy and Figment’, by Paul H. Ito, page 4. A letter to the editor criticizes the JACL’s historical decisions during 1942-1943 as arbitrary and made without consulting Issei and Nisei generations. The writer argues the JACL should disband to allow a new generation of Sansei leaders to emerge.
• Have You Heard This?, by Jerry Sakata, page 4. A letter to the editor comments on radio programming referred to as ‘Dirty Japanese’ records on local stations. The writer, an avid radio fan, questions this characterization.
• Memory Lane — A Sad Refrain, by Bill Hosokawa, page 4. In his column ‘From the Frying Pan,’ Bill Hosokawa recounts a visit to his childhood home in Seattle, finding the city transformed and unrecognizable from his youth. He reflects on the Japanese American families who once lived on his old street and the Japanese farmers of Bellevue, who might have prospered had they been allowed to own rather than lease land before internment.
• Dividing a Nation, by Paul & Louann Igasaki, page 4. The ‘Window in Washington’ column discusses President Bush’s veto of the 1990 Civil Rights Act despite strong bipartisan and congressional support, arguing the veto was based on politics rather than substance. The column connects the veto to former Klan leader David Duke’s presence in Washington and warns of growing national intolerance toward minorities and immigrants.

Obituaries

• Yoshio Kondo, 79, Malacologist, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Yoshio Kondo, a Maui-born marine engineer and expert on Pacific Island land shells with the Bishop Museum, died Oct. 5. He was tasked in 1948 with overseeing the museum’s shell collection, the largest of its kind in the world, and earned a Ph.D. at Harvard in 1955.
• Howard Y. Miyake, 71, Hawaii Legislator, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Howard Y. Miyake, a former Hawaii state legislator from 1958-1970 who retired as a 100th Infantry captain, died Oct. 6. He rose to House majority leader and later headed the Japan America Institute of Management Science from 1973-1988.
• Yoriki Iwasaki, 98, Journalist, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Yoriki Iwasaki, a pioneer Japanese Canadian newspaper writer, editor and publisher of the Continental Daily Times in prewar Vancouver and postwar Toronto, was one of the first Issei in Canada decorated by the Japanese government in 1984 for promoting Japanese culture. He had immigrated to Canada in 1911.

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