Redress education grants and the 1997 Day of Remembrance

Vol. 124, No. 5, March 7, 1997. 12 pages. View this issue

The Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, created under the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, was getting ready to send offer letters for 100 grants totaling about $2.8 million to applicants in 20 states. A second article and a closing piece on how proposals were judged filled in the details. The Day of Remembrance also drew attention: Cherry Kinoshita reported on a resolution passed at Olympia, and a California Assembly resolution passed 70-0 after a sharp exchange over the World War II incarceration (often called internment).

Elsewhere, Bob Sakaniwa and Bill Hosokawa wrote about the DNC fundraising controversy and its effect on Asian Pacific Americans. Caroline Aoyagi covered the story of diplomat Chiune Sugihara and Japanese Latin Americans who were excluded from redress. Seattle JACL’s 75th anniversary banquet, national scholarship deadlines, and letters on the word “Hapa” also appeared in this 12-page issue.

What’s in this issue

National

• CLPEF to Award 100 Grants Totaling $2.8 Million, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Civil Liberties Public Education Fund board planned to send offer letters to 100 grant applicants in 20 states totaling about $2.8 million with an average grant of $27,678. Board members Leo Goto and Elsa Kudo emphasized the goal of making the program truly national, with 48 projects from outside California.
• CLPEF Board Set to Award 100 Grants, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The CLPEF board announced grant recipients across Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, and many other states, alongside plans for a teacher training curriculum initiative. Executive Director Dale Shimasaki said there is clear interest in curriculum and teacher training proposals based on the applications received.
• How CLPEF Judged Grant Proposals, by P.C. Staff, page 12. The CLPEF Board detailed its grant review process, including the use of independent expert panels, scoring criteria, and conflict-of-interest safeguards. The article explains how proposals were evaluated based on panel scores and consideration of overall program diversity before final funding decisions were made.

Commentary

• Old Lessons Taught Anew, by Bob Sakaniwa, page 1. Washington JACL Representative Bob Sakaniwa discusses the DNC’s fundraising scandal and how media coverage disproportionately focused on Asian Pacific American fundraisers like John Huang and Charlie Trie. He warns that blanket suspicion cast on the APA community from a few individuals’ actions is unjust and calls for JACL and other groups to address the issue.
• Reflections: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday, by Lori Fujimoto, page 3. National JACL VP Lori Fujimoto reflects on Dr. King’s dream and the ongoing pursuit of an American Dream for Asian Pacific Americans in leadership positions. She outlines JACL’s role in challenging community leaders to step up, developing leadership programs, and increasing community participation in policy issues.
• Quantum Physics and the Middle Aged Sansei, by Akemi Kayleng, page 7. The author reflects on generational differences between rigid Nisei expectations about proper careers and the more flexible worldview of younger Japanese Americans. She compares the structured Nisei mindset to classical physics and the more uncertain, freer modern perspective to quantum physics.
• Another Line for the Button Maker?, by Bill Hosokawa, page 8. Bill Hosokawa recalls how Chinese Americans wore ‘I Am Chinese’ buttons after Pearl Harbor to avoid being mistaken for Japanese Americans, drawing a parallel to the current DNC fundraising scandal involving Asian donors. He wryly suggests it might again be useful for Japanese Americans to clarify their identity given renewed scrutiny of Asian political contributions.
• Shotguns, Rifles & Short Arms, by Bill Marutani, page 8. Bill Marutani recounts his personal history with firearms, from bird hunting near Tule Lake internment camp to basic training with an M-1 Garand rifle. He humorously describes how an FBI agent investigated his shotgun activities while he was still technically a ‘non-alien,’ and how he eventually mastered the recoil of the M-1.
• Computer Math, by Harry K. Honda, page 8. Harry Kajihara, a retired engineer turned math teacher, is participating in a three-year experiment at Ventura College comparing computer-taught algebra classes to traditional instruction. Early results from the Academic Systems software program show pass rates 15 percent higher than traditional methods.
• America Is What You Think!, page 9. A reader responds to a previous article by Stacy Ige claiming discrimination limits Asian American success, arguing instead that perseverance and merit determine outcomes. The writer, a CEO in Glendale, shares his own successful career history as evidence that hard work overcomes obstacles.
• For the Record, by Karen Watsumoto, page 9. A reader clarifies confusion about comparing 1996 and 1997 JACL membership figures, noting that National office staffing transitions in late 1995 and 1996 affected data reporting timeliness. The letter explains that improved staffing later gave more accurate membership numbers.
• A Reason for the Monument, by Sus Satow, page 9. Sus Satow writes about positive responses to a VFW publication story on the Nisei World War II Veterans Monument, noting many people remain unaware of Japanese American soldiers’ contributions, especially in the Military Intelligence Service in the Pacific. He argues the monument will help preserve this history for future generations.
• That Slur Persists, page 9. A reader reports two 1996 television incidents where the term ‘Jap’ was used, once in the movie Days of Thunder and once during a sports broadcast abbreviation. The letter notes JACL’s past efforts to promote ‘JPN’ as the correct abbreviation for Japan.
• Capitalize ‘Hapa’, page 9. A reader argues that the Pacific Citizen should capitalize ‘Hapa’ just as it does Issei, Nisei, Sansei, and Yonsei, to recognize Hapas as full members of the Japanese American community. The writer contends that lowercase usage sends a subtle, dubious message excluding Hapas.
• Thoughts on ‘Hapa’, page 9. A father of a mixed-race son reflects on encouraging his child to see himself as an inheritor of two cultures rather than as merely ‘half’ of something. He suggests the term ‘Pacific citizen’ or ‘Pacifican’ as a more inclusive way to describe multiracial individuals with ties to both sides of the Pacific.

Incarceration & Redress

• A Day of Remembrance at Olympia, by Cherry Kinoshita, page 1. Washington State House of Representatives unanimously passed HR4614, introduced by Rep. Kip Tokuda, recognizing Japanese American internees on the Day of Remembrance. The resolution honors internees’ patience and sacrifice and the valor of Nisei veterans, with bipartisan support from Republican and Democratic legislators.
• California Assembly Comment on Internment Sparks Outburst, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Assemblyman Mike Honda’s resolution ACR 8 commemorating the Day of Remembrance passed 70-0 in the Assembly and 36-0 in the Senate but sparked emotional debate when Assemblyman Brooks Firestone objected that it ‘gives blame to America.’ Assemblyman Nao Takasugi, who was interned at Gila River, and Honda, interned at Amache, defended the resolution’s recognition of a ‘black page’ in American history.

JACL

• Where Are All the Youth? PSW Rep Combs for Answer, by Caroline Aoyagi, page 1. Kent Kawai, PSWD Youth/Student Representative, is helping JACL investigate why young people aren’t joining the organization through a national survey of chapters. The JACL National Youth/Student Council is preparing for an upcoming conference at UC Irvine to attract more young members.
• Deadlines for Nat’l JACL Scholarships, by P.C. Staff, page 3. JACL announced scholarship deadlines requiring membership and enrollment plans for fall 1997, with entering freshman applications due March 1 and all other applications due April 1. Awards will be announced July 1, 1997.
• Some Steps in the Right Direction, by David Kawamoto, page 3. PSWD Governor David Kawamoto highlights JACL’s recent membership increase and stresses that the organization’s future lies with younger generations like the Yonsei and Gosei. He describes PSWD’s $1,000 donation to the National Youth Conference and urges chapters to empower youth without overburdening them with mundane duties.
• JACL Credit Union Annual Dinner Set, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The National JACL Credit Union will hold its annual dinner on March 29 at Little America Hotel in Salt Lake City, featuring a family-friendly atmosphere with games for kids. Credit union president Terrell Nagata clarified that recent membership restriction news concerns nationally chartered credit unions, not the Utah state-chartered JACL Credit Union.
• Narasaki Speaks at St. Louis Inaugural, by P.C. Staff, page 4. St. Louis JACL celebrated its 51st inaugural with new board members installed by Midwest District vice governor Irma Yokota. Karen Narasaki, executive director of the National Asian Pacific American Legal Consortium, spoke on ‘The Pursuit of Justice—an Eternal Challenge.’

Community

• Seattle JACL’s 75th Anniversary Deals Electric Installation, by Robert Shimabukuro, page 3. Seattle JACL’s 75th Anniversary Installation Banquet drew close to 450 people including Mayor Norm Rice, Governor Mike Lowry, and Congressman Jim McDermott. Keynote speaker Dale Minami urged attendees to remember JACL’s history while continuing civil rights work, and Gov. Lowry was honored for introducing the first redress bill in Congress.
• Some Faces at 1930 Convention Identified, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A large enlargement of the 1930 National JACL Convention photo, found by Robert Yamamoto, was displayed at Seattle JACL’s 75th anniversary celebration. Two respondents, S. Frank Miyamoto and Koko Sutow, identified numerous individuals in the historic photograph.
• Sonoma County’s New Year Potluck Dinner Attracts Crowd, by Mei Nakano, page 4. Sonoma County JACL’s annual New Year’s potluck dinner drew a lively crowd of mostly Nisei and Sansei members, with new officers installed by National JACL Director Herb Yamanishi. JACL Service Awards were given to Margaret Wallman, Betty and Harry Kawase, Tak Kameoka, and Bob Fuchigami for their long-standing community contributions.
• Pro & Con HMO Panel Set by San Fernando Valley, by P.C. Staff, page 4. San Fernando Valley JACL is sponsoring a panel discussion on the pros and cons of HMOs on March 15, prompted by a Rafu Shimpo article about a doctor’s frustrations with HMO procedures. Panelists will include medical professionals offering varied viewpoints on managed care.
• Detroit Slates Bone Marrow Drive, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Detroit JACL and the Minority Marrow Donor Coalition are holding a bone marrow registration drive March 26-28 targeting Asian American students at the University of Michigan. Chapter president Valerie Matsumoto emphasized that registration could help save lives given the low 4.8% national Asian American donor representation.
• Chicago Hosts Sansei Family Communications Workshop, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Family therapist Nobu Miyoshi of the Sansei Legacy Project led a family communications workshop, ‘Exploring Family Legacies,’ at the Japanese American Service Committee in Chicago over the March 8-9 weekend. The workshop included sessions for families and for counselors and social workers.
• Dancers Flock at Florin JACL Hop, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Over 250 attendees from Northern California and Reno attended Florin JACL’s second annual benefit dance at the Sacramento Scottish Rite Temple. The event featured a dance performance and music by DJ Tom Campbell.
• Next Trek for San Mateans to Yosemite, by P.C. Staff, page 4. San Mateo JACL Community Center seniors are planning a Yosemite trip April 29-May 1, expected to be spectacular due to the massive winter rain. The guided tour includes stays at Yosemite Lodge and visits to Hershey’s Chocolate Factory.
• Ombuds-person Youth Bound for Washington, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Allison Kato, student ombuds-person at Crossroads School in Santa Monica, was selected to attend the National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C. starting March 18. She is active in student government, journalism, tennis, and volunteer work.
• Arcadia High: ‘We the People’ Finalists, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Thirty students from Arcadia High School, 80 percent of whom are Asian American, won the California state constitution competition and will compete in the national finals in Washington, D.C. in April. Fundraising support is needed to cover hotel and food costs for the six-day trip.
• ‘Go’ Anniversary Spurs Next Generation, by P.C. Staff, page 10. West Valley JACL’s young adult group ‘Next Generation’ celebrates its fifth anniversary with a dinner-dance at Manhattans Restaurant on March 29. The group has contributed a minivan, TV, and kitchen remodel to the chapter while focusing on cultural and community service programs.
• ELA Sansei Businessman Enters ‘Frugal Funeral’ Industry, by P.C. Staff, page 10. Douglas Ban, grandson of Issei minister Rev. Takeshi Ban, joined California Casket Co. to offer discounted caskets directly to consumers, citing FTC rules preventing funeral homes from requiring casket purchases through them. He hopes to introduce cost-saving options to the Asian American community.

In-Depth

• Saga of Diplomat Sugihara Rebounding, by Caroline Aoyagi, page 5. Hiroki Sugihara, son of WWII diplomat Chiune Sugihara who saved over 6,000 Jews by issuing transit visas in Lithuania, spoke to a Los Angeles crowd about his father’s heroic actions. Despite paying a heavy personal price, Chiune Sugihara has yet to be officially recognized by the Japanese government, and a petition seeks his rehabilitation.
• Japanese Latin Americans Interned by U.S. in ’43, by Caroline Aoyagi, page 6. Alice Nishimoto and other Japanese Latin Americans, kidnapped from Peru and other Latin American countries during WWII, remain excluded from redress under the 1988 Civil Liberties Act due to a citizenship technicality. The advocacy group ‘Campaign For Justice,’ which includes JACL, NCRR, and ACLU, filed a class action lawsuit and is lobbying Congress for inclusion in reparations.

Arts & Entertainment

• Talent of Japanese Artist Enchants ‘Oscar Night’, by Caroline Aoyagi, page 7. Shin-Issei artist Hiro Yamagata was chosen to decorate the 1997 Academy Awards Governor’s Ball with his work ‘Earthly Paradise,’ featuring painted vintage Mercedes-Benz cars reproduced onto a massive scrim. The internationally acclaimed artist, who has no set nationality or art theory, has previously worked with governments, Olympic committees, and celebrities.
• East West Players to Mark 31st Year, by P.C. Staff, page 7. East West Players will celebrate their 31st anniversary on April 28 with an award dinner at the Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles. Honorees include playwright Wakako Yamauchi, Amy Hill, David Henry Hwang, Soon-Tek Oh, George Takei, and John Woo.
• The Kona Coffee Story, Along the Hawaii Belt Road, by Harry K. Honda, page 10. A Japanese American National Museum exhibit traces the history of Kona coffee farmers on Hawaii’s Big Island from 1892, when Japanese immigrants came to dominate coffee production in the region. The exhibit includes complimentary samples of 100% Kona coffee and documents the industry’s revival in the 1960s and later success for Nisei and Sansei growers.
• The 100-Year Road: Japan to San Diego, a Japanese American Journey, by Harry K. Honda, page 10. A Museum of San Diego History exhibit chronicles Japanese American community history in nine parts including pioneers, military service, and internment through artifacts like a Poston barrack corner and a 442nd uniform. Professor Don Estes, who curated the exhibit from his collection of 3,000 images, was honored at a recent reception.

Obituaries

• Sanji Murase, by P.C. Staff, page 11. Sanji Murase, 80, of Santa Monica passed away on Feb. 12, with private family memorial services held at Inglewood Park Cemetery. He is survived by his wife Grace, son Jerry, daughter Kathy, sister Yuri Mimori, and three grandchildren.
• Death Notice: 101-Year-Old Watsonville Resident, by P.C. Staff, page 11. A 101-year-old woman born in Hiroshima and naturalized as a U.S. citizen, a prewar Watsonville resident, passed away on Dec. 16. She was survived by sons George M. and Kazu, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, predeceased by her husband Katsutaro.

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