Prop. 54, the Coble remarks and a Nikkei convention in Bolivia

Vol. 137, No. 4, August 15, 2003. 12 pages. View this issue

California’s Proposition 54, the Racial Privacy Initiative, and Rep. Howard Coble’s remarks about the Japanese American incarceration (often called internment) were the main subjects of this 12-page issue. Caroline Aoyagi reported on a coalition of over 90 Asian Pacific American groups urging a ‘No’ vote on Prop. 54. Sacramento’s City Council passed a resolution condemning Coble, and NCRR planned a meeting on the continuing campaign. Yas Odoi, a 442nd RCT veteran, argued for answering Coble with facts rather than a demand for his resignation. The front page also covered the 12th Pan-American Nikkei convention in Bolivia and Nagasaki’s 58th anniversary of the atomic bombing.

Also inside: Gov. Gray Davis signed a bill allowing diplomas for Japanese Americans who were interned, and Los Angeles dropped plans for a jail near Little Tokyo. Norman Mineta was named for honors at the JACL gala dinner. Harry K. Honda wrote about suitcases carried to camp, and the Manzanar interpretive center neared its opening. The sports pages and chapter scholarship reports fill out the issue.

What’s in this issue

National

• APA Coalition Pushes for ‘No’ Vote on Prop. 54, the Racial Privacy Initiative, by Caroline Aoyagi, page 1. A coalition of over 90 Asian Pacific American groups and individuals held press conferences protesting Proposition 54, the Racial Privacy Initiative, arguing it would hinder efforts to fight discrimination and collect vital data on health, education and crime. Speakers including Warren Furutani and Stewart Kwoh criticized the measure’s backers and its potential impact on California communities.
• Nagasaki Marks 58th Anniversary of Atomic Bombing, by Associated Press, page 1. Nagasaki’s mayor Itcho Ito marked the 58th anniversary of the atomic bombing, warning that nuclear disarmament efforts were nearing collapse due to actions by nuclear powers. The ceremony included a moment of silence and calls from Japan’s prime minister to uphold the nation’s non-nuclear policy.
• Gov. Davis Signs Legislation to Grant Diplomas to Japanese Americans Interned During World War II, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Governor Gray Davis signed AB 781, authorizing school districts to retroactively grant high school diplomas to Japanese Americans who were interned during World War II and unable to complete their education. The bill was introduced by Assemblymember Sally Lieber to address the injustice caused by Executive Order 9066.
• ACLU, Arab Groups Challenge Patriot Act Surveillance, by P.C. Staff and Associated Press, page 4. The ACLU filed a lawsuit challenging provisions of the USA Patriot Act that allow government surveillance of reading habits and secret searches. The lawsuit, joined by several Muslim and Arab American organizations, follows an earlier Supreme Court decision not to consider a related ACLU challenge.
• Partnership Aims to Increase Minorities in Broadcast Newsrooms, by P.C. Staff and Associated Press, page 4. A survey found the percentage of minorities in television newsrooms dropped from 25 percent to 18 percent over two years, prompting journalism groups to pledge cooperative efforts to reverse the decline. Radio newsrooms saw similar drops, and organizers plan a diversity summit to address the issue.
• Minority Groups Call on Governor to Support Affirmative Action, by P.C. Staff and Associated Press, page 4. Minority advocacy groups in Colorado criticized Gov. Bill Owens and lawmakers for opposing the recent Supreme Court decision upholding affirmative action at the University of Michigan. The governor’s office maintains support for diversity through race-neutral methods like opportunity scholarships.
• AIUSA to Sponsor Nationwide Racial Profiling Hearings, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Amnesty International USA announced a series of public hearings this fall on racial profiling in cities including San Francisco, Chicago, Tulsa, and New York City. The hearings aim to generate support for legislation against racial profiling and will be chaired by former federal appeals judge Timothy K. Lewis.
• Minority Women Making Gains in U.S. Workplace, Still Face Challenges, by P.C. Staff and Associated Press, page 4. A government report found minority women increased their share of the private-sector workforce but remain concentrated in lower-wage jobs. Asian women fared relatively better, particularly in computer and electronics manufacturing, with a doubling of Asian female managers over the past decade.
• Census Sees Progress Among Minnesota’s Newest Immigrants, by P.C. Staff, page 4. New 2000 census figures show Minnesota’s Hmong immigrant population has made significant progress in education and homeownership rates over the past decade. Despite gains, Hmong per capita income remains the lowest of any census group in the state.
• Florida Muslims Say Discrimination is Rising Statewide, by Associated Press, page 9. The Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations reported that anti-Muslim discrimination and harassment has steadily increased since September 11, 2001, with incidents nearly doubling in 2002. The Justice Department dismissed a related national CAIR report as based on misinformation.

Commentary

• Defining ‘Membership’, by Dori Takata, page 1. A JACL Berkeley chapter member reflects on why JACL membership has been declining among younger Japanese Americans, citing changing demographics and misperceptions about the organization’s purpose. She suggests reframing membership as active contribution to civil rights work rather than a club-based structure, and recommends new strategies for engaging young professionals.
• Gala Dinner Should Include U.S. Senators Hayakawa and Matsunaga, by Nat’l JACL President 1960-1962, Westlake Village, Calif., page 2. A former JACL national president argues that the upcoming testimonial dinner honoring Japanese American leaders should also recognize former U.S. Sen. S.I. Hayakawa and the late Sen. Spark Matsunaga for their achievements. He contends this would reinforce the non-partisan character of the event and broaden its support among JACL membership.
• Coble and Freedom of Speech, by Yas Odoi, page 2. A 442nd RCT veteran argues that while Rep. Howard Coble’s remarks about Japanese American internment may have been mistaken, JACL should refute him with facts rather than demand his resignation. He contends that civil rights include freedom of speech to express unpopular opinions.
• In the Midwest, the Priority is Education, by Bill Yoshino, Midwest Regional Director, page 8. The JACL Midwest District Council has spent three years building an education program promoting the teaching of Japanese American history in classrooms, including teacher workshops and aligning curriculum guides with state learning standards. The committee plans further outreach at the National Council for the Social Studies convention in Chicago.

JACL

• Hon. Mineta to be Honored at 2003 JACL Gala Dinner, by P.C. Staff, page 3. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta will be honored at the National JACL Gala Dinner for his groundbreaking political career, including being the first Asian Pacific American mayor of a major U.S. city and the first APA appointed to a presidential Cabinet. The dinner will also recognize Sen. Daniel Inouye, Rep. Robert Matsui, Rep. Mike Honda, and pay tribute to the late Rep. Patsy Mink.
• Assemblywoman Chu to Speak at ‘Embraceable You’, by P.C. Staff, page 12. The Asian Pacific AIDS Intervention Team is sponsoring ‘Embraceable You,’ a conference aimed at building alliances between straight and gay Asian and Pacific Islander communities, featuring keynote speaker Assemblywoman Judy Chu. The event, held at the Union Church of Los Angeles, is organized by several LGBTQ and API organizations.

Community

• Sacramento City Council Passes Resolution Condemning Coble, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Sacramento City Council unanimously passed a resolution condemning Rep. Howard Coble for remarks condoning Japanese American internment during World War II, calling for his apology and resignation as subcommittee chair. Coble had made the remarks during a February radio call-in show and has yet to apologize.
• L.A. Abandons Plans for Little Tokyo Jail, by Associated Press, page 3. Community activists successfully pressured the City of Los Angeles to abandon plans for a 512-bed jail near the historic Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple in Little Tokyo. More than 13,000 signatures were gathered in protest, leading city officials to seek alternative sites.
• NCRR to Hold Meeting to Discuss Continuing Anti-Coble Campaign, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Nikkei for Civil Rights and Redress will host a community meeting to strategize continued efforts to remove Rep. Howard Coble from his subcommittee chairmanship over his internment remarks. NCRR co-chair Kay Ochi warned that allowing revisionist history to prevail could endanger other communities like Muslim Americans.
• Professor Conducting Survey on Assimilation of JAs, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Kyoto Women’s University professor Haruo Higashimoto is conducting a follow-up academic survey on Japanese American assimilation into mainstream society, sending over 1,300 questionnaires to households in Los Angeles County. The survey covers topics including identity, language use, and experiences of discrimination.
• APAs in the News: Awards, Appointments, Announcements, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Bob Nakamura was appointed to the Thurston Council on Cultural Diversity and Human Rights in Washington state, drawing on his Army career and JACL involvement. Dr. Jonathan Chang was appointed to California’s Industrial Medical Council by Gov. Gray Davis.
• Diablo Valley Chapter Scholarship Luncheon, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The JACL Diablo Valley chapter awarded several scholarships at its annual luncheon, honoring students including Erik Lue, Anh Lam, Jane Huynh, Mariko Ishiyama, and Mohammad T. Khan for their academic and community achievements. Julie Wong, a past scholarship recipient now working for L.A.’s mayor, served as guest speaker.
• Florin Chapter Recognizes Scholarship Recipients, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The Florin JACL honored three scholarship recipients—Masato Taniguchi, Tara Tsukamoto, and Lisa Yuki—at its annual Scholarship Awards and New Members dinner. UC Davis Vice Chancellor Judy Sakaki delivered the keynote address emphasizing gratitude toward those who paved the way for success.
• Greater Los Angeles Singles Chapter Awards Scholarship, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Nicole Tomiko Okita received the Hana Uno Shepard Memorial Scholarship at the Greater L.A. Singles chapter’s fundraiser dance in Gardena. Okita, bound for UCLA, was recognized for her academic achievement and extensive community volunteer work.
• Manzanar National Historic Site Interpretive Center to Open in Late 2003, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The grand opening of the Manzanar National Historic Site’s new Interpretive Center has been delayed, with an announcement of the exact date expected weeks in advance. The restored historic auditorium will house exhibits and a film about the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.
• Go For Broke Foundation Unveils ‘Unexpected Heroes’, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Go For Broke Educational Foundation unveiled ‘Unexpected Heroes,’ an educational project about the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion’s role in liberating Jewish survivors from Dachau concentration camp sites. The project includes interactive video, oral history interviews, and a short film for the Museum of Tolerance.
• Tenth National JACL Singles Conference to be Held Oct. 11, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The 10th National JACL Singles Conference, themed ‘Explore! Experience! Enjoy!’, will be held at the Hacienda Hotel in El Segundo featuring workshops, panel discussions, and a gala dinner dance. Speakers include J.D. Hokoyama, Bill Watanabe, and various relationship and career experts.

In-Depth

• ‘Only the Brave,’ Feature-length Motion Picture About 100th/442nd, Still Needs to Raise $300,000 in Funding, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Producers of ‘Only the Brave,’ a dramatic film about the 100th Battalion/442nd Regimental Combat Team, are appealing to the Japanese American community to raise $300,000 to complete the project. Writer/director Lane Nishikawa hopes the film will honor surviving Nisei veterans and educate audiences about the unit’s historic rescue of the Lost Battalion.
• ‘If Suitcases (of Internees) Could Talk,’ Some Have in San Jose, by Harry K. Honda, page 8. The Japanese American Museum of San Jose’s exhibit ‘Luggage from Home to Camp’ features six suitcases and the stories of the Nisei who carried them into internment camps, collected by artist Flo Oy Wong. The column recounts the personal histories behind each suitcase, from Eiichi Sakauye’s camera equipment to Misao Shiotsuka’s wedding suit.

Sports

• Taiwan’s Tsao Wins in Major League Debut, by P.C. Staff and Associated Press, page 7. Chin-hui Tsao became the majors’ first Taiwanese pitcher, overcoming a shaky start and early home run allowed to win his debut as the Colorado Rockies beat the Milwaukee Brewers 7-3. His performance drew significant media attention, including television coverage in Taiwan.
• Yao Ming Says Chinese Players Need to Step up Intensity to Play in NBA, by P.C. Staff and Associated Press, page 7. Houston Rockets star Yao Ming said he expects more Chinese players to enter the NBA but stressed they need to become more competitive and aggressive. He cited teammate Xue Xuyang’s draft selection as evidence the pathway is opening for Chinese athletes.
• ‘Royal Ys’ Nisei Basketball Team Gather for Reunion, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Members of the Royal Ys Nisei basketball team, originally organized in 1938 in West Los Angeles, held a reunion in Los Angeles 65 years after their championship season. The reunion, hosted by George Hattori and organized by Mits Kawagoe, brought together former players who are all World War II veterans.
• Philippoussis Sends Chang Closer to Retirement, by P.C. Staff and Associated Press, page 7. Mark Philippoussis defeated Michael Chang 6-2, 6-4 in the Mercedes-Benz Cup as Chang nears the end of his 16-year professional tennis career after the upcoming U.S. Open. Chang reflected on his career and plans to devote time to his charitable foundation and grassroots tennis development in Asia.
• Hamamoto, 9, Takes Silver and Bronze at 23rd Junior Olympic Taekwondo Championships, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Nine-year-old Derek Hamamoto won a silver and bronze medal at the U.S. Taekwondo Union’s Junior Olympic Championships in Orlando. It was his second Junior Olympics appearance since beginning Taekwondo at age five.
• Derrick Low Commits to Washington State, by P.C. Staff and Associated Press, page 7. Iolani School basketball star Derrick Low verbally committed to Washington State after leading his team to consecutive state championships in Hawaii. Low cited the sincerity of Cougars coach Dick Bennett as a major factor in his decision over offers from Hawaii, Utah, and Gonzaga.

Obituaries

• Obituaries, by P.C. Staff, page 11. This issue’s obituary listings include detailed tributes to community members such as Matsuo Ikejiri, a WWII veteran and Gardena resident, and Toshio Takahashi, another WWII veteran from Gardena, among many others across California and Hawaii. Survivors, birthplaces, and family details are provided for each individual.

Thank you for exploring the Pacific Citizen archive. The title, introduction and contents on this page were written by an AI model from scans of the printed issue, so they may contain mistakes. If you spot one, we would be grateful if you let us know.