Vol. 129, No. 5, July 30, 1999. 8 pages. View this issue
A resolution by Rep. Mike Honda criticizing Japan for World War II atrocities stirred debate in the Japanese American community. Supporters saw closure and acknowledgment, while critics worried about economic fallout and fairness. The front page also covered the “Bill Lann Lee Action Day,” with rallies in Washington D.C., New York, Philadelphia and Salt Lake City, where JACL chapter president Tab Uno spoke. Martha Nakagawa reported on community backlash over proposed inscriptions for the National Japanese American Memorial, including a 1943 Supreme Court quote.
Inside are the Senate’s passage of a Hate Crime Prevention Act and Orrin Hatch’s competing bill, Midwestern Asian American leaders speaking out after a July 4th weekend shooting spree, and research on 47 Chinese men who served in the Civil War. Chapter news includes scholarship awards from the Diablo Valley, Berkeley and Houston chapters, a $25,000 gift from West Valley JACL’s Next Generation, and Dr. John Hara’s Micah Award.
What’s in this issue
National
- Resolution Criticizing Japan Generates Debate and Controversy, page 1. A resolution introduced by Rep. Mike Honda criticizing Japan for WWII-era atrocities has sparked debate within the Japanese American community, with some like Rep. Robert Matsui’s colleague Nakano offering competing wording. Supporters see it as bringing closure and acknowledgment, while critics worry about economic repercussions and fairness.
- Nat’l Rally in Support of Bill Lann Lee Nomination, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Asian Pacific American community held a national ‘Bill Lann Lee Action Day’ with simultaneous rallies in Washington D.C., New York, Philadelphia, and Salt Lake City to support Bill Lann Lee’s renomination as the nation’s top civil rights official. Community leaders and elected officials voiced outrage over delays in his confirmation process.
- Inscriptions on Nat’l Nikkei Monument Stirs Controversy, by Martha Nakagawa, page 1. Proposed inscriptions for the National Japanese American Memorial, including a controversial 1943 Supreme Court quote referencing wartime prejudice, have generated significant community backlash. Executive director Cherry Tsutsumida of NJAMF and others are debating whether to remove or alter the contested quotes before the $10 million monument’s completion.
- Hate Crime Prevention Act Passes Senate, Hatch Introduces New Bill, page 3. The Senate passed a Hate Crime Prevention Act expanding federal hate crime protections to include gender, sexual orientation, and disability, with Senator Orrin Hatch introducing his own competing bill. Hatch argued that current state-level protections meant to address hate crimes were insufficient and risked federal overreach into state matters.
- D.C. Energy Department Official Says He Was ‘Out of the Loop’ During Espionage Inquiry, by Associated Press, page 3. A senior Energy Department official overseeing nuclear weapons labs claimed he was kept out of the loop regarding an espionage investigation involving alleged Chinese theft of nuclear secrets from Los Alamos. Critics, including DOE security officials, say he should have expressed greater alarm and took advantage of bureaucratic structure to avoid responsibility.
- Midwestern Asian Americans Speak Out Against Hate Crimes, page 3. Following a July 4th weekend shooting spree targeting minorities that ended in a police chase in Salem, Illinois, Asian American community leaders in Chicago held a joint press conference condemning the violence. Leaders including Yoshino and Rev. Suk Jin Lee pledged to work with community groups on legislative solutions to deter hate crimes.
- New Research Shows 47 Chinese Men Served in Civil War, page 3. Research by two historians revealed that nearly 50 Chinese men served in the American Civil War, a fact largely unknown to the public. The researchers documented 47 Chinese soldiers despite challenges from inconsistent name spellings in historical records.
Community
- Next Generation of West Valley JACL Donates $25,000 to Memorial Foundation, page 4. The Next Generation of West Valley JACL, a young adult group with over 200 members, donated $25,000 to the National Japanese American Memorial Foundation. The group plans further fundraising through events like the Daruma Festival and a Fashion Show to continue supporting the memorial and other community activities.
- John Hara Receives Micah Leadership Award, page 4. Dr. John Hara was honored with the Micah Award by the American Jewish Committee at its 54th annual dinner, recognized as an advocate and leader for the Asian American community. He is the first Asian American to receive this award, which honors those embodying the biblical call to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly.
- Diablo Valley Chapter Awards 1999 Scholarships, page 5. The Diablo Valley JACL chapter held its 1999 scholarship awards luncheon at Marie Callender’s Restaurant in Concord, recognizing multiple students including Yuta Kato, Alex Manini, and others pursuing degrees in medicine and science. Julie Wong, a former scholarship recipient now serving as California press secretary to Senator Barbara Boxer, spoke at the event.
- Berkeley Chapter Awards Scholarships, page 5. The Berkeley JACL chapter held its scholarship awards ceremony, presenting three scholarships and three honorariums to Bay Area high school students including Aimee Terauchi of El Cerrito High School. Steve Nakajo, founder/executive director of San Francisco’s Kimochi-Kai, served as guest speaker at the event.
- Houston Chapter Awards Scholarships to Two High School Students, page 5. The Houston JACL chapter recognized Natasha Browne-Kondo and Eric Lindsay with the Ray Okumura Memorial scholarship at their annual awards ceremony. Both students demonstrated strong academic and extracurricular achievements, with Browne-Kondo heading to University of Texas and Lindsay, a National Merit finalist, planning to attend Rice University.
- Watsonville Chapter Seeks Applicants for Dr. Francis Choy Memorial Scholarship, page 5. The Watsonville JACL chapter announced it is accepting applications for the $1,300 Dr. Francis Choy Memorial Scholarship for incoming UC Berkeley students from Santa Cruz County. Applicants must submit an essay on affirmative action in college admissions along with other required materials by September 1, 1999.
Commentary
- Letter Praises Martha Nakagawa’s Reporting, page 7. A reader from Cody, Wyoming praised Martha Nakagawa for her thorough and sensitive reporting in a recent article, commending her competence and perceptiveness. The letter emphasized the courage and integrity shown in addressing the article’s difficult subject matter.
Obituaries
- Steve Tamaya, 37, Journalist and Senate Aide, page 7. Steve Tamaya, a former political reporter and aide to a California state senator, died July 3 from complications of a brain cyst that caused a massive stroke. The California Senate adjourned in his memory, and he was remembered as a graduate of Rio Hondo College who worked as a field representative before joining the Senate staff.
- Tayama, Ohio State Horticulture Professor, Dies, page 7. A professor at Ohio State University and president of the International Floriculture Association died May 11 in Columbus, Ohio. During his tenure, he helped make the association an international leader in floriculture, co-sponsoring industry events and publications.
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