Twenty years after redress: reparations, remembrance and Cherry Kinoshita

Vol. 147, No. 4, August 15, 2008. 16 pages. View this issue

The 20th anniversary of redress and the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 ran through this 16-page issue. Todd Kushigemachi asked whether it was too late for black reparations after the House apologized for slavery, quoting Dale Minami and others. Floyd Mori wrote about the leaders behind redress, and Bob Shimabukuro paid tribute to Cherry Kinoshita, the Seattle activist who was interned at Minidoka and died at 84. A report described Japanese Peruvians still waiting for their own redress after a July 31 House hearing was canceled.

Other stories followed a student campaign for a monument at the Turlock Assembly Center, Judge Kiyo Matsumoto’s path to the federal bench by Lynda Lin, and wheelchair racer Steven Toyoji preparing for the Beijing Paralympics. Pages 4 and 5 covered the barracks hunt at Minidoka, a Colorado road named for Ralph Carr, and JACL events marking the redress anniversary. Harry Honda looked back on the Salt Lake City convention, and Julie Sasaki-Hom wrote about a mudslide near Manzanar.

What’s in this issue

Community

• Kinoshita, Longtime Community Activist and JACL Leader, Passes, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 1. Cherry Kinoshita, a longtime leader in the Pacific Northwest District of JACL and the Redress movement, passed away on July 29 at age 84 after a long illness. Interned at Minidoka as a teenager, she later became a national board member and key grassroots organizer in the fight for redress and reparations.
• Buddhist Church Dedicated as Point of Historical Interest, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 4. The Vacaville Buddhist Church, established by Issei immigrants in 1908, was dedicated as a California Point of Historical Interest Site. Many former internees moved into the church due to housing shortages after WWII.
• APAs in the News, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 5. This roundup covers several APA achievements, including Helen Jo’s promotion to deputy chief in the L.A. County Fire Department, Kay Okamoto Award recipients Nell Noguchi and Shiz Mihara, and Holly Fujie’s election as State Bar of California president. It also mentions Jacqueline Mac’s JACL fellowship, Cleveland scholarship winners, and Emily Murase’s school board campaign.
• Takeo Okamoto Community Leadership Award Seeks Nominations, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 6. The Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California is accepting nominations for the 2008 Takeo Okamoto Community Leadership Award, honoring long-term community commitment. The award was created by Okamoto’s children to honor his legacy as a pioneering Nisei businessman and community leader.
• Nikkei Federation Rising Stars Youth Leadership Program Seeks High Schoolers, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 7. The Nikkei Federation is recruiting high school students for its sixth annual Rising Stars Youth Leadership Program, which teaches leadership skills and JA cultural history. Past participants praised the program for teaching practical networking and cultural understanding skills.

National

• Is It Too Late for Black Reparations?, by Todd Kushigemachi, page 1. Twenty years after JA redress, the House passed a resolution apologizing to black Americans for slavery and Jim Crow, prompting debate over whether reparations should follow. Some JA community leaders, including Dale Minami, expressed support for black reparations as a means of national reconciliation.
• Call Her ‘Your Honor’, by Lynda Lin, page 1. Kiyo Matsumoto made history as only the second APA woman to serve as a federal district court judge after being appointed by President Bush. Colleagues and family describe her sharp legal mind and dedication, rooted partly in her parents’ internment experiences during WWII.
• Japanese Peruvians Still Waiting for Their Redress, by Associated Press and P.C. Staff, page 3. A July 31 House Judiciary subcommittee hearing on a bill to investigate the internment of Japanese Latin Americans was canceled, leaving the community’s redress efforts uncertain. Advocates like Augusto Kague and Grace Shimizu continue pushing for recognition after being excluded from the 1988 Civil Liberties Act settlement.
• APA Groups Call for an Apology for ‘Asian Invaders’ Title on Blog, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 3. Asian Pacific American organizations demanded a public apology from U.S. Rep. Joe Knollenberg after he titled a congressional blog post ‘Protecting Our Families From Asian Invaders.’ His office called it an error and apologized to those offended, though groups want a more formal public apology.
• Hiroshima Mayor Hopes Next U.S. President Backs Nuke Ban, by Katsumi Kasahara, page 3. Hiroshima Mayor Tadatoshi Akiba urged the next U.S. president to support a global ban on nuclear weapons during the 63rd anniversary ceremony of the atomic bombing. He announced a new two-year study on the psychological toll of the bombing as survivors’ average age surpasses 75.
• Minidoka Barracks Being Tracked Down for Preservation, by Jessie L. Bonner, page 4. The National Park Service hired researcher Patrick Taylor to locate original barracks from the Minidoka internment camp that were dispersed to local farmers after the war. Preservation efforts nationwide face funding challenges despite a 2006 law authorizing $38 million for such projects.
• Asians With Limited English Proficiency Face Barriers in U.S., by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 4. Rep. Mike Honda introduced legislation aimed at helping immigrants improve English skills after hearing stories of medical and legal harm caused by language barriers. The bill, co-sponsored with Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, is supported by numerous organizations including the Asian American Justice Center.
• Road Named After Ex-Governor, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 4. Colorado’s legislature named a section of U.S. Route 285 the ‘Ralph Carr Memorial Highway’ in honor of the former governor who welcomed displaced Japanese Americans during WWII. Kerry Hada and other officials unveiled the new road signs on Aug. 10.
• Three Men Plead Not Guilty to Hate Crimes, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 4. Three Montana men pleaded not guilty to hate crime charges after allegedly throwing racial slurs and beer bottles at Asian mushroom pickers at a campground. One suspect is also accused of firing a rifle to intimidate the group, and all face up to five years in prison if convicted.
• Activist Groups Speak Out Against Six Flags Ads, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 4. Asian American groups criticized Six Flags TV ads featuring an Asian man with an exaggerated accent as offensive and racist. The Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund and the Asian American Justice Center said the ads perpetuate stereotypes of APAs as foreigners.
• British Television Presenter Apologizes for Sexist Remarks, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 4. British TV presenter Martin Bashir apologized to the Asian American Journalists Association after making sexist remarks referring to ‘Asian babes’ and suggestive comments about colleague Juju Chang. He wrote a formal letter of apology after being reprimanded by network executives.
• Shooting at Samoan Festival Leaves One Dead, Three Wounded, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 4. Gunfire between rival gang members at a Samoan Festival in Carson, Calif., left three bystanders wounded and one suspect dead after a security guard opened fire. No arrests have been made and the number of gunmen remains unknown.
• House Honors Contributions of AAPI Soldiers During Civil War, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 5. The U.S. House passed a resolution honoring AAPI soldiers who fought in the Civil War, spearheaded by Rep. Mike Honda and focused on soldiers Edward Day Cohota and Joseph Pierce. Both men were denied citizenship despite their service, and the resolution seeks to correct their historical omission.
• Reparations Debate Continues Amid Slavery Apology, by Todd Kushigemachi, page 11. This continuation piece explores the debate over reparations for African Americans following the House’s slavery apology resolution, featuring perspectives from Mitch Maki, John Tateishi, Vernellia Randall and Dale Minami. It also discusses opposition from Sen. Barack Obama and the history of Rep. John Conyers’ reparations study bill.
• Kiyo Matsumoto’s Path to the Federal Bench, by Lynda Lin, page 13. This continuation of the Matsumoto profile explores her journalism degree from UC Berkeley, her career at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and her family’s internment history that shaped her pursuit of law. Colleagues including fellow federal judges praise her preparation and character as she takes on her new judicial role.
• First Lady Recognizes L.A. Thai Town as Cultural Asset, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 16. First Lady Laura Bush recognized Los Angeles’s Thai Town neighborhood as a ‘Preserve America’ community, making it eligible for significant federal grant funding. The designation follows similar recognition for Chinatown and Little Tokyo as part of a broader effort to honor the city’s Asian American enclaves.

Sports

• Going the Distance for a Golden Dream, by Lynda Lin, page 1. University of Arizona student Steven Toyoji, a wheelchair racer paralyzed as an infant by transverse myelitis, is preparing to compete in the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games in three track events. His coaches believe he has a strong chance to medal thanks to his determination and training intensity.
• Other APA Paralympians, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 10. This sidebar profiles other Asian Pacific American athletes competing in the Paralympics, including sitting volleyball player SuGui Kriss, shooter Danielle Fong, and wheelchair rugby athlete Groulx, a Navy veteran. Each brings unique backgrounds and family connections to their respective sports.

In-Depth

• History Class Inspires Students to Build Monument at Turlock, by Caroline Aoyagi-Stom, page 1. Cal State Stanislaus student Kayla Canelo was inspired by a history class to lead a campaign to build a monument at the former Turlock Assembly Center site. With help from fellow student David Seymour and community members, she gained approval from the Fairgrounds board and is raising funds to complete the project by year’s end.
• Turlock Monument Effort Continues to Build Awareness, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 12. This continuation details the Turlock monument project led by students Kayla Canelo and David Seymour, including community reactions and the involvement of local JACL chapters. The piece highlights the historical significance of the Turlock Assembly Center, which processed thousands of Japanese Americans in 1942.

Commentary

• Barbecuing While Gay?, by Andy Noguchi, page 2. Andy Noguchi recounts the sentencing of Aleksandr Shevchenko to five months in jail for misdemeanor charges in the anti-gay attack that killed Satendar Singh. He argues the attack was motivated by hate despite a deadlocked jury on the original hate crime felony charges.
• Reader Urges Aid for Mudslide Victims Near Manzanar, by Julie Sasaki-Hom, page 2. A reader describes the July 12 mudslide near Manzanar that damaged homes of Manzanar Historic Site employees and closed Highway 395. She urges the Japanese American community to donate to local relief funds supporting flood victims.
• My Take on Redress, by Floyd Mori, page 2. JACL National Director Floyd Mori reflects on the 20th anniversary of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 and the JACL’s central role in achieving redress. He credits numerous leaders including Grayce Uyehara and John Tateishi for their tireless efforts in the decades-long movement.
• A Tribute to Cherry Kinoshita, 1923-2008, by Bob Shimabukuro, page 7. Author Bob Shimabukuro pays tribute to Cherry Kinoshita’s pivotal leadership in Seattle’s redress movement, crediting her strategic work with saving key aspects of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988. He recounts her efforts organizing local hearings and securing unanimous congressional support from Washington State’s delegation.
• Independents, by Peter Shigeki Frandsen, page 8. Columnist Peter Shigeki Frandsen reflects on attending the New York Asian Film Festival and watching the Japanese film ‘Fine, Totally Fine,’ prompting musings on originality and creativity. He connects these themes to the JACL’s need to embrace fresh, original approaches following the national convention.
• What Did I Think of the Salt Lake City Convention?, by Harry Honda, page 8. Columnist Harry Honda reflects on the 40th Biennial JACL convention in Salt Lake City, calling it one of the best yet and recounting the history of past convention host cities. He shares personal highlights including conversations with longtime JACL members and viewing historical exhibits.
• Noguchi Continued: Demanding Justice After Singh’s Death, by Andy Noguchi, page 16. This continuation of Noguchi’s column questions whether justice will ever be served against Andrey Vusick, who fled to Russia after allegedly delivering the fatal blow to Satendar Singh. Noguchi draws parallels to Japanese American internment as a reason for continued vigilance against injustice.

JACL

• JA Groups Commemorate 20th Anniversary of Redress, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 5. The National Japanese American Memorial Foundation hosted events marking the 20th anniversary of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, including a Capitol Hill reception and a ceremony at the Japanese American Memorial in Washington, D.C. Other organizations like the Japanese American National Museum and University of Washington also held commemorative panels and events.
• JACL to Honor AJC at National Gala Dinner, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 6. The American Jewish Committee will receive a ‘Champion of Redress’ award at the JACL National Gala Dinner for its early support of the JACL’s Redress campaign beginning in the late 1970s. Other honorees include Norman Mineta, Grayce Uyehara, and John Tateishi.
• JACL Announces Completion of Masaoka and Inouye Fellowships, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 6. The JACL announced the completion of the Mike M. Masaoka Fellowship and the Sen. Daniel K. Inouye Fellowship terms, both tied to service in Sen. Inouye’s office. New fellows Leslie Tamura and Elizabeth Nakano will continue the programs alongside other recently completed JACL fellowships.
• PSW District to Honor Heroes from Redress, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 6. The JACL Pacific Southwest District will honor a group of redress movement advocates at its Sept. 13 Annual Awards Dinner, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Civil Liberties Act. Mitchell Maki, co-author of a book on Japanese American redress, will emcee the event.
• A Salute to the Millennium Club, by Tim Koide, page 7. JACL Membership Coordinator Tim Koide highlights the Millennium Club, a group of dedicated JACL donors and members established at the 2004 Hawaii convention. The article lists numerous longtime members recognized for their sustained contributions to the organization.
• JACL Supports Bill to Include Curriculum on Vietnam War in Calif., by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 15. The JACL announced support for California Assembly Bill AB 2064, which would require public schools to teach about the Vietnam War, including the ‘Secret War’ in Laos and the Southeast Asian refugee experience. JACL National Education Committee Chair Elaine Akagi emphasized the importance of including this history given the growing Southeast Asian population in California.
• Mori Continued: Recognizing Redress Leaders, by Floyd Mori, page 16. This continuation lists numerous JACL leaders and allies who contributed to the Redress movement, including Sen. Spark Matsunaga, Sen. Daniel Inouye, and members of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Mori emphasizes that many unsung heroes deserve recognition despite limited opportunities to honor them all.

Arts & Entertainment

• Lloyd Shall Inherit the Earth, by Lynda Lin, page 9. Actor Rex Lee discusses his role as Lloyd on HBO’s ‘Entourage,’ his journey from typecast service roles to a beloved character, and his experience coming out as gay to his Korean American parents. Lee reflects on being one of few openly gay actors in Hollywood and his hopes for reducing homophobia in the industry.

Obituaries

• In Memoriam – 2008, by P.C. Staff, page 15. This obituary listing includes remembrances of numerous Japanese American community members who passed away in 2008, including WWII veterans and longtime residents across California and other states. Entries include survivor details and notable life histories such as Eugenia Sumiye Okoshi, an artist who lived through WWII.

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