The Power of Words debate and the 2011 JACL convention

Vol. 153, No. 3, August 5, 2011. 16 pages. View this issue

The words used to describe the World War II incarceration (often called internment) ran through this issue. Celia Sekijima wrote in favor of the term “illegal prison camps,” and Nalea J. Ko spoke with Japanese American veterans who helped liberate Dachau about whether “American concentration camp” fits their families’ experience, as JACL’s Power of Words resolution works toward standard terminology. The 42nd National JACL Convention in Hollywood was recapped by Floyd Mori and in two columns by Harry K. Honda, and Greer Nishikawa wrote a letter of thanks to JACL.

Elsewhere, Ko profiled San Jose Taiko’s new leaders and actress Shay Mitchell, and Christine Fukushima looked at Asian-interest fraternities and sororities. Pages 10 and 11 cover Heart Mountain artwork, the Bainbridge Island memorial wall, and students visiting Tule Lake. Chapter news includes scholarship winners from Florin, San Jose and Puyallup Valley, and Sean Palmer’s 4,000-mile bike ride, which honors his grandfather’s 442nd Regimental Combat Team service.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• JACL Conventions Go Green, by Harry K. Honda, page 2. The author reflects on the increasing use of digital tools like laptops and CDs at JACL conventions, comparing it to past paper-based methods. He suggests future conventions could move toward digital vote recording instead of physical cards.
• A Thank You to JACL, by Greer Nishikawa, page 2. A Caucasian woman who married into a Japanese American family describes her pride and emotional connection after attending her third JACL convention. She thanks JACL for its inclusive community and inspiring events like Lt. Daniel Choi’s speech.
• Power of Words, by Celia Sekijima, page 2. A brief letter advocating for the term ‘illegal prison camps’ to more accurately describe the WWII Japanese American incarceration experience. The writer emphasizes the importance of accuracy in language.
• ‘Substance’ of a JACL Convention, by Harry K. Honda, page 8. Editor emeritus Harry Honda reflects on the history and procedural details of JACL national conventions, comparing past decades to the present digital age. He discusses convention rules, delegate proxies, and the organization’s evolution over the decades.
• Appreciating Asian American Culture at the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, by Gil Asakawa, page 8. Gil Asakawa recounts a moving moment at the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival where diverse cultural performances, from hip-hop to Okinawan dance to Bon Odori, united a large crowd. He reflects on the festival’s power to bridge cultures and build community over its 11-year history.

JACL

• Another Successful National JACL Convention, by Floyd Mori, page 2. National Director Floyd Mori recaps the 42nd National JACL Convention held in Hollywood, thanking organizers, sponsors, and attendees for making it a success. He highlights notable guests, award recipients, and reflects on the convention’s importance for fostering community and organizational business.
• Former Secretary of Transportation to Chair JACL Gala, page 12. Former Secretary Norman Y. Mineta will serve as honorary chair of JACL’s annual gala in Washington, D.C. this September. The ‘Salute to Champions’ event honors individuals and corporations who have contributed to JACL’s causes.

In-Depth

• San Jose Taiko Drumming to the Beats of a New Generation, by Nalea J. Ko, page 3. San Jose Taiko’s founders Roy and PJ Hirabayashi have passed leadership to Wisa Uemura and Franco Imperial, marking a generational shift for the pioneering taiko group. The article traces the group’s history, its influence on American taiko, and its involvement in the North American Taiko Conference.
• WWII JA Vets Weigh in on Power of Words Movement, by Nalea J. Ko, page 4. Japanese American WWII veterans who helped liberate Dachau share differing views on whether the term ‘American concentration camp’ accurately describes their families’ WWII incarceration experience. The article explores the ongoing JACL Power of Words resolution and its effort to create standardized terminology for the JA experience.
• Going Greek, the Asian-Interest Way, by Christine Fukushima, page 5. The article explores why Asian American college students join Asian-interest fraternities and sororities, citing community, cultural connection, and experiences with discrimination in mainstream Greek life. It features personal stories from students at SDSU, LMU, and SUNY Buffalo, along with historical context on Asian-interest Greek organizations.
• Heart Mountain Artwork Lives On, by Pacific Citizen Staff and Associated Press, page 10. A collection of artwork created by Japanese Americans incarcerated at Heart Mountain during WWII is on display at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. The exhibit showcases woodcarvings, embroidery, and other crafts made from salvaged materials, highlighting the internees’ resilience and creativity.

National

• Goodwin Liu Nominated to California High Court, by P.C. Staff and Associated Press, page 6. Gov. Jerry Brown nominated Goodwin Liu, whose federal appeals court nomination was previously blocked, to the California Supreme Court. The nomination has sparked controversy among Latino groups who wanted a Hispanic justice to fill the seat.
• After Sex Allegation, U.S. Congressman Wu to Resign, by Kevin Freking, page 6. U.S. Rep. David Wu announced he will resign following allegations of an unwanted sexual encounter with an 18-year-old woman. Wu, the first Chinese American elected to the House, cited his children’s well-being as his reason for stepping down.
• Locke Approved as Ambassador to China, by Associated Press, page 6. The Senate unanimously confirmed Commerce Secretary Gary Locke as U.S. ambassador to China, making him the first Chinese American to hold the position. Locke replaces Jon Huntsman, who resigned to explore a presidential run.
• Team Looks to Preserve Honouliuli, by Associated Press, page 6. A National Park Service team is reviewing recommendations to preserve the former Honouliuli internment camp site in Hawaii. Congress could eventually designate the site as a national park to ensure the history is remembered.
• Japanese Tea Ceremony Held at Pearl Harbor, by Audrey McAvoy, page 7. A traditional Japanese tea ceremony was performed for the first time at the USS Arizona Memorial to promote peace and reconciliation between the U.S. and Japan. Pearl Harbor survivors and dignitaries attended the ceremony, which also marked the 60th anniversary of the Urasenke tea school’s Hawaii chapter.
• Comcast, NBCUniversal Name Asian American Leaders to Advisory Council, page 7. Comcast and NBCUniversal created a diversity advisory council, including JACL National Director Floyd Mori, to guide their diversity initiatives. The council stems from a memorandum of understanding with the APA community established before the companies’ merger.
• ‘Ching Chong’ Food Delivery Accused of Racism, by Associated Press, page 7. A California assemblyman is criticizing a Westwood food delivery service named after a racist phrase used in a viral anti-Asian YouTube rant. UCLA is also investigating the business for potentially violating campus policies on dorm business operations.
• Panel Votes to Kill East-West Center, by Mark Niesse, page 7. A U.S. House committee voted to eliminate federal funding for Hawaii’s East-West Center, though its leaders remain confident the institution will survive the legislative process. Hawaii lawmakers, including Sen. Daniel Inouye, are expected to fight to preserve funding.
• National Newsbytes, by Pacific Citizen Staff and Associated Press, page 10. A roundup of national news briefs including the sale of a historic Fresno Buddhist temple, a Snake River JACL origami crane fundraiser for Japan disaster relief, a 100th birthday celebration for a man who saved JA farms during WWII, new federal health data standards benefiting APAs, and a discrimination lawsuit against Abercrombie & Fitch over a fired Muslim employee’s hijab.
• Bainbridge Island Memorial Wall Dedication, page 11. The Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial Wall, marking the site where the first Japanese Americans were forcibly removed during WWII, will be dedicated in a special ceremony. The 276-foot wall, made of cedar, granite and basalt, lists the names of the 276 islanders incarcerated under Roosevelt’s exclusion order.

Arts & Entertainment

• ‘Pretty Little Liars’ Actress Shay Mitchell on Coming to America, by Nalea J. Ko, page 9. Canadian actress Shay Mitchell discusses her breakout role as Emily Fields on ABC Family’s ‘Pretty Little Liars’ and how playing a lesbian character has resonated with LGBT youth. She also reflects on her mixed Filipino, Irish and Scottish heritage and her journey from a shy teenager to a rising Hollywood star.

Community

• WWII JA Vets to Be Honored at LA’s Nisei Week, page 10. Japanese American WWII veterans will be honored at the Nisei Week Japanese Festival in Los Angeles ahead of the national Congressional Gold Medal celebration. Events include a community celebration and the Nisei Week Grand Parade.
• APAs in the News, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 11. This roundup covers Warren Furutani’s run for LA City Council, JANM President Akemi Kikumura Yano stepping down, JAVA scholarship winners, Nisei Week parade grand marshals, leadership changes at LEAP, and a new director for Utah’s Office of Ethnic Affairs. Each brief highlights notable career moves and achievements among Asian Pacific American leaders.
• Students Visit Tule Lake to Share Experiences, page 11. Asian Pacific American and Muslim American students participating in JACL’s San Francisco Bridging Communities program visited Tule Lake to learn about parallels between post-Pearl Harbor and post-9/11 discrimination. Nisei survivor Jimi Yamaichi shared firsthand accounts of incarceration, and students documented historical writings at the site.
• President of JACL’s Newest Chapter Emphasizes Service, page 12. Jennifer Linh Vu, president of the newly ratified Gulf Coast API JACL chapter, discusses her work rebuilding community ties after Hurricane Katrina and the BP oil spill. She shares her family’s refugee history from Vietnam and her vision for growing JACL’s presence in the Gulf Coast region.
• Going the Extra 4,000 Miles, by Sean Palmer, page 13. Mile-Hi JACL member Sean Palmer describes his participation in the Journey of Hope, a 4,000-mile cross-country bike ride raising awareness and funds for people with disabilities. He details his fundraising efforts, inspired by his grandfather’s 442nd Regimental Combat Team service, and asks the JA community for support.
• Florin JACL Recognizes Scholarship Winners, page 13. Florin JACL named six graduating seniors from the Sacramento area as recipients of its 2011 scholarship awards, each receiving $1,000. The scholars are heading to various universities including UCLA, UC Irvine, and Sacramento City College.
• San Jose JACL Announces 2011 Scholarships, page 13. San Jose JACL awarded thirteen scholarships totaling $24,250 at a luncheon at the Issei Memorial Building. The scholarships were sponsored by various individuals, families, and organizations for students attending schools throughout the San Jose area.
• Summer Camp Teaches Youth About Japanese Culture, page 13. The second annual Chibi-no-Gakko Summer Camp in Fullerton taught young participants about Nisei resettlement history through cultural activities like ceramics, shibori crafts, and mochi-making. Guest speakers addressed the group about Japanese American farming history and WWII internment.
• Puyallup Valley JACL Announces Scholarship Winners, page 13. Puyallup Valley JACL awarded three chapter scholarships to Sean Tanino, Geoffrey Sasaki, and Jeremy Morita at a recent chapter event. The event also installed new chapter board members for the 2011-12 term.
• Sponsors, Members Made the Convention a Success, page 16. The 42nd JACL National Convention in Hollywood drew over 300 attendees and was made possible by key sponsors including State Farm, Southwest Airlines, and AT&T. The article thanks sponsors for their continued support of JACL programs and previews next year’s convention in Seattle.

Obituaries

• Takashi Matsuda, page 15. Takashi Matsuda, 87, passed away on December 5, 2010, survived by his children, grandchildren, and sisters. Graveside services were held at Green Hills Memorial Park in Rancho Palos Verdes.
• Yayeko Jean Koda, page 15. Yayeko Jean Koda, 92, died on July 13, 2011, remembered as a devoted mother, businesswoman, and matriarch who helped rebuild the family’s Koda Farms rice business after WWII internment. She was known for mentoring widows in financial literacy and hosting large annual family reunions.
• Yukio A. Hibino, page 15. Yukio ‘Yuk’ Hibino, a 90-year-old Nisei WWII veteran who served in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team’s 522nd Field Artillery Battalion, passed away on July 7, 2011. He was remembered as a humble, generous man who volunteered at the Go For Broke monument in Little Tokyo after the war.

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