Jerry Enomoto on JACL’s future, and a bombing in Seattle’s Central Area

Vol. 70, No. 17, May 1, 1970. 8 pages. View this issue

National JACL President Jerry Enomoto’s address to the Oakland JACL took over the front page. Speaking about three months before his four years in office ended, he skipped a history of his term and urged open dialogue, more involvement in civil rights, and work against racism and poverty. The same page reported four bombings in Seattle’s Central Area on April 19 that damaged a Japanese Presbyterian church, two businesses and a residence, with no injuries. It also covered the launch of the Mike M. Masaoka Trust Fund, with over $4,000 raised and a July 16 testimonial dinner planned for Chicago.

Inside are columns by Mike Masaoka on Earth Day and Bill Hosokawa on a return visit to Tacoma and Olympia. Two editorials on page 8 praised the push to repeal Title II of the Internal Security Act and discussed Earl Warren’s role in the wartime evacuation. Letters and opinion pieces from Patti Dohzen, Ronald Taniguchi, Dave Takashima and Mary Anna Takagi addressed JACL’s direction and the generation gap.

What’s in this issue

JACL

• Current Trends and JACL, by Jerry Enomoto, page 1. National JACL President Jerry Enomoto addresses the Oakland JACL, reflecting on his four years in office and the organization’s future. He urges open dialogue, greater community involvement in civil rights, and reducing racism and poverty.
• JACLers urged to reduce poverty and racism in U.S., by P.C. Staff, page 1. At an Oakland JACL meeting, National President Jerry Enomoto urged conservatives and liberals in JACL to work together against racism and poverty. He cited hopelessness and apathy as the greatest obstacles facing the Japanese American community.
• Masaoka Trust Fund campaign launched; $4,000 already raised, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Solicitation brochures for the Mike M. Masaoka Trust Fund are being mailed nationwide to honor his 30 years of service. Over $4,000 has been raised so far, with a testimonial dinner planned for July 16 in Chicago.
• Jiji Press to publish Hosokawa book in Japan, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Jiji Press won rights to translate and publish Bill Hosokawa’s book Nisei: The Quiet Americans in Japanese. JACL has distributed about 14,000 copies of the book, and a third printing is underway.
• Optimism seen in ’70s for civil rights, by Herbert Horikawa, page 2. Herbert Horikawa reports on the Civil Liberties Clearing House Conference in Washington, D.C., covering news media freedom, crime legislation, and civil rights outlook. Speakers including Sen. Philip Hart and Mayor Carl Stokes discussed the challenges ahead.

National

• Bomb rips Japanese church in Seattle, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A series of four bombings damaged a Japanese Presbyterian church, two businesses, and a residence in Seattle’s Central Area on April 19, with no injuries. Officials are seeking federal help, as the bombings may fall under civil rights legislation.
• Court absolves Loyal Order of Moose in refusing Negro service, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A Pennsylvania court ruled the Loyal Order of the Moose could refuse service to Rep. K. Leroy Irvis, a Black legislator, though the judge criticized the refusal. The Human Relations Commission plans to appeal, and bills to bring private clubs under liquor board oversight are pending.
• Nat’l ethnic culture council proposed, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Sen. Hugh Scott introduced S. 3566 to create an 11-member National Council on American Minority History and Culture. The council would study and promote recognition of minority cultural contributions.
• Earth Day, by Mike Masaoka, page 2. Mike Masaoka reflects on the nationwide Earth Day demonstrations of April 22 and the growing environmental movement. He argues that social pollution such as racism must be addressed alongside environmental cleanup.

Community

• Sequoia JACL hosts May 3 quarterly; two-year term sought for NC-WNDC leader, by Shigeki J. Sugiyama, page 1. Sequoia JACL will host the NC-WNDC quarterly session on May 3 with oratorical contest finals and a dinner speech by Harry McMillan. The district board also proposed amending the constitution to elect the governor directly to a two-year term.
• Berkeley board OKs $27,000 for Asian studies, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Berkeley Board of Education approved $27,000 for the Asian American Curriculum Task Force to run a summer workshop writing a comprehensive Asian American curriculum for all grade levels. The workshop will also hire staff and community consultants.
• How the State Has Grown, by Bill Hosokawa, page 2. Bill Hosokawa describes his return visit to the Tacoma and Olympia area of Washington, noting dramatic changes in the landscape and the memories tied to Puyallup. He reflects on the Nisei sports rivalries of the past and the pace of modern life.

Incarceration & Redress

• Okei’s gravesite endorsed as site for state park, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Marshall Gold Discovery State Park Advisory Committee endorsed purchasing the 6.25-acre gravesite of Okei Ito, the first Japanese girl to die in America. The state is moving to preserve the site as a historical landmark linked to the Wakamatsu Tea and Silk Colony.

Military & Veterans

• Japanese shiitake contains antigens against influenza and cholesterol, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Tohoku University virologists reported that shiitake mushroom spores contain a substance that protected mice against influenza. A separate study found shiitake-derived compounds help reduce cholesterol.
• Tarawa, by Beekman, page 4. A review of a book about the 1943 Tarawa battle describes the Japanese defensive preparations and the costly U.S. Marine assault. The review notes the battle’s bloodiness and the lessons learned for later campaigns.

Commentary

• Reply to Bob’s Letter, by Patti Dohzen, page 5. Patti Dohzen responds to a letter from Bob about the Chicago convention site, explaining her view that delegates should experience the injustices of the city firsthand. She also criticizes Dr. Hayakawa’s remarks and reflects on the growing polarization within JACL.
• A solution to the Generation Gap, by Ronald Taniguchi, page 5. Ronald Taniguchi examines the generation gap of the 1960s, arguing that parents raised in hardship pursued material security while youth sought integrity and social change. He concludes that the cool generation of activists remains a minority.
• Open road opens up thoughts on the Sansei, by Dave Takashima, page 5. Dave Takashima recounts a solo road trip along the West Coast, reflecting on the many JACL members he knows across the region. He concludes with a reflection on people respecting each other’s differences.
• Let JACL of 1970 help to better understanding, by Mary Anna Takagi, page 6. Oakland JACL President Mary Anna Takagi reflects on the diverse philosophies within JACL and the importance of citizenship awareness. She urges members to look beyond self-interest and to cooperate with one another.
• Editorial: Detention law repeal, by P.C. Staff, page 8. A Palo Alto Times editorial endorses JACL’s campaign to repeal Title II of the Internal Security Act, citing Earl Warren’s support. The editorial notes the wartime evacuation of Japanese Americans as a lesson California must not repeat.
• Mr. Warren’s Conscience, by P.C. Staff, page 8. A Watsonville Register-Pajaronian editorial criticizes Earl Warren for never expressing regret for his role urging the Japanese American evacuation. It applauds his recent call for repeal of the Emergency Detention Act.
• Letter: High school coach, by Sharon M. Fujii, page 8. Sharon Fujii responds to a column about Frank Fujii, questioning why there are so few Nisei coaches in major sports. She argues that stereotypes and discrimination help explain the absence and praises Fujii’s work with youth.
• Teacher on Strike, by Mrs. Arlene Kushida, page 8. A striking teacher explains that Los Angeles schools face worsening conditions, large classes, and projected budget cuts. She calls on parents and officials to support better funding for education.

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