Tragedy at the 21st Biennial JACL Convention in Chicago

Vol. 71, No. 5, July 31, 1970. 8 pages. View this issue

The 21st Biennial National Convention in Chicago began and ended in sorrow, and that is where this issue began too. National President Jerry Enomoto wrote about the death of Evelynn Okubo at the Palmer House and praised the youth, advisers and staff for their composure. Patti Iwataki, her roommate, answered rumors about her and Ranko Yamada, and a joint column by Warren Furutani, Patti Iwataki, Victor Shibata and Ron Wakabayashi criticized the press coverage. Bill Marutani and Dr. John Kanda added their own reflections.

The issue also reported the convention’s business. Mike Masaoka’s report urged a new Washington office, the council adopted a $248,000 budget for 1971-72, and the 1972 convention was set for Washington, D.C. Bill Hosokawa’s column recalled Earl Warren’s regret over the wartime evacuation, and the editorial page followed the Title II repeal campaign.

What’s in this issue

Community

• Palmer House Tragedy: Enomoto Reflects on Convention Sadness, by Jerry Enomoto, page 1. JACL National President Jerry Enomoto reflects on the 21st Biennial National Convention, which opened and closed with tragedy including the death of Evelynn Okubo at the Palmer House. He praises the youth, adult advisers, and national staff for their composure and the officers and delegates for their work under difficult conditions.
• Roommate Clears Up Rumors About Palmer House Tragedy Victims, by Patti Iwataki, page 1. Patti Iwataki, roommate of Evelynn Okubo and Ranko Yamada, clarifies that the girls only visited community groups as individuals and were not involved with any national group. She denounces rumors and sensationalist press coverage that unfairly characterized the victims.
• Bay Areans Plan 25th Anniversary of Atom Bombing Commemoration, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Asian American groups in San Francisco and Berkeley are planning commemorative events August 6-9 to mark the 25th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Events include a Livermore vigil, Nisei and Issei perspective programs, and a Peace Pagoda ceremony.
• Nisei Teacher to Head Curriculum Project in S.F., by P.C. Staff, page 3. Mrs. Katherine Morooka Reyes was appointed San Francisco’s Asian American Studies Teacher Specialist, the first Nisei to hold the post. She will develop Asian American curriculum at all levels.
• Drug Overdose Causes Death of 2 Islanders, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A Massachusetts medical examiner determined that an overdose of drugs caused the deaths of Edward Arima and Peter Guard, two young men from Hawaii found in Marlboro, Massachusetts. Both were well-educated and had been planning promising futures.
• Obara Murder Case: Three Suspects Held Without Bail, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Three men have been charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery in the pistol-whipping death of Honolulu grocer Masaharu Obara, while his brother Wataru remains in serious condition. Neighbors praised the Obara brothers as honest and generous.
• Chicago Tragedy: Commentary on the Palmer House Incident and Media Coverage, by Warren Furutani, Patti Iwataki, Victor Shibata, Ron Wakabayashi, page 4. A collaborative column criticizes the Chicago press for sensationalism and distortion in reporting the Palmer House tragedy, and argues the media have historically stereotyped and persecuted minority groups including Japanese Americans in 1942. The authors call for understanding and warn against scapegoating political organizations.

JACL

• 1972 Convention Dates and Location Set for June 25-29 in Washington, D.C., by P.C. Staff, page 1. The 1972 National JACL Convention will be held June 25-29 at the Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C., with a tentative calendar of events including congressional visits, embassy receptions, and a White House reception. A $10,000 operating budget has been estimated and a convention theme is still being sought.
• New Washington Office Urged in Mike Masaoka Biennial Report, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Mike Masaoka’s biennial report to the convention called for a new, fully staffed and funded Washington JACL Office, estimated at $40,000 per year. The report also raised questions about JACL’s future identity as a Nisei, Nisei-Sansei, or Asian American organization and summarized legislative successes.
• JACL Century Club May Be Organized Yet, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A $100 annual contribution from Mr. and Mrs. Fred Ota of Los Angeles was acknowledged at the convention banquet, potentially launching a JACL Century Club for sustaining contributors. The plan aims to support JACL operations beyond what 1000 Club members contribute.
• Summary of Official Actions of the 21st Biennial National Council, by Masao W. Satow, page 1. National Director Mas Satow summarizes the official National Council actions at the 21st Biennial Convention, including a $10,000 reward for the apprehension of Evelynn Okubo’s murderer, creation of a special committee, and votes on credentials, nominations, endowment funds, membership, dues, international affairs, and integration busing. The actions cover a wide range of organizational policy.
• Jerry Enomoto: Thanks and Thoughts, by Jerry Enomoto, page 5. In his President’s Luncheon address, Jerry Enomoto thanks JACL members, staff, and professionals for their efforts over the past four years. He urges understanding within JACL and of the changing social landscape, and calls for the organization to take firm stands on issues like the Vietnam War and racism.
• Approved National JACL Budget for 1971-72 at $248,000, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The National Council adopted a $248,000 budget for 1971-72, including funds for a Washington office, additional staff, and student aid. The budget also raised national dues by $2 and approved district budget quotas.
• Nominations Policy on Announcement Rescinded, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The National JACL Board rescinded the policy requiring simultaneous announcement of all national office candidates, allowing district councils to announce nominees as soon as possible. The decision is subject to National Council ratification.

Commentary

• In Appreciation, by Mike Masaoka, page 2. Mike Masaoka thanks all who participated in the Mike M. Masaoka Testimonial and honors JACL co-workers who could not attend. He announces the postponement of the planned family round-the-world trip and outlines future JACL priorities regarding Congress and US-Japan relations.
• From the Frying Pan, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Bill Hosokawa recounts a conversation with a West Coast writer who relayed Earl Warren’s regret over the wartime evacuation of Japanese Americans. Hosokawa also describes the Golden Age of Nisei political and economic influence in Hawaii, including the upcoming lieutenant governor race.
• Understanding the Tragedy: Reflections from the Convention, by Bill Marutani, page 4. The author reflects on the Chicago tragedy and calls for understanding of the circumstances that produce violence. He notes the young women’s visits to community organizations and praises the Junior JACL for handling the crisis with maturity.
• Editorial: JACL’s Executive Command, by Harry K. Honda, page 8. Editor Harry Honda discusses the decentralization of JACL’s executive command under new president Raymond Uno and lists committee positions needing volunteers. He emphasizes the importance of wider leadership understanding despite limited funds for meetings.
• Letter: Convention Tragedy, by John M. Kanda, M.D., page 8. Dr. John Kanda praises the youth delegates for their composure during the emergency response to the Palmer House tragedy. He notes their calm and reassuring behavior under duress reflects strong future leadership for JACL.
• Letter: National Convention Procedures, by William Hohri, page 8. William Hohri, a Chicago Liberation Chapter delegate, explains his parliamentary motions at the convention and argues that proxy voting should be eliminated under Robert’s Rules of Order. He also critiques the outsized influence of certain leaders on delegate decisions.
• Essay Contest Second Prize: Communication as the Basis for Change, by Randy Horiuchi, page 8. Randy Horiuchi of the Salt Lake Jr. JACL argues that effective communication is the foundation for change, tracing JACL’s history of bridging gaps between Japanese Americans and fellow Americans. He identifies three lines of communication: between JACL and society, among members, and between JACL and its youth.

Arts & Entertainment

• Opening Day at Chicago Convention Features Youth Speakers and Candidate Forums, by Don Hayashi, page 4. The opening day of the 21st JACL convention featured oratorical contest winners, essay readings on the convention theme, and presidential candidate speeches. Youth leaders and the National Liberation Caucus also presented their positions.

Military & Veterans

• Nisei of the Biennium Recognition for Dr. Paul Terasaki and Others, by P.C. Staff, page 5. JACL recognized Dr. Paul Terasaki for his pioneering tissue typing work that made kidney and heart transplants possible, along with other honorees including S.I. Hayakawa and Shiro Kashiwa. Their achievements in medicine, education, and government service were highlighted.

Incarceration & Redress

• Title II Repeal Campaign Moves Toward Congressional Action, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The editorial examines the Title II repeal campaign, noting that the Senate has passed the bill and the House Internal Security Committee is considering it, with a majority reportedly in favor. The campaign succeeded in uniting JACL members across ideological lines.

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