Vol. 67, No. 10, September 6, 1968. 8 pages. View this issue
The 20th Biennial Convention in San Jose filled this issue. The JACL National Council voted to campaign for repeal of the Emergency Detention Camp proviso in the Internal Security Act of 1950, and a civil rights forum produced a twelve-point consensus on JACL’s role. National President Jerry Enomoto called the gathering a first-rate success, and Bill Hosokawa described a luncheon honoring George Inagaki. Henry Kanegae and Tom Taketa added their own reflections and thanks.
Other pages report the 1969-70 budget of $177,000, the adoption of revised wording for the JACL Preamble, and a generation gap forum, with Alan Kumamoto writing on the Junior JACL events. Mike Masaoka reviewed the Democratic National Convention and Senator Daniel Inouye’s keynote speech. The essays by contest winners Karen M. Suzuki and Mary Shimoguchi appear on page 6.
What’s in this issue
JACL
- JACL to Campaign Repeal of Detention Camp Clause, by P.C. Staff, page 1. At its national convention in San Jose, the JACL National Council voted to campaign for repeal of the Emergency Detention Camp proviso in the Internal Security Act of 1950. The council directed the national board to form an ad hoc committee to develop and fund the repeal effort.
- Civil Rights Dialogue at Confab Drafts 12-Point Consensus for JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A civil rights forum at the San Jose convention produced a twelve-point consensus on JACL’s role in civil rights, accepted for the minutes by the National Council. Points included member self-examination, youth involvement, and repeal of the Emergency Detention Act.
- Rights Panelists Excite Convention, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Four panelists, including Dr. Price Cobb and Joe Maldonado, addressed the JACL civil rights forum on racism and minority relations. They urged Japanese Americans to confront white racism and build coalitions with other minority groups.
- JACL Preamble, Statement of Policy, Installation Oath Changes Adopted, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The National Council adopted revised wording for the JACL Preamble, Statement of Policy, and installation oath at the San Jose convention. The changes update the civil rights commitments made in 1963 and 1966.
- Convention Post-Mortem, by Henry Kanegae, page 3. Newly elected First Vice President Henry Kanegae reflects on the convention and thanks supporters. He urges that the decisions made in San Jose be implemented through the chapters.
- Arigato, by Tom Taketa, page 3. Convention Chairman Tom Taketa thanks the speakers, panelists, staff, and volunteers who made the San Jose convention successful. He acknowledges the cooperation of local institutions and hotels.
- A Call to Action, by Jerry Enomoto, page 3. In his report as National President, Enomoto assesses JACL’s progress on human rights and calls for more aggressive action. He recommends broader legislative concern, public policy involvement, and adjusted national priorities.
- Actions at San Jose National Convention, by P.C. Staff, page 5. This report summarizes actions taken by the National Council and National Board at the 20th Biennial Convention, including planning reorganization, membership dues changes, legislative positions, and civil rights measures.
- Generation Gap Forum Is Fruitful, by Don Hayashi, page 6. A youth-adult forum on the generation gap at the San Jose convention opened dialogue between Nisei and Sansei on Junior JACL, membership, and cultural heritage. Participants agreed more communication between generations was needed.
- $177,000 Budget OK’d for 1969-70, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The National Council adopted a $177,000 budget for 1969-70, raising national dues to $6.50 and allocating district quotas. The increase funds a major civil rights staff position and other program items.
- Pat Okura Chosen by Ex-Presidents to Board, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Eight past national presidents selected Pat Okura for the National Board, succeeding Dr. Roy Nishikawa. The selection was made at the San Jose convention.
Commentary
- First Rate Success, by Jerry Enomoto, page 1. National President Jerry Enomoto praises the 20th Biennial Convention in San Jose as a first-rate success despite logistical challenges and weather. He urges chapters to sustain the momentum from the convention on civil and human rights work.
- Mike Masaoka Washington Newsletter: Democratic Convention, by Mike Masaoka, page 2. Masaoka reviews the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, highlighting the roles of Senator Daniel Inouye and Congressman Spark Matsunaga. He notes Inouye’s keynote speech on racial inequality drew wide attention.
- From the Frying Pan, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Hosokawa describes a luncheon honoring George Inagaki at the San Jose convention, recalling the JACL’s origins in early San Francisco meetings. He reflects on the dedication of Nisei leaders who built the organization despite hostility.
- Party Politics, by Roger Nikaido, page 4. Nikaido reflects on the Democratic and Republican conventions as a valuable democratic process despite their disorder. He argues the televised debates exposed the country’s tensions and open political system.
- Happiness Is, by Kumamoto, page 4. A columnist reflects on the Junior JACL experience at the San Jose convention and the joy of youth participation.
- The New Generation for the Future, by Karen M. Suzuki, page 6. Oratorical contest winner Karen Suzuki argues that young Japanese Americans must channel their activism into civil rights work. She calls on JACL to implement programs that address discrimination.
- Heritage for the Future, by Mary Shimoguchi, page 6. Essay contest winner Mary Shimoguchi argues that rights imply responsibilities and that Japanese Americans should use their experience to support civil rights. She urges Sansei to take active roles in human relations efforts.
- Accent on Youth, by Alan Kumamoto, page 6. Youth Director Alan Kumamoto recaps the Junior JACL convention events in San Jose, including a recognition luncheon, outing, and a generation gap discussion. He describes youth-adult interaction during the gathering.
- The Three I’s of Ginza, by Jim Henry, page 8. Henry describes the resurgence of Ginza bars in Tokyo catering to Vietnam-bound GIs on rest and recreation leave. He details how pimps and bar owners fleece soldiers of their money.
Community
- Dan Inouye’s Parents Watch Son Deliver Keynoter, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Senator Daniel Inouye’s parents in Honolulu watched his keynote address at the Democratic National Convention on television. Family friends and neighbors called to express their pride in the speech.
- Oakland JACL Backs Its Police Chief, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Oakland JACL supported Police Chief C. R. Gain’s order restricting the use of guns in burglary and auto theft cases. The City Council referred the issue to its civil action committee without deciding.
- Nisaburo Aibara, 99, Honored with Japanese Imperial Medal in Cortez, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Nisaburo Aibara, a 99-year-old pioneer of the Cortez Japanese community, received the Order of the Sacred Treasure from the Japanese government. The ceremony drew many former students and community members.
- Dr. Nobe Graduate Scholarship Deadline Extended, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The JACL extended the deadline for chapter nominations for the Dr. Mutsumi Nobe Graduate Scholarship to September 15. The $500 award supports male graduate students in biological or physical sciences or engineering.
Military & Veterans
- WW1 Oriental Veteran Citizenship Victory Banquet Signatures Found, by Tamotsu Murayama, page 3. Murayama recalls a 1968 San Francisco celebration honoring Tokutaro Nishimura Slocum and other Japanese American WWI veterans whose naturalization rights were finally secured. He describes the guest list signed in Japanese by attendees.
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