Vol. 56, No. 26, June 28, 1963. 4 pages. View this issue
Civil rights ran through this four-page issue, and the question on its pages was what role JACL should play. Mike Masaoka’s Washington Newsletter argued that JACL should review its civil rights policy in light of the urgency of the day and the 1963 civil rights legislation, and recommended that chapters and district councils take part in national efforts. Saburo Kido, on the commentary page, argued that the Nisei should support the cause through sympathy and established channels rather than direct demonstrations. The Pacific Citizen also asked several prominent Nisei the same question and printed their differing answers, including Harry Kitano, Fred Hikasuna, Gyomay Kubose and Joe Sagami.
The news side covered the issue close to home. California’s compromise fair housing bill, AB 1240, passed the State Legislature with Governor Brown’s backing, and a Los Angeles march to the Board of Education followed stalled talks over school integration. Detroit JACL also announced its convention board for the 1964 national convention.
What’s in this issue
National
- JACL and Civil Rights Today, by Mike Masaoka, page 1. Mike Masaoka’s Washington Newsletter argues that JACL should review its civil rights policy in light of current urgency and the stakes of the 1963 civil rights legislation. He outlines JACL’s long-standing commitment to equal rights and recommends the Washington representative, chapters, and district councils actively participate in national civil rights efforts.
- Compromise Fair Housing Bill Passes in State, by P.C. Staff, page 1. California’s AB 1240, a compromise fair housing bill with enforcement provisions against race discrimination in housing, passed the State Legislature and was backed by Governor Brown. The measure could cover about 35 percent of all housing in the state according to its supporters.
Community
- Los Angeles-Type Demonstration Hit Birmingham-Style Protests, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Negro leaders in Los Angeles staged a march to the Board of Education after negotiations with city officials over school integration and other grievances stalled. Board members and civil rights leaders described the demonstration and the ongoing dispute over segregation.
- Detroit JACL Gears Up for 1964 National Convention, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Detroit JACL announced its convention board for the 18th Biennial National JACL Convention, set for July 1-4, 1964 at the Sheraton-Cadillac Hotel. Chapter leaders outlined plans for the event and its committee assignments.
Commentary
- Direct Action Not Our Course—Says Warrior, by Saburo Kido, page 4. Kido argues that JACL should support Negro civil rights through sympathy and established channels rather than direct demonstrations, citing the need for careful strategy and leadership by those most involved. He stresses that the Nisei community should avoid disruptions while helping the cause lawfully.
- Should JACL Demonstrate?, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Pacific Citizen invited prominent Nisei to comment on whether JACL should join Negro civil rights demonstrations, and several responses are printed. Contributors including Harry Kitano, Fred Hikasuna, Gyomay Kubose, and Joe Sagami offer differing views on the appropriate role for the organization.
Thank you for exploring the Pacific Citizen archive. The title, introduction and contents on this page were written by an AI model from scans of the printed issue, so they may contain mistakes. If you spot one, we would be grateful if you let us know.