Vol. 56, No. 7, February 15, 1963. 4 pages. View this issue
Detroit’s preparations for the 1964 national convention opened this four-page issue. The newly organized Detroit JACL installed its officers at a ceremony attended by National JACL President Paul Okura and Mike Masaoka, and the event kicked off planning for the July 1964 gathering. Civil rights and voting rights ran through the front page: California and Maryland ratified the 24th Amendment abolishing the poll tax, and Senator Hiram Fong co-sponsored S. 666 on literacy tests in federal elections. Mike Masaoka’s column covered the failed Senate vote to end a filibuster, and a bipartisan bill from Senator Philip Hart would end national origins quotas.
Inside, former JACL president Harry Takagi asked “Why Am I a JACLer?”, and Jerry Enomoto wrote about receiving a JACL Sapphire Pin. Em Kayo contributed a humorous column on mothering teenagers, and the United Committee for the Japanese Community wrote about the Nihonmachi Project in San Francisco. Chapter news from Puyallup Valley and Alameda closes out the issue.
What’s in this issue
JACL
- Detroit Prepares for ’64 Convention with Chapter Installation, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The newly organized Detroit JACL installed its officers in a ceremony attended by National JACL President Paul Okura and Mike Masaoka. The event kicked off preparations for the 1964 National Convention in Detroit, July 1964.
- Puyallup Valley President Congratulated, by P.C. Staff, page 1. George Iwakiri was installed as president of the Puyallup Valley JACL chapter, succeeding Ken Yamane. National Vice President Tak Kubota praised the chapter and the accomplishments of Nisei GIs in the Pacific theater.
- Some Reflections on a Pin, by Jerry Enomoto, page 4. National First Vice President Jerry Enomoto reflects on receiving a JACL Sapphire Pin and the two-way nature of JACL service. He describes the personal growth and friendships gained through JACL activity.
National
- Anti-Poll Tax Amendment Ratified by California and Maryland Legislatures, by P.C. Staff, page 1. California and Maryland legislatures ratified the 24th Amendment abolishing the poll tax. Favorable action by 31 more states is needed for ratification.
- California Textbook Criteria to Show Contributions of Minorities, by P.C. Staff, page 1. California’s State Curriculum Commission will extend textbook adoption criteria to ensure contributions of minority groups are reflected. The McAteer resolution was mailed to textbook publishers.
- Equal Voting Rights Bill Introduced in U.S. Senate, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Senator Hiram Fong co-sponsored S. 666 to prevent discriminatory application of literacy tests in federal elections. The bill aims to protect voting rights regardless of race or color.
- Bipartisan Bill Introduced to Change Immigration Quota Law, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A bipartisan Senate bill introduced by Senator Philip Hart would eliminate national origins quotas and the Asia-Pacific Triangle discrimination. The bill would increase annual immigration quotas to 250,000 and reallocate numbers based on population and immigration history.
Commentary
- Filibuster Fight Ends, by Mike Masaoka, page 1. The Senate failed to invoke cloture to end a filibuster on proposed rules changes, falling short of the two-thirds needed. Senator Inouye voted for cloture and was praised for his stance on free debate.
- Successful Failure as a Good Mother to Teenagers, by Em Kayo, page 2. A humorous column describes the author’s experiences as a mother of teenagers, feeling outdated and unsuccessful in the eyes of her children. She reflects on how experience has limited value in dealing with the younger generation.
- Nihonmachi Project, by United Committee for the Japanese Community, page 2. The UCJC responds to a Pacific Citizen article on the Nihonmachi Project, noting they look forward to San Francisco Board of Supervisors approval this year. The committee describes plans for hearings and property acquisition with the Redevelopment Agency.
Community
- Lilian Chang Runner-Up in Miss Chinatown USA Contest, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Lilian Chang, an active Chicago Jr. JACLer, was named runner-up to Shirley Fong of Hawaii in the Miss Chinatown USA contest. She had previously participated in the JACL Youth Festival and Career Conference.
- Sakamoto Memorial Award Winner, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A featured article was recognized as the best feature story in the Pacific Citizen’s annual contest. The award honors the memory of Jimmie Sakamoto.
- Alameda JACL Re-Elects Min Yonekura President, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Min Yonekura was reelected president of the Alameda JACL, and his cabinet will be installed by National Director May Satow. The event includes a scholarship award presentation.
Incarceration & Redress
- Pacific Citizen Reflections: Why Am I a JACLer?, by Harry Takagi, page 2. Former JACL president Harry Takagi reflects on why individuals of Japanese ancestry choose to join the JACL. He cites the organization’s role as the only group speaking with authority for Japanese Americans and the benefits of membership.
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