Vol. 56, No. 21, May 24, 1963. 4 pages. View this issue
The Supreme Court’s ruling on sit-in demonstrators led this four-page issue. In an 8-1 decision, the Court overturned convictions in four states and held that trespass laws could not be used to enforce segregation in restaurants and stores. Beside it, Congressman Cecil R. King spoke at the eighth biennial Pacific Southwest District Council convention in Los Angeles about civil liberties, the Japanese American experience and unity among minorities. Clarence Nishizu told the same convention that the Elks kept an all-white membership clause.
Elsewhere, Senator Thomas H. Kuchel took on rightwing claims about United Nations military control, and the editorial asked the council to adopt committee procedures. The JACL-UCLA Japanese American Research Project asked for documents for a history of Japanese in the United States. General Jacob L. Devers was set to join a June 2 memorial for Nisei war dead, including the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, at Arlington National Cemetery.
What’s in this issue
National
- Supreme Court Permits Sit-Ins of Dixie Stores, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The U.S. Supreme Court overturned convictions of sit-in demonstrators in four states in an 8-1 decision. The ruling held that states cannot use trespass laws to enforce segregation policies in restaurants and stores.
- Cinema Educational Guild Play Debunked, by Sen. Thomas H. Kuchel, page 2. Senator Kuchel examines false claims spread by the Cinema Educational Guild and other rightwing groups about United Nations military control. He argues these fright campaigns are unpatriotic and harmful to American democracy.
Community
- King Inspires PSWDC, More ‘Unity’ Beckoned, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Congressman Cecil R. King addressed the eighth biennial Pacific Southwest District Council convention in Los Angeles. He spoke on civil liberties, the Japanese American experience, and the need for unity among minorities.
- Honor Fujinkai, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Downtown and East Los Angeles JACL chapters honored the Rafu Fujinkai members in Mother’s Day style. Mrs. Saku Shirakawa received a special cake from Consul General Matao Ura.
- Seabrook Chapter Plans Beautiful Local School Contribution, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Seabrook JACL pledged $1,000 over five years toward a local school beautification and improvement project. The chapter’s first installment of $200 was raised partly through a chow mein dinner.
- Seattle Completes 63 Membership Drive, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Seattle JACL completed its 1963 membership drive with Kubota leading the race. Chapter officers reported on the drive’s results.
- Gen. Devers to Participate in June 2 Memorial for Nisei, by P.C. Staff, page 4. General Jacob L. Devers will take part in June 2 memorial services at Arlington National Cemetery honoring Nisei war dead. The event includes tributes to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and Japanese American military service.
- EDC Schedules Two-Day Meeting at Washington, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Eastern District Council will hold a two-day meeting in Washington, D.C., on June 1-2 with National JACL President Pat Okura attending. The agenda includes the History Project, Pacific Citizen finance, and youth activities.
- Hawaii Dept. of Public Education Directed to Accredit Foreign Language Taught in Private Schools, by Allan Beekman, page 4. Hawaii’s legislature passed a resolution directing the Department of Public Education to accredit foreign language instruction in private schools. The history of Japanese language schools in Hawaii, dating to 1893, is also reviewed.
Incarceration & Redress
- Documentary Material Sought for Japanese History Project, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The JACL-UCLA Japanese American Research Project is requesting documentary materials to help write a definitive history of Japanese in the United States. Dr. Miyakawa and Dr. Hohri are the project co-directors and ask the public to forward personal and organizational records.
Commentary
- Planning Fleet Objective: Elks Restriction Disclosed, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Clarence Nishizu revealed at the PSWDC convention that the Elks maintain an all-white membership clause. The report pointed to continued discriminatory restrictions against minorities.
- Editorial on the Pacific Southwest District Council Procedures, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The editorial urges the PSWDC to adopt committee procedures so motions can be studied before council sessions. It suggests the council could use committees to make business sessions more efficient.
Military & Veterans
- San Fernando JACLer Awarded Sapphire Pin, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A San Fernando JACL member received the sapphire pin for distinguished service. The award was presented at the chapter’s event.
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