Brotherhood Week, civil rights hearings and Japan’s immigration quota

Vol. 44, No. 6, February 8, 1957. 8 pages. View this issue

Prejudice and civil rights ran through this eight-page issue. A front-page editorial urged readers to take inventory of their own prejudices ahead of National Brotherhood Week, and it continued on the last page. Mike Masaoka reported that House hearings on civil rights legislation had begun, and the JACL Washington office urged early action. President Eisenhower’s January 31 immigration message also drew coverage, including its proposals to enlarge Japan’s quota and aid Japanese orphans.

Columns this week came from Bill Hosokawa, Larry S. Tajiri, Mary Oyama and Tamotsu Murayama. Chapter news covered district council meetings in Sacramento and Salt Lake City, installation dinners in Dayton, the Twin Cities and the East Bay, and a Philadelphia anniversary dinner. Henry Mori’s Los Angeles newsletter reported a $5,610.50 check for the American Museum of Immigration.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• Brotherhood Week and Prejudice, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The editorial urges readers to take inventory of their own prejudices ahead of National Brotherhood Week on Feb. 17-24. It examines how prejudice against individuals and groups forms and persists, and how people can recognize and reduce it in themselves.
• From the Pipe Dream Pen, by Bill Hosokawa, page 2. Columnist Bill Hosokawa reflects on Japanese New Year parties, feeding zoo animals with bread in Denver, and his father’s immigrant stories of bribery and hardship. He concludes that the less flattering stories of the Issei deserve to be recorded too.
• Tokyo Topics: Russia Woos Japan, by Tamotsu Murayama, page 2. Soviet Russia has begun courting Japan through press, radio, periodicals and meetings following the renewal of diplomatic relations. Left-wing labor and teacher groups are also expanding activities, and Japanese youth are showing less respect for the Emperor.
• Smogiites, by Mary Oyama, page 2. Mary Oyama recalls childhood memories of San Francisco’s Market Street and the Ferry Building, then describes the Douglas DC-7B crash that killed a Nisei radioman, Roy Nakazawa, and his mother’s concerns. The column emphasizes the family’s grief and the uncertainty surrounding the tragedy.
• Vagaries: Civil Rights & Liberties, by Larry S. Tajiri, page 3. Larry Tajiri reports on a lecture by Carey McWilliams in Denver about the status of civil liberties, including the decline of Southern segregation and the spread of conformity. He reflects on budgetism and the modest comforts of middle-class life.
• Colorado Editor Lauds Issei-Nisei, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The La Jara Ledger-News praised the Japanese American community of the San Luis Valley, citing a well-attended fundraising dinner and the JACL’s record of loyalty and civic service. The editorial was prompted by a tribute to the JACL in the Congressional Record.
• Error in Magazine Article Cited, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Frontier magazine incorrectly stated that the Pacific Citizen had conducted a poll of its reporters at the Tokyo Rose trial. The 1949 poll actually referred to 11 reporters from various news services and papers, and the Citizen had only one reporter at the trial.
• Los Angeles Newsletter, by Henry Mori, page 7. Southern California’s Japanese American community became the first West Coast nationality group to qualify as a group founder of the American Museum of Immigration at the Statue of Liberty. A check for $5,610.50 was presented by Katsuma Mukaeda and Shigematsu Takeyasu to Samuel G. Engel.
• This Is Your Life?, by Amy B. Tolman, page 8. A letter writer praises the Pacific Citizen’s coverage of Mike Masaoka’s appearance on the television program This Is Your Life. The writer recalls meeting Masaoka at Camp Shelby during the 442nd’s training.
• Prejudice (continued), by P.C. Staff, page 8. The editorial continues the discussion of prejudice against groups, including sex-based stereotypes, and identifies psychological mechanisms behind prejudice. It concludes that everyone maintains some prejudices and that self-reliance can help overcome them.

National

• See Boost in Japan Quota of Immigrants, by P.C. Staff, page 1. President Eisenhower’s January 31 immigration message proposed measures that would substantially enlarge Japan’s immigration quota, according to the JACL Washington office. The message also urged aid for Japanese orphans on parole and relief for Japanese visitors and students who marry while in the United States.
• Nisei Hopes for U.S.-Japan Ties Told to New Envoy, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Mike Masaoka met with newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Japan Douglas MacArthur II to convey Nisei views on U.S.-Japan relations. Masaoka expressed confidence that the envoy would be an able representative of the country.
• Racial Discrimination Scored by Lutherans, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The National Lutheran Council, representing five million Lutherans, declared that public institutions should be open to all people on equal terms. The resolution condemning racial bars was adopted at the council’s annual meeting in Atlantic City.
• JACL Urges Early Enactment of Civil Rights Bill This Session, by P.C. Staff, page 1. As the House Judiciary Subcommittee began hearings on civil rights bills, the JACL Washington office urged favorable and expeditious consideration of the legislation. The JACL letter stated that it would support even a minimum program if broader legislation were politically unattainable.
• Masaoka Urges Fair Employment Ordinance in San Francisco, by P.C. Staff, page 3. JACL National Director Mas Satow testified at a San Francisco public hearing in support of a proposed fair employment practices ordinance. He argued that democracy requires equal opportunity for all citizens regardless of race.
• Civil Rights Battle Begins in Washington, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Masaoka reports that House Judiciary Subcommittee hearings on civil rights legislation began, chaired by Emanuel Celler. He anticipates the Administration’s minimum civil rights bill will be reported, though Senate passage remains uncertain.
• Gov’t to Investigate Claims, Renunciant Procedures, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Assistant Attorney General George C. Doub will visit the West Coast to investigate the slow pace of the Evacuation Claims program and poor response to liberalized procedures for renunciants. Meetings with attorneys are scheduled in Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle.
• Immigration Message Details Presidential Proposals, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The President’s immigration message proposed increasing the annual maximum quota immigration by 65,000 and pooling unused quota numbers regionally. It also requested authority to admit adopted orphans and relief for certain deportation hardship cases.

Community

• Masaoka to Speak at Philadelphia Fete, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Philadelphia JACL will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a dinner and installation of 1957 board members on Feb. 23, with Mike Masaoka as guest speaker. The chapter has also opened its membership campaign.
• I.I. Director Swears in Dayton Cabinet, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Dayton JACL installed its 1957 officers and honored new Issei citizens at its annual dinner. Miss Evelyn Bassett of the International Institute administered the oath of office.
• Ex-EDC Chairman Moves to Job in Pasadena, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Tets Iwasaki, the first president of the Philadelphia JACL and a former Eastern District Council chairman, has moved to Pasadena to join Consolidated Engineering Corp. His family will follow in June.
• College Scholarship Plus Guarantee of Job With Oregon Bank Won by Ontario Lad, by P.C. Staff, page 1. William Sugahiro, a senior at Ontario High School, won a four-year college scholarship and a guaranteed job with the U.S. National Bank under its Work-College program. He will work at the bank for a year after graduation before entering college.
• Gardena Post to Host VFW National Nisei Meeting, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The seventh annual national Nisei VFW convention will be hosted by Memorial Post 1961 in Gardena over Washington’s Birthday weekend. Paul T. Bannai is the convention chairman.
• Introduce Bill Banning Bias in Public Housing, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Assemblyman Byron Rumford introduced a bill forbidding discrimination in public housing that received federal or state funds. The measure would also apply to developers who borrow federal money for tract development.
• Negro Refused Service at Barber Shop Granted $200 Damages by Stockton Court, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A Tracy restaurant owner who was refused a haircut because he is Black was awarded $200 in damages by a Stockton judge. The judge rejected the barber’s defense and condemned racial discrimination.
• Report 800 Issei Aliens Receiving Old-Age Pension, by P.C. Staff, page 3. About 800 Issei are now receiving California old-age pensions, according to the 1955-1956 report of the Department of Social Welfare. The eligibility was made possible by a bill introduced by Assemblyman Masterson.
• Northern California-Western Nevada District Council Meets in Sacramento, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The first quarterly NC-WN District Council meeting drew a large crowd in Sacramento, featuring a Junior JACL fashion show and workshop. National President Dr. Roy Nishikawa praised the event and the JACL’s public relations efforts.
• Intermountain District Council Meets in Salt Lake City, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Intermountain District Council held its first quarterly meeting in Salt Lake City with record attendance and reports showing expected membership gains. Chapters also discussed a possible Salt Lake City convention site for 1958.
• Idaho Falls JACL Plans for IDC Confab; 1000 Club 10th Anniversary to Be Celebrated, by P.C. Staff, page 4. National JACL Director Mas Satow visited Idaho Falls to plan the November Intermountain District Council convention and 1000 Club 10th anniversary. He also appeared on local television to discuss JACL.
• Southwest Los Angeles JACL Membership Committee Plans Drive, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The Southwest Los Angeles JACL membership committee mapped out plans to recruit 1,500 members. The chapter set a record of over 1,200 members the previous year.
• Pacific Southwest District Chapter Clinic to Attract 100, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Over 100 chapter officers from 18 Pacific Southwest District chapters are expected at the fourth annual PSWDC Chapter Clinic hosted by Southwest L.A. JACL. The program includes sessions, a district council meeting, and a dinner featuring a guest speaker.
• Twin Cities UCL Installs New Officers, Honors Newly Naturalized Issei, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The Twin Cities JACL installed its 1957 officers and recognized 15 Issei who received U.S. citizenship during the year. National 1st Vice-President Shig Wakamatsu spoke about the future roles of local and national JACL groups.
• Steve Nakaji Named Venice-Culver Head, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Steve Nakaji was elected president of the Venice-Culver JACL at its first board meeting, with a membership goal of surpassing last year’s 180 members. Officers were sworn in by Tats Kushida at a joint installation dinner-dance.
• Pocatello JACL Plans Feb. 16 Carnival, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Pocatello JACL is preparing for its February 16 fundraising carnival at the American Legion Memorial Hall, with new games and bigger prizes. The chapter also launched a membership campaign with a goal of 200 members.
• 200 Attend Eastbay Installation Dinner, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Four Eastbay Area JACL chapters held a joint installation ceremony at the Claremont Hotel with close to 200 attendees. Ed Howden of the San Francisco Council for Civic Unity gave the guest address.
• O.C. JAYS in Busy Slate for Feb. 21-23 Weekend, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Orange County Japanese American Youths scheduled a roller skating party and a snow hike over the Washington’s Birthday weekend. The group recently enjoyed a basketball, volleyball and social night.
• Salt Lake Auxiliary Discusses Plans for 1957 Calendar, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Salt Lake JACL Auxiliary held its 1957 installation luncheon and chose committees for the year’s events. Planned activities include a Blue Cross-Blue Shield program, family events, a husbands’ potluck, and an August canyon party.

Sports

• Judo Boosters Elect 1957 Officers, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Boise Valley Judo Boosters Club elected new officers and a 20-man advisory board at its recent meeting. LeRoy Abe of Caldwell also took top honors at the second annual Boise Valley judo tournament.

Military & Veterans

• Pfc. Sadao Munemori Medal of Honor Recognized, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Paul Shinoda, past president of the Gardena Valley JACL, received the Silver Beaver award from the Boy Scouts of America. His wife said the honor was one of his lifelong dreams after years of scouting service.
• Three Sons, Three Daughters, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Shinoda family has six children and remains active in scouting and community life. Paul Shinoda is the second person of Japanese ancestry to receive the Silver Beaver from the Los Angeles Area Council.

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