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The 2025 Japanese Community Graduation Banquet

By Heidi Kimiko Tolentino

This year was the 78th annual Japanese American Community Graduation Banquet.  The banquet was unique in that it was held at a new location and had an immense number of graduates.  The event was held at the Riverside Golf and Country Club and 36 graduates were honored.  The event was Emceed by Todd Yuzuriha, a dedicated member of the Japanese American community.  Todd was part of the 1978 Japanese American Community Banquet, is an All-American trumpet player who is part of the Minidoka Swing Band and works tirelessly volunteering in the Japanese American community.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commander Ron Iwasaki and the words before and after the meal were given by Reverend Kosho Finch of Henjyogi Buddhist Temple.  The Consul General of Japan, Ken Todoriki, spoke to the graduates and encouraged them to stay connected to their community and their roots in Japan.  He offered the graduates and their families congratulations and noted that he was proud to be in attendance as this is his first assignment in the US.

This year’s keynote speaker was Ms. Hanako Wakatsuki-Chong, the Executive Director of Japanese American Museum of Oregon (JAMO).  Ms. Wakatsuki-Chong has an impressive resume that encompasses everything from working for the Idaho State Historical Society to working in the White House’s Office of the Chief of Staff.  In 2021, she received the Esto Perpetua Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Idaho State Historical Society for her work in preservation of Japanese American Incarceration history in Idaho.  

Ms. Wakatsuki-Chong focused her speech on words of wisdom for the graduating class of 2025.  As a first-generation college student, she found that it was important to find the people who would help and support her during her long journey.  Her father encouraged her to spread her wings and leave the nest, but she knew she needed a community to support her.  Wakatsuki-Chong worked three jobs at the beginning of her college career to fund her education.  Her college advisor worked with her to find scholarships and she was fueled by his assistance.  She encouraged the graduates to find the people who are going to be your cheerleaders and help you each step of the way.  She continued by explaining that they need to listen and be willing to open their eyes and ears to what they can learn from others.  They also need to be brave and stand up for what they believe in and not be shy about advocating for themselves.  She finished her motivational speech by telling them, “Get to know who you are and live without regret, but within reason.”  Ms. Wakatsuki-Chong was an inspiration not only to the students, but to the whole community as they learned what she overcame to become an influential member of our community who works to make sure that Japanese American history will never be forgotten.

After Ms. Wakatsuki-Chong’s speech, the scholarship recipients were announced.  

Mrs. Mark Sumida Awards The Mrs. Mark Sumida Awards are presented in memory of Alice Sumida.  Alice Sumida was a long-time supporter of the Japanese American community and a generous donor to the graduation banquet.  Alice Sumida passed away in August of 2018 at the age of 104.  Mrs. Sumida wanted to award students in the community so that they would know their community was proud of them.  This year, the awards were presented by Mr. Rich Iwasaki.  This year’s recipients were Mason Birney of Tigard High School, Mona Brines of David Douglass High School, Kenshiro Duff of Grant High School, Issai Honda of Hudson’s Bay High School, Alexander Jimenez of Benson High School, Kiyoshi Kiyokawa of Sam Barlow High School, Masahiro Nakano of Westview High School, Ichiro Tanada of Central Catholic High School, Thelonius VanDam of Corbett High School, Lili Baechel of Grant High School, Aki Chambers of Lakeridge High School, Kelan Egusa of Grant High School, Sayuri Hara of Grant High School, Kai Maeda of Grant High School, Isaac Matsushima of David Douglas High School, Keiden Meyer of Grant High School, Dylan Nakaji of Grant High School, Issai Ono of Grant High School, Trillium Ono of Grant High School, Takumi Schmidt of Grant High School and Joshua Strege of Grant High School.  Congratulations to all of these recipients!

Japanese Ancestral Society (JAS) Scholarships The Japanese Ancestral Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the Nikkei community and promoting education and fellowship among the members of the community.  JAS awards three scholarships: Hide Naito, Mary K. Naito and Sam Naito Scholarships.  These were presented by Mr. Rich Iwasaki.

Hide Naito Scholarship Hide Naito was a Portland entrepreneur who started his first of several businesses in 1921 which diversified during his lifetime into retail operations, importing and real-estate development.  The Hide Naito Donors are Sam and Marsha Naito.  The winner of this year’s Hide Naito Scholarship was Selina Uehara of Beaverton Academy of Science and Engineering.  Selina conducted research on pancreatic cancer alongside professional researchers, finished 1st in State for Future Health Professionals in EMT and Pharmacy Science Skills and competed for the Portland Ice Skating Club.  Selina will be attending the University of Minnesota.

Mary K. Naito Scholarship Mary K. Naito was a homemaker, community volunteer, businesswoman and high school Valedictorian.  A former Poston internee and UC Berkeley student, Mary managed Import Plaza for 20 years and served many local organizations with thoughtfulness and grace.  Verne and Aki Naito represented the donor family at the banquet..  The winner of the Mary K. Naito Scholarship was Kou Yuasa from Sunset High School. Kou is Salutatorian of her class, a member of the marching bank who is a lead student conductor and trumpet sub-section leader and has attended the Portland Japanese School since 5th grade.  Kou will be attending Waseda University in Japan. 

Sam Naito Scholarship JAS honors Sam Naito with this scholarship.  Sam Naito is a respected advisor, past president of JAS and advocate for education and social justice.  This award is supported by the Southwest Washington Community Fund.  The winner of this scholarship was Claire Coffey of Grant High School.  Claire was an editor-in-chief of Grant Magazine which has won numerous awards.  She was 2nd team All-PIL on the Grant Volleyball Team and she was co-President of Grant High School’s Japanese Immersion Program Student Council.  Claire will be attending Northwestern University.

Gresham-Troutdale JACL (GT) JACL Scholarship The Gresham-Troutdale JACL is part of the oldest national civil rights organization in America.  It serves to protect the rights of not only Asians, but all minorities, and nurtures the cultural heritage of Japanese Americans.  Mr. Terry Nishikawa, President of GT JACL, presented the scholarship.  The winner of the Gresham-Troutdale JACL Scholarship was Aiden Yee of Benson High School.  Aiden is the Co-President of the Unite People Youth Group connected to Portland JACL, a competitive Rock Climber and a barista at Bobacat Tea House.  Aiden will be attending the University of British Columbia.

Epworth United Methodist Church Scholarship Epworth United Methodist Church has evolved to become a reconciling congregation that welcomes people of all backgrounds and identities, and practices with an inclusive vision and in alignment with these values.  The Epworth scholarship is provided to support the promotion of compassion, justice, and community building in our youth.  Ms. Marilyn Sholian represented Epworth for this scholarship. The winner of the Epworth United Methodist Church Scholarship was Lindsay Persuad of Clackamas High School.  Lindsay is a member of her school’s Student Athlete Leadership Team, earned All League Honorable Mention in Track and Field for discus and the 4×400 m relay.  Lindsay will be attending Clackamas Community College.

Oregon Nisei Veterans Scholarships The Oregon Nisei Veterans began in 1948 with the purpose of raising money to build a monument to honor the Nisei soldiers killed in action during WWII.  The Oregon Nisei Veterans awards two scholarships: The Art and Teri Iwasaki Scholarship and The Roger T. Okamoto Scholarship.  The scholarships were presented by Mr. Paul Tamura.

Art and Teri Iwasaki Scholarship Art Iwasaki was a member of the 442nd Regimental Combat team during WWII and a founding member of Oregon Nisei Vets.  Art was a recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal and this scholarship is given in memory of his loving wife, Teri.  The winner of the Art and Teri Iwasaki Scholarship was Tyler Saito Takasumi from Oregon Episcopal School.  Tyler was a paid coding instructor for elementary and middle school students, she won 1st place in the school science fair in cellular microbiology and she competes with the Rock Climbing Team at the Multnomah Athletic Club.  Tyler will be attending Boston College.

Roger T. Okamoto Scholarship Second Lieutenant Roger Okamoto was killed in Vietnam in 1966 at the age of 23.  Lieutenant Okamoto graduated from Benson High School and earned an engineering degree from the University of Washington.  Mrs. Janice Okamoto and her son, Mr. Gary Okamoto, represented the family at the banquet. The winner of the Roger T. Okamoto Scholarship was Myles Mathies of Sam Barlow High School.  Myles was a member of the Varsity Golf Team, and taught golf to kids.  He also played Basketball and refereed middle school games.  Myles will be attending Oregon State University.

Shokookai of Portland Scholarship Portland Shokookai was founded in 1966 by a small group of Japanese companies.  They facilitate business operations for Japanese companies in Oregon and SW Washington and run the Japanese Language School.  Mr. Yoshiyuki Hori presented the scholarship.  This year’s Shokookai of Portland Scholarship winner was Ren Gregie of Grant High School.  Ren was part of his school’s Constitution Team Unit that scored the highest in Oregon.  He was a leader on the Cross Country and Track and Field teams and a member of Unite People.  Ren will be attending the University of Oregon.  

Portland JACL Scholarships Portland JACL was established in 1928 with an ongoing mission to fight social injustice and to preserve the cultural heritage and values of Japanese Americans.   Portland JACL awarded four scholarships this year: Two Kiyoko Yumibe Scholarships, the Yoshiko Kennedy Scholarship and the Matt Matsuoka Scholarship.  The scholarships were presented by Mr. Jeff Matsumoto, the President of Portland JACL.

Kiyoko Yumibe Scholarship #1 Kiyoko Yumibe was a hard-working Nisei who was incarcerated during WWII.  She established a fund, through Portland JACL, to help support youth seeking higher education.  Representing the donors at the banquet were Mr. and Mrs. Gary and Diane Onchi. The winner of the first Yumibe Scholarship was Avery Hughes-Davis of Vancouver iTech High School.  Avery was the Student Body President, on a student advisory board for Vancouver Public Schools and volunteered 90-100 hours/year with the Oregon Buddhist Temple.  Avery will be attending Georgetown University next year.

Kiyoko Yumibe Scholarship #2 The winner of the second Yumibe Scholarship was Reiko Nitta of Lincoln High School.  Reiko was the Student Body Co-President, three time Class Co-President, and competed on the Cross Country, Track and Field, Swim and Synchronized Swimming teams.  Reiko will be attending Georgia Institute of Technology next year.

Yoshiko Kennedy Scholarship  Yoshiko Kennedy used her talents as a seamstress and master of Ikebana to ensure her children would receive an education.  The Yoshiko Kennedy Scholarship was created in her memory.  The winner of the Yoshiko Kennedy Scholarship was Hanako Duff of Grant High School.  Hanako was an AP Scholar, started the Grant Badminton Club and tutored other students in SAT prep and Japanese.  Hanako will be attending the University of Oregon next year.

Matt Masuoka Scholarship This scholarship honors Matthew Masuoka, a Nisei dentist, who was past president of Portland JACL in 1952, and Pacific Northwest District Governor in 1953-55.  This scholarship is given in his honor by his daughter, Dr. Connie Masuoka, who helps organize the Graduation Banquet every year.  The winner of the Matt Masuoka Scholarship was Lennon Kalapsa of Grant High School.  Lennon was a certified member of the Oregon State Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team, worked as a Lifeguard with Portland Parks and Recreation and was a member of his school’s Track and Field Team.  Lennon will be attending the University of Oregon.  

The Veleda Club Scholarships The Veleda Club is Portland’s oldest Nikkei women’s service organization that is active in the community today.  They are dedicated to supporting the community and preserving Japanese American heritage and traditions.  The Veleda Club awarded two scholarships: the Veleda Club Scholarship and the Veleda Club Scholarship honoring Mrs. Misao Minagi.  Mrs. Sharon Takahashi represented the Veleda Club.

The winner of the Veleda Club Scholarship was Midori Carollo of Ida B. Wells High School.  Midori was a Varsity Cheerleader, she played and performed on Koto and she was a 13 year member of Girl Scouts.  Midori will be attending the University of California Davis.

The Veleda Club Scholarship in honor of Mrs. Misao Minagi Mrs. Minagi was 105 years old when she passed away on March 1, 2025.  She was an ardent supporter of our youth and this event.  The winner of the Veleda Club Scholarship in honor of Mrs. Misao Minagi was Reon Sano-Ochiai of Mountain View High School.  Reon conducted independent research at Reed College on retinal development, participated in the International Leadership Conference for Health Occupations and played on the Varsity Soccer Team.  Reon will be attending the University of Oregon.

Nikkei Fujinkai Scholarship Portland Nikkei Fujinkai is a Japanese Ancestral Women’s Association that was established in 1935.  They support community activities and cultural education.  Mrs. Michie Uzunoe presented the scholarship. The winner of the Nikkei Fujinkai Scholarship was Koshi Takamiyagi of Early College High School.  Koshi received the gold and silver in abacus competitions for Kawakami School Japan and placed 52nd nationally.  He also tutors students in math at Portland Community College.  Koshi will be attending Boston University next year.

The Graduate’s Response was given by Reiko Nitta of Lincoln High School.  Reiko thanked the Japanese American community for helping the graduates and noted that the students thrived because of the community’s constant support.  She also thanked all of the donors and noted that the entire event would not have been possible without the graduation banquet committee.  Reiko said that she and the other graduates felt the love and support of the whole community and were grateful to be part of the Japanese American community.

The Ice Breaker Awards, a fun event for the graduates to learn about people in the Nikkei community, were given out by Mrs. Elaine Yuzuriha.  She ended with a reminder to the graduates to return back to their community after they graduate and wished them well in their next steps.

Congratulations to the graduates of the class of 2025!  You are a class filled with academic prowess, athletic abilities, commitment to your communities and so much more.  We applaud you and look forward to hearing about your future endeavors. 

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National JACL Statement

The JACL Denounces President Trump’s Executive Order Expanding Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp

The JACL denounces President Trump’s Executive Order expanding the Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp to hold as many as 30,000 deported migrants. Guantanamo Bay has imprisoned hundreds of migrants intercepted at sea and more notoriously, suspected enemy combatants who were subjected to torture and denial of basic legal rights. Many who have been held at Guantanamo were never formally charged with a crime and were subject to “arbitrary detention” for years. 

The expansion of Guantanamo to hold tens of thousands of detainees is eerily evocative of a previous time in our nation’s history. Our country last employed mass incarceration of this scale during WWII when over 125,000 people of Japanese ancestry were imprisoned at concentration camps and detention centers across the country. That was also done in the name of “national security” and as it was discovered years later that the security threat was a falsified one, we similarly question the urgent threat to our national security. 

It is noteworthy that the expansion of the Migrant Operations Center at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay would be “a temporary transit … where we can plus-up thousands and tens of thousands, if necessary, to humanely move illegals out of our country, where they do not belong, back to the countries where they came from in a proper process.” We cannot help but draw parallels to how Japanese Americans were forcibly removed from their homes to “temporary detention centers” for an unknown period of time before being transferred without their constitutional right of due process to more permanent incarceration camp sites deep in the American interior on desolate desserts, mountains, plains, and swamps. 

JACL demands that we not repeat the inhumanity of mass incarceration that has become part of our community’s experienced trauma. As so many Japanese Americans understand, the inhumanity and cruelty of what happened during WWII, enforced by our own government, should never be repeated again.

See more on National’s site

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National JACL Statement

JACL Commends the Biden Administration’s Apology for Indigenous Boarding Schools

October 25, 2024

For Immediate Release

Seia Watanabe, VP Public Affairs, swatanabe@jacl.org

Matthew Weisbly, Education & Communications Coordinator, mweisbly@jacl.org

On Friday, October 25th, 2024, President Biden spoke at the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona and offered an apology for the U.S. government’s past practice of forcibly removing Indigenous children from their families and transferring them to government-operated boarding schools.

As early as 1819 and lasting until the late 1960s, the United States government established and operated boarding schools to “civilize” Indigenous children – what we now recognize as a euphemism for an attempt at the systematic and deliberate destruction of the culture and society of Indigenous communities in the United States. These institutions are a lasting stain on American history and serve as only one of many examples of the mistreatment and bigotry that Indigenous communities have faced at the hands of our government.

Donna Cheung, Civil Rights Chair of the Arizona Chapter of the JACL commented; “From my perspective, a leader who acknowledges and rights a historical wrong reflects a strong, confident nation because such an admission reaffirms the moral centrality of the nation. The apology from a sitting U.S. President to First Nation communities is so significant because the U.S. was founded by displacing these communities. The existence of the U.S. is at a profound cost to Native Americans and that needs to be acknowledged also.”

The JACL recognizes that apologies from the U.S. government are a critical step in addressing discrimination and promoting the healing of generational trauma, which has been felt most poignantly by the Indigenous peoples of the United States. The JACL applauds this historic action by the Biden Administration and expresses our hope that this apology serves as just one step towards meaningful and long overdue restorative justice for the many Indigenous communities in the United States.

https://jacl.org/statements/jacl-commends-the-biden-administrations-apology-for-indigenous-boarding-schools

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National JACL Statement

JACL Calls on White House to End Funding of Israel’s Military and Human Rights Violations 

October 24, 2024

For Immediate Release

Seia Watanabe, VP Public Affairs, swatanabe@jacl.org

Matthew Weisbly, Education & Communications Coordinator, mweisbly@jacl.org

As a nearly century-old organization, the JACL has a long history of supporting the civil and human rights of all those targeted by injustice or hate. With this history in mind, and in accordance with Resolution 1, passed with an overwhelming majority at our 2024 national convention, we call for an end to the U.S. government’s funding of the Israeli military, where that aid enables the continued violation of international humanitarian laws, including the Geneva Conventions, and US law including the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, 22 U.S.C. §2378-1. The Foreign Assistance Law expressly prohibits the assistance or the exportation of military weapons to countries that directly or indirectly restrict the transportation or delivery of U.S. humanitarian assistance. 

Israel’s persistent attacks on Hamas have severely impacted Gaza’s health, food, power, and other critical infrastructure, hindering aid efforts while increasing humanitarian needs. Nearly 300 aid workers have been killed since hostilities began in Gaza. Due to the high risk to personnel, many organizations have halted or reduced aid operations including the recent cessation of polio vaccination programs for children in the region. 

The implementation of a de facto “starve-or-leave” policy in northern Gaza is reprehensible and constitutes a clear violation of international law.

To comply with U.S. law and to alleviate the immense suffering in Gaza, the JACL calls on President Biden to end the U.S. government’s military support to Israel that enables state actions in violation of established international conventions. We support the President’s recent indications of his willingness to use such pressure on the Israeli government to end the blockade of humanitarian aid to the region, as well as the efforts of Secretary of State Anthony Blinken to broker a peace settlement that must include the return of all hostages.

https://jacl.org/statements/jacl-calls-on-white-house-to-end-funding-of-israels-military-and-human-rights-violations

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Blog Newsletter

Redress and Reparations: Building Japanese American/Black Solidarity

By Ken Nitta

Miya Iwataki’s mother, Sadae, was incarcerated at Manzanar during WWII. Her father, Kuwashi, was a staff sergeant in the 442nd (the most decorated Army division of its size and length of service). She was taught cultural values such as the importance of hard work and family. She was taught not to “make waves” and “the nail that sticks out gets hammered down”. For over 40 years there was very little discussion about the incarceration camps because of the pain and shame it caused. At the time, asking for Redress or even bringing up incarceration was controversial. Some thought that a Presidential Commission to study incarceration was called for while others felt that “making waves” and bringing up this painful history was unnecessary.

During the 1960’s, Civil Rights and the Black and Chicano movements led Miya and other young Asians to reflect on the wrongs perpetrated on the Japanese American community. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X inspired Asian Americans to find their voice. During the Vietnam war protests the general chant was “bring our boys home”. Asians broadened those demands with signs of “stop killing Asians”. Her early experience with activism was working with Black and Chicano organizations and building community programs in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo. 

Miya and other Japanese Americans discussed WWII incarceration and the need for an apology and monetary compensation. She especially wanted this for the first generation Issei who “lost the most and worked the hardest.” This prompted the formation of the National Coalition for Redress and Reparations (NCRR) a grassroots organization committed to winning redress/reparations and supporting other communities’ struggles for justice.  She was sent to a Gardena, California town hall meeting. Congressman Mervin Dymally, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus was a keynote speaker. During a question and answer session Miya asked Rep. Dymally what his position was on Japanese American Redress. He did not know JAs were fighting for Reparations. He met with Miya and attended NCRR organizing meetings. They learned that as a young man living in the midwest, Dymally thought the incarceration of Japanese Americans was wrong and wrote newspaper articles about this injustice. 

Miya and other NCRR members were political novices with no prior legislative or lobbying experience. Rep. Dymally offered to introduce redress legislation in Congress and became a friend and mentor to NCRR.  He helped arrange their first lobbying trip to D.C. and hosted a welcome reception to introduce them to Congressional members and staff.

“Winning reparations is part of our legacy, and we’re paying it forward. Reparations for African Americans is the right thing to do, it is long overdue and it is achievable.” 

Miya Iwataki

Legislation to form a Presidential Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians (CWRIC) was passed in 1980. NCRR lobbied for hearings in cities with large Japanese American populations, not just Washington D.C. In 1981 Issei and Nisei stood up and broke 40 years of silence as they told their stories during 20 days of hearings in 10 cities. Over 750 witnesses testified, putting a human face on the concentration camp experience for the nation and the world.. 

Miya recalls that the “testimonies changed my life”. For the first time she and other Sansei (third generation) heard stories of incarceration from Issei and Nisei. She recalls a woman tearfully revealing how she witnessed her brother being shot in the back by a guard; and another woman bitterly testifying that the whole incarceration experience felt like “rape”. “I am still moved to tears” Miya says years later.

In their report, Personal Justice Denied, the CWRIC found there was “no military necessity” for the incarceration camps; they were the result of “race prejudice, war hysteria and a lack of political leadership”. They recommended a Presidential apology, and $20,000 individual compensation, and a Community Education fund.  This was put into legislation HR 442 and SB 100, authored and led by Reps. Noman Mineta and Robert Matsui, and Senators Daniel Inouye and Spark Matsunaga respectively. It took six years to get this legislation to a floor vote. 

Miya recalls that NCRR kept the momentum going with rallies, issuing press releases and lobbying. In addition the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and Jewish groups including the Anti-Defamation League supported this legislation. Black legislators including Reps. Ron Dellums (D-Oakland) and Julian Dixon (D-Culver City) helped get other California Congressional leaders on board along with local Black legislators like LA City Councilman Robert Farrell.

 In 1987, Rep. Norman Mineta alerted NCRR and other groups that the legislation was coming to a floor vote and NCRR “needed to pull out all stops” to lobby Congress before the vote. Miya said they organized a “People’s delegation” of 141 people who “used their own money and vacation time” to travel to Washington DC to “lobby for Justice and Redress”.  Rep. Dymallly brought Miya to DC three weeks early to schedule 101 Congressional visits and allowed the NCRR delegates to use his office as a staging area and press center. Many had never previously lobbied or visited Washington DC, and called it “a life-changing experience.”.

The Civil Liberties Act was enacted in 1988 calling for a Presidential apology, and $20,000 compensation for each living incarceree. The following year Rep. John Conyers introduced HR 40 to establish a Black Reparation Commission similar to the CWRIC.

Today, Miya is working with NCRR, Nikkei Progressives and the National Nikkei Reparations Coalition supporting reparations for Black Americans. “Standing together to fight for redress and reparations gave our community the strength to speak out for justice;” and a recognition of our shared history with communities of color.  “How could we see this and not recognize the importance of allyship/solidarity with the Black community in fighting for justice?” she says.

“Winning reparations is part of our legacy, and we’re paying it forward. Reparations for African Americans is the right thing to do, it is long overdue and it is achievable.” 

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Newsletter

Kokoro Corner: Values-Centered Living

By Spencer Uemura

あけましておめでとうございます。今年もよろしくお願いしす。(Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu. Kotoshimo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.)

Happy New Year to all! Thank you for your continued connection and involvement with our chapter of the JACL. We can’t do this work without you!

For this month’s Kokoro Corner, I wanted to discuss the importance of values-centered living that comes from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). To briefly summarize ACT, the goal is to accept difficult feelings, clarify values, and commit to take action in accordance with one’s values. When our actions are not directed by our values, we can experience fear, avoidance, as well as low mood and motivation.

In the past few months, I have noticed how my own fear has pulled me away from my values, and left me with greater avoidance and hopelessness. Specifically regarding the ongoing crisis in Palestine, I felt worse and worse as news of Israeli war atrocities increased while I continued to feel stuck. In recent weeks, thanks to kind conversation with friends and time for reflection, I’ve looked toward my values of Compassion, Connection, and Justice. I remember the impacts of WWII intergenerational trauma on our community, Japanese people in America and those still in Japan. Our people, too, have felt the pain of oppression and brutality, the sting of barbed wire and the horror of mass bombings.

We carry that pain in us, and that pain can flood back in from time to time. For me, that pain had left me feeling helpless and hopeless, a feeling like “shikata ga nai” or “it can’t be helped”, when there are very tangible ways for concerned citizens to advocate for change. By reconnecting with some of my deepest values, I’ve been able to care for my own pain that I’d been avoiding and see that the egregious violence upon Palestinian people is parallel to the abuses of power that our community has weathered in the past.

For those curious about how Nikkei groups are pursuing advocacy for the Palestinian cause, Tsuru for Solidarity (@tsuruforsolidarity on Instagram) and Vigilant Love (@vigilantlove on Instagram) are organizations that have been co-founded by Japanese Americans dedicated to solidarity, healing, and systems change.

In this new year, I invite you to consider your inner values and how you might let them guide your actions. Whether you have a value for Love, Spirituality, Courage, or Authenticity (to name a few) there are always ways to reprioritize those in our lives.

May our lives be firmly rooted in our deepest values.

*Please note this may or may not reflect the views of other members of the Portland JACL or Portland JACL Board.

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Blog

Chris Lee: Portrait of a Portland JACL Board Member

Portland JACL board members pose with artist/photographer Kip Fulbeck at the Hapa.me Project workshop in May of 2023

Chris Lee is Portland JACL’s former co-President and current Vice President. We interviewed Chris and asked him to share his experiences as a board member. 

Chris, when did you first get involved with Portland JACL?

I first started attending board meetings in late 2013, but have participated in JACL events for a long time. Before Unite People was created, I was part of the youth group at Epworth. Robbie Tsuboi had us volunteer at community events such as Mochitsuki, DOR, and the community picnic. 

How long have you been a board member and what made you decide to become a member of the JACL board? 

I’ve been on the board for almost 10 years. Originally, I joined to give back to the community. The demographics in Portland, as a city, and Oregon, as a state, are predominantly white. The experiences that I had growing up in the Nikkei community were really positive for me and would not have been possible without the hard work, struggle, and sacrifice made by generations before us. Having places and events to be surrounded by other Japanese and Asian Americans is really important. Everyone should have somewhere they feel like they belong and have community. My goal was to help ensure that we have that here. 

What has your experience been like as a board member?

I’m not sure that I want to help lead an organization through COVID again, but I am very proud of the programming and advocacy that we were able to do during such a challenging time. With so many challenges in the world today, it feels good to be doing something positive. 

Being on our board and serving as a co-President has been one of the most fulfilling things that I’ve done in my life. I’ve had the opportunity to meet many wonderful people through the work that we do. Our board members are all very passionate about our mission and our community. We are an entirely volunteer board and you can tell by the energy and passion that people bring with them. 

One of the surprising benefits of serving on our board is the impact it has had on my career. Throughout the years, I’ve learned a lot from my fellow board members. Not just about planning and running events, but things that they bring from their day jobs and professional experiences that help our board. Watching how they interact with our community and the various stakeholders that we interface with, has been an incredible learning experience.

I’ve even been able to include my participation on our board as part of my development plan at work. For the last 12 years I have been working at Western Energy Institute, a trade association in the energy industry. I started as a Program Manager and am now the Director of Program Development. I am responsible for our leadership development programs and creating new programs.  When I first joined our board, it was early in my career. Both my President and COO at that time were curious about JACL. I was on an ok career trajectory at that point, but wasn’t always passionate about my work. Being a part of our board helped me change the narrative with them in a positive way. It also gave me an opportunity to show leadership skills that I otherwise would not have been able to display in the office.

Who would you encourage to consider becoming a board member?

I think there are many different reasons that somebody should consider joining our board. First and foremost is the community aspect of our organization. As a board member you’ll have the chance to meet people and build community. The other part of our mission is around civil rights. If you’re curious about social justice and advocacy then this is a great way to learn more and engage more actively. As a volunteer board, there is flexibility for board members to bring in their own interests and pursuits too. Ultimately, anybody that is looking to give back or get more involved in the community would be a great candidate to join our board. Even though it is work, we have fun too. I would be happy to meet and talk with anybody that is curious. 

Thank you, Chris, for sharing your experiences with us and for all the work you have done for our community!  If you are a Portland JACL member and are interested in learning more about being part of the board or volunteering with our organization, please reach out to Chris at Chris@PDXJACL.org.

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National JACL Newsletter

2023 National Convention Demonstrates ‘Rooted in Community’

Jillian Toda-Currie

Last month, our Vice President, Chris Lee, gave a preview of the JACL National Convention which we both attended for the first time. I want to give an update and summary of what happened, starting with a reflection on the overall experience. 

Three ways ‘Rooted in Community’ was demonstrated

The 53rd convention was held in Los Angeles in late July with the theme of “Rooted in Community.” The convention embodied this theme to me in three ways. 

First: the convention was hosted at various venues throughout LA’s Little Tokyo, including the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center (JACCC), Hompa Hongwanji Temple and the Japanese American National Museum (JANM). Spreading out at various venues isn’t typical. While we had to pay close attention to the day’s locations, we were more integrated into Little Tokyo. We were also encouraged to support the neighborhood’s restaurants, markets and cafes (which we gladly did).

Second: days before the convention began, attendees were informed that our accommodations were moving from the Hilton DoubleTree in Little Tokyo to the Westin Bonaventure in the Financial District. The Local 11 union representing thousands of LA’s hospitality workers went on strike in July. Out of dozens of hotels, the Westin was the only to have negotiated a contract with the union by that time. The move meant many additional hours of work by JACL staff and extra travel time for convention attendees, but this was the right decision. I could hear the workers chanting outside of the DoubleTree as our bus arrived in Little Tokyo and I felt proud that the JACL had supported workers in the community. JACL went beyond just talking about being rooted in community, but also used our finances to take action. 

Third: in the same way that the people of Little Tokyo make it a community, it was the people (JACL members) at the convention who brought the theme to life. There were people catching up with old friends and I met several who had attended so many National Conventions that they were losing count. Hearing from other chapters was a good reminder that while we have many differences, we also have many of the same obstacles and are part of a greater JACL network that hopes to address those and evolve the organization with the changing community. This year’s logo, designed by Tom Watanabe, also recognized change. The logo features a “friendship knot” and Watanabe said, “The use of gradation serves to depict a transition over time while also showcasing the beauty of the Southern California sky.”  

Convention Summary 

The agenda for the convention was packed with plenaries, workshops, receptions, film screenings and more. I couldn’t attend any of the film screenings because of concurrent sessions, but they sounded fantastic. Luckily, two of the six feature-length films shown had been screened in Portland: Manzanar, Diverted, which our chapter screened in spring 2022 and No No Girl, which our chapter screened this past February at our Day of Remembrance event. I’m glad that other JACL members were able to view these important films. 

Another film that our chapter screened for our Day of Remembrance (2022), Reparations by Jon Osaki, was shown at the National Council to all delegates. The short film raises awareness of the work that has and continues to be done toward reparations for the Black community. The film’s message – reiterated by Osaki, who spoke with us – is that we all must stand in solidarity with Black folks in the struggle for reparations because it is part of our collective liberation. This discussion laid a good foundation for one of our resolutions that the delegation voted on. 

The National Council session resulted in all three proposed resolutions passing. The first resolution supports advocacy for the rights of people who are transgender and nonbinary. The second resolution is to oppose legislation which attempts to establish alien land laws that would limit land ownership based on country of origin. The third resolution supports the California AB 3121 Task Force to Study and Develop Reparations Proposals for African Americans. JACL will send copies of this resolution to California Governor Gavin Newsom, Secretary of State Shirley Weber, State Senator Steven Bradford and Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer communicating the JACL’s support for the efforts to address the longstanding impact of slavery. 

The amendment to the Constitution and Bylaws that would standardize and simplify the membership structure was unfortunately tabled until next year’s convention. While it’s disappointing to have to wait a whole year, this will ensure that the topic gets sufficient time for explanation and discussion. Expect to hear more about these changes next summer, when the convention will be hosted in Philadelphia, PA. 

Something else coming up in the near future is JACL’s visioning work. The plenary, “Envisioning JACL’s Future Together,” summarized the hopes, opportunities as well as challenges JACL faces. A visioning initiative will be underway to listen to the community’s ideas, concerns and needs so that JACL can envision the future as we approach JACL National’s 100th year (2029). 

2023 JACL National Convention logo

Although updates on this work at the National level are forthcoming, it’s never too soon for our chapter to do our own collective visioning. We know youth are the future, and the work that Unite People has done demonstrates this. The formation of our chapter’s Advocacy Committee in the last few years highlights collaboration that is essential for maintaining ties across communities. But there is plenty more to be done to ensure our chapter thrives (and continues to be the largest chapter!). 

What do you want to see in Portland JACL’s future? Do you have ideas for how we can strengthen our membership? We’d love to hear from you! Reach out to a board member with your ideas, or contact us on our website: https://www.pdxjacl.org/contact/. 

Categories
National JACL Statement

Jacksonville Shooting Highlights Need to Continue the Work of Racial Reconciliation and Repair as Highlighted by the March on Washington

On Saturday, August 26th, a gunman targeted and killed three people specifically because they were African American. This is another one of the countless shootings which occurred this year already, but tragically comes on a time of remembrance for civil rights history. 

This attack came juxtaposed on a historically symbolic day for civil rights, where JACL joined hundreds of thousands of advocates in honor of the 1963  March on Washington which featured Martin Luther King, Jr.’s I Have a Dream speech. This year’s theme, “A Continuation not a Commemoration” is a renewed commitment to build a nation that lives up to its ideals – one that protects and values Black lives. Following this act of racialized violence, this theme could not hold more truth toward the need to dismantle systemic racism and white supremacy in all forms. 

Just as a quarter million Americans led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. first marched against segregation 60 years ago, this year’s march both memorialized and advocated for the continuance of the honorable Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s work against anti-Blackness, segregation, and white supremacy. 

In the 60 years since the March’s beginning, our country’s legacy of racism continues to harm, disenfranchise, and claim the lives of Black individuals at the hands of hate-fueled violence. In addition to revealing our country’s longstanding history of anti-Blackness, the shooting also underscored the critical need to ban assault weapons.

The intersection of racism and gun violence is resulting in dire consequences. This is particularly true in a state such as Florida which has passed laws to enable and embolden gun owners to brazenly turn to gun violence as their first option. This mixed with a series of policy changes targeting multicultural and particularly African American communities, incidents such as this are frighteningly more likely to happen. We must do better as a nation if we are to make true on the hopes and dreams of the past.

August 28, 2023

For Immediate Release

JACL National Statement

Categories
National JACL Statement

JACL Disappointed by Affirmative Action Decision

The Japanese American Citizens League is dismayed by the Supreme Court’s decision striking down the use of race as a general consideration in the holistic admissions programs at Harvard and the University of North Carolina. These programs had been constructed in accordance with previous Supreme Court decisions, yet the court once again shows blatant disregard for its own precedent, creating new law.

Today, the majority rejected the precedent that race might be considered generally amongst other characteristics. The Grutter case further affirmed the court’s previous support for diversity as a compelling state interest. The opinion by Justice O’Connor in the Grutter case suggested a time limit of 25 years before affirmative action might not be necessary. Unfortunately, disparities in opportunity due to race remain persistent and pervasive, particularly in the education system and college admissions process. For the court to at once ignore a time frame for affirmative action to be legitimized through court precedent, and shorten it when the disparity clearly remains, is concerning and inexplicable. 

Furthermore, the court asserts, “Many universities have for too long wrongly concluded that the touchstone of an individual’s identity is not challenges bested, skills built, or lessons learned, but the color of their skin.” The court has wrongly concluded that these touchstones of identity are NOT also inextricably linked to one’s racial identity. For Asian Americans, while we may all have unique experiences individually, as the past two years have shown us with the increases in anti-Asian hate, discrimination persists against us because of our race, not because of who we are as individuals. This experience is not unlike that of other students of color.

Also in its arguments, the court uses the Hirabayashi case to establish our nation’s distaste for discriminating based on race. We remind the court that the Hirabayashi case, despite this inspirational quote, did actually affirm that discrimination against a minority was legal. It is that backdrop of historic state-sponsored racism that has necessitated programs such as affirmative action, to redress persistent racism, where this country and its institutions have continued to discriminate systematically against minorities making college less attainable, or even a seat on the Supreme Court that has remained elusive to an Asian American.

It is well known that an overwhelming majority of Asian Americans support affirmative action initiatives. We reject the perpetration of the model minority myth, suggesting that Asian Americans are disadvantaged relative to others presumably, by the plaintiffs and the court majority, less deserving minorities in the admissions process.  While these decisions are limited to higher education for now, they may also set a precedent around similar race-conscious initiatives in hiring and other programs, such as workplace DEI initiatives.

JACL remains committed to ensuring that all Americans have the opportunity to achieve the heights of educational opportunity. We also recognize the scarcity of opportunity at highly selective colleges and universities which means the majority of students applying to these schools will not be accepted, despite being highly qualified themselves. We do believe that colleges are capable of selecting individuals for admission who are qualified, and also support the need for diversity and representation. We reaffirm the court’s past precedent affirming the need to create diversity at schools and reject the court’s rewriting of law in today’s decision.

June 29, 2023

For Immediate Release

Seia Watanabe, VP Public Affairs, swatanabe@jacl.org

Matthew Weisbly, Education & Communications Coordinator, mweisbly@jacl.org