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A publication of the JACL Chicago Chapter

March/April 2020 No. 138

In this Issue:

page 1 Day of Remembrance 2020

page 3 Japanese Americans: take flight for Tsuru for Solidarity

page 4 Kansha Project 2020 Application is Available

page 6 ‘Be a Beacon of Hope’

page 7 Thank You to Our Donors and Advertisers

page 8 Calendar of Events

JACL Chicago’s 75th Anniversary will be postponed to September 2020See page 3 for details

Continued on page 2

This year, we commemorated the Day of Remembrance of the signing of Executive Order 9066 by former President Franklin D. Roosevelt on Sunday, February 16th, 2020. The day began with an engaging session, Youth Arts X Activism Gallery and

Workshop, hosted by the JACL Chicago Next Generation Nikkei. The program included a project gallery from young adults, some of who participated in the Kansha Project where they visited the Manzanar National Historic Site and Little Tokyo in California. In addition to the artifacts on display, some participants elaborated on their experience throughout the workshop by conveying their personal connections and reflections for attendees to gain a deeper understanding. People of all ages were encouraged to attend, listen to the testimonials and to help with making origami cranes. The cranes will be strung up and donated to the Tsuru for Solidarity cause, which helps support immigrant and refugee communities who are being targeted and treated inhumanely.

Following the Youth Arts X Activism Gallery, attendees were able to join the main event which included a documentary and panel discussion with filmmaker and JCYC (Japanese Community Youth Council) executive director, Jon Osaki. As the Executive Director of JCYC in San Francisco, California, Jon engages with several communities to help increase historical awareness of the events from the past and build bridges to the future.

Day of Remembrance 2020By Brian Ozaki, Board Member

The JACLer will be moving to quarterly issues instead of every other month.

Look out for an April-June issue next!

The 2020 Day of RemembRance feaTuReD an awaRD-winning

DocumenTaRy by Jon osaki, followeD by a conveRsaTion wiTh

Jason maTsumoTo.

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Jon Osaki’s film, Alternative Facts: The Lies of Executive Order 9066, was an eye-opening and fact-filled documentary screened to a full-house (and even had overflow in another room). While many in the Japanese American community are familiar with the incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans, this film provided additional insight and perspective that had not been seen/heard before. Osaki presented a wealth of

facts and first-hand testimonials that provided additional context. It shared factual evidence which explained many of the questions underlying why the US Government chose to incarcerate 120,000 innocent Japanese Americans. The documentary showcased multiple interviews from key individuals who were integral to Korematsu vs. United States case including lost documentation that directly addressed the dissent and complexities around the incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans. The documentary also helped unearth key community leaders and activists who were involved in many aspects of righting the wrongs as well as the work that resulted in the redress that was issued in 1988.

After the documentary, Jason Matsumoto, Director of Operations and Co-Founder of Full Spectrum Features, Co-Producer of The Orange Story and Director of Ho Etsu Taiko, led an engaging discussion with Jon Osaki. Matsumoto probed Osaki to better understand why he chose to procure this film and it was fascinating to hear his journey, specifically his experience working with his daughter and leveraging the youth perspective. He also masterfully drew out the relevance of these egregious historical actions to current events and challenges. The film was very well received by the audience and led to new insights that will allow for ongoing curiosity and learning.

Immediately after the movie and interview, guests were invited to the reception where multiple organizations hosted information tables and where Jon Osaki provided additional information about his documentary and organization to a never-ending line of attendees. There was such interest that he ran out of copies of his DVD and collected donations for the project. The partnership among the Chicago Japanese American Council, Chicago Japanese American Historical Society, Japanese American Citizens League-Chicago Chapter, Japanese American Service Committee and Japanese Mutual Aid Society of Chicago was particularly evident through the multitude of origami cranes that were made by attendees throughout the event to be transported via volunteers and marchers to DC in June. The cranes signify the collective hope to spread awareness of unjust policies that eerily mirror the events from 78 years ago. It is our belief that we can help disrupt inequity and build community through increased knowledge and solidarity.

Article submission deadline for our next issue is 4/24/20.

The JACLer is published by the JACL Chicago Chapter for its members, supporters, and friends. We welcome your comments, suggestions, and article submissions.

For More Information

For information about the JACL Chicago Chapter, call 773.728.7171, or visit www.jaclchicago.org

Contact Us

JACL Chicago Chapter 5415 North Clark Street Chicago, Illinois 60640-1294

Phone: 773.728.7171 Fax: 773.728.7231 Email: info@jaclchicago.org Web: www.jaclchicago.org

Go Green!If you would like to receive a copy of this newsletter electronically, and receive JACL news and updates via email, please email info@jaclchicago.org and let us know you’d like to be added to our electronic mailing list!

Securing and maintaining the civil rights of Japanese Americans and all others who are victimized by injustice and bigotry.

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Day of Remembrance 2020 continued

Phot

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PRioR To The main DoR PRogRam, The youTh aRTs X acTivism galleRy

feaTuReD cReaTive PRoJecTs anD ReflecTions maDe by young, local nikkei.

Like Us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/JACLChicago

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Ten years ago this month, 250,000 people from across the country rallied for immigration reform in

Washington, DC. The March For America filled the National Mall. Speakers from across the country called for justice for immigrant communities, and a quarter-million people joined together in raising their voices to President Obama, Congresspeople, and Senators to pass legislation to protect the rights of immigrants.

I was one of those 250,000 people on the National Mall. As a young organizer with Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago in my first year out of college, I helped to organize a bus-full of marchers to join the rally and represent Asian Americans from Illinois. Together, we joined the sea of people on the lawn in front of Congress to show our collective power. This experience was formative for me as a leader, and showed me the value and the power of coming together with a unified voice and message.

Recently, the March for America has started to come back in my mind. Over the last three years, we have also seen President Trump’s administration take an increasingly hostile stance toward immigrant and refugee communities by increasing deportations and refusing admittance to refugees. I have seen connections between current immigration policies and the experiences of my grandparents and great-grandparents. Concentration camps used during World War II to detain Japanese Americans are being used again today to separate families detained at the border. Muslim Americans are being unjustly surveilled and discriminated against because of their religion and national origin. As Japanese Americans we have a stake in this moment because their experience is our experience as well.

Today, Japanese Americans are saying that we are part of the solution, and that we have a role to play in taking action.

Japanese Americans: take flight for Tsuru for SolidarityBy Brandon Lee, Board Member

Continued on page 5

The JACLer will be moving to quarterly issues instead of every other month.

Look out for an April-June issue next!

Event has been postponed to

September 26, 2020

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The Kansha Project is a JACL Chicago program founded in 2011 that connects self-identified,

Japanese Americans, ages 18-25, from the Midwest to their identity, history and community.

Participants engage in an in-depth examination of the WWII confinement site experience through an immersive educational trip to Los Angeles’ historic Little Tokyo neighborhood and Manzanar National Historic Site. Through workshops with local experts and community activists, historical tours, and group reflections, participants work to interpret and promote the stories, lessons, and the legacy of the Japanese American confinement site experience.

2020 Program Dates: Orientation: July 8 Trip: July 9 - 12 Culmination: July 18

COVID-19 Update: The Kansha Alumni Leadership Board has been monitoring the situation around COVID-19 closely, and we are extending the application deadline to April 26th. We still encourage you to apply for this year’s program as it

Kansha Project 2020 Application is Available!

The JACL Chicago Scholarship Luncheon

(originally scheduled for May) has been canceled.

Please stay tuned for updates as we share other ways we will be

celebrating the scholarship awardees and thanking our

generous donors!

Scholarship Luncheon

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is absolutely non-binding to apply.

Based on CDC guidelines, it will be determined in early May if it is best for the 2020 Kansha Project to proceed as planned, be postponed, or canceled. In the event of cancellation, the age range for the 2021 Kansha Project will be extended to 18-26 year olds. As the situation continues to unfold and the CDC guidelines continue to change we will share updates regarding the trip.

Why should you apply? Here’s what some alumni of the Kansha Project have said about their experiences:

“I heard of Kansha randomly when my friend posted something about it on facebook. Manzanar? A place that I

heard of that my grandmother has been when she was young but never fully understood...I was hesitant to apply because as a mixed race person I felt I “wasn’t asian enough”, but I’m glad I did. Being able to go on Kansha has imensenly impacted the way I perceive my identity and my family’s history. It was the first time in a long time that I felt I belonged in a community. “ - Amy Chow

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That’s why a group of Japanese Americans here in Chicago have come together to be a part of Tsuru for Solidarity.

Tsuru for Solidarity is a nationwide project organized by Japanese Americans who are working to end detention sites and support immigrant and refugee communities that are being targeted by racist, inhumane immigration policies. We are joining together to call for an end to all concentration camps; build connection with other communities that have experienced forced removal, detention, deportation and separation of families; and addressing intergenerational trauma within our communities.

A national movement was planned for Japanese Americans to come together in Washington DC, in that same place that immigration advocates rallied ten years ago, to call for justice and an end to concentration camps. This is an opportunity to meet with representatives, build a coalition with other communities, and come together as Japanese Americans to present a unified voice for justice. Through Tsuru for Solidarity, we are putting the words “never forget” and “stop repeating history,” into action.

While the rally initially planned for June in Washington DC, has been postponed, Tsuru for Solidarity is continuing its work. To learn more about their next steps and how they will be socially unifying Tsuru for Solidarity actions across the country, you may visit their website at www.tsuruforsolidarity.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tsuruforsolidarity.

The logo foR The chicago conTingenT of TsuRu foR soliDaRiTy was DesigneD by

aRTisT, coRi lin.

Tsuru for Solidarity continued

“I am certain I would have never been able to plan a pilgrimage as all encompassing and fulfilling as this one. The program is completely immersive in that you are able to truly explore your Nikkei identity whilst reconciling America’s history of oppression towards all people of color. The highlight for me was that I went on this journey of self-discovery and reflection alongside the most amazing group of people, people who were complete strangers to me when we first met. I emerged from The Kansha Project a more informed and independent individual surrounded by a newfound and much appreciated support system of young Japanese Americans here in Chicago.” - Keilyn Kuramitsu

Kansha Project applications are due April 26. More information can be found on our website at: jaclchicago.org/programs/kansha-project.

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Like Us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/JACLChicago

These are truly unprecedented times we are living in. It was just over a week ago I was planning the 3rd Annual Gregg and Robyn Oshita Foundation blood drive that was

scheduled to take place on March 21st. I had donors lined up, volunteers at the ready and raffle prizes to giveaway to raise money for the foundation. And in what seemed the blink of an eye, everything changed.

Coronavirus (or COVID-19 as it is better known) is a very dangerous and very real part of our society right now. As much as I wanted the drive to take place, with the number of infected rising at an alarming rate and people even dying because of COVID-19, I made the decision along with JASC to postpone the drive to a later date. Safety is and always will be my top priority when hosting these drives.

I urge everyone to practice social distancing. If you are sick, please stay home. If you are able to work remotely from home, do so. But please know that social distancing does not mean social disengagement, especially when it comes to blood donation.

Blood centers like Versiti Blood Bank (who I am proud to partner with), are taking extra precautions because of coronavirus including spacing beds six feet apart, encouraging donors to make appointments ahead of time, and disinfecting surfaces more than normal.

The fact is that there is always a need for blood. Donated blood has a shelf life of 42 days (platelets are only good for 5 days).

Let me share a few numbers: 58,000 and 2.2%. 58,000 is the estimated number of people who will pass away from blood cancer this year and 2.2% is the percentage of blood donors that identify as Asian.

‘Be a Beacon of Hope’

Join or Donate to JACL Chicago Today!

Membership Fee

Individual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $75.00

Couple/Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00

Student/Youth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$35.00

1000 Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200.00

Century Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $350.00

1000/Century Spouse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$50.00

Millennium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,000.00

Please support the JACL Chicago with a Donation!

Amount: $ _________________________________________________________________

In my name:

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Anonymous

In memory In honor of:

________________________________________________________________________________

Recipient’s address:

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Please make check payable to JACL Chicago and mail with this form to:

JACL Chicago Attn: Membership 5415 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL 60640

The JACL is a community organization that ensures the protection of your rights. Help us continue to be a strong voice for you and your family by supporting us with your membership or a donation.

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Thank You to Our Donors and Advertisers!

(Donors as of 1/15/2020)

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Go to jaclchicago.org or call 773.728.7171 for details.

General

Ryan MurashigeSuzanne SawadaMark Sumpter Stephen and Colleen Takagishi (In honor of Kay Takagishi)

Kansha Project

Aiko Kojima

Education

Bill and Carol Yoshino (In memory of Roy Esaki)

Yoshino Family Scholarship Fund

Lawrence Yoshino

As a son of an Asian American who lost her battle to acute myeloid leukemia and as a member of the Asian community, I am asking for you to join me and even in times of crisis, to continue donating blood.

This cause is personal to me. When I lost my mom almost 3 years ago, one of the many challenges that we faced on a daily basis was whether or not she’d receive her medically necessary blood and platelet transfusions. Often times, we wouldn’t know until the last minute if any of the local blood banks had the specific type of blood or platelets needed and would be able to deliver product that day (in the end, my mom needed a specific type of matched platelets because she had developed HLA antibodies to the donor platelets transfused to help her).

To have someone you know fighting blood cancer and not knowing if they’ll have the resources they need in order to fight is truly one of the scariest things that a person can go through.

If you can, please go out and donate. If not for my mom, do it for the thousands of others battling.

#ForRobyn

Scholarship Program

Hannah Hogan

Annual Giving

Carolyn Cline (In memory of John L. (Mike) Cline)

Seiji ItaharaCarolyn Nakamura (In memory of Kay & Lillie Nakamura)

Nancy NakagawaRobert and Christine McQuinn (In memory of Michiko McQuinn)

Lary Schectman (In memory of Mitzi Schectman)

Cary Wong and Judy TanakaKen and Izumi Yoshitani

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Calendar of Events

Wednesday, March 11 7:00pm – 9:00pm

JACL Chicago Board Meeting JACL Chicago Office, 5415 N Clark St, Chicago

Postponed until further notice The Gregg and Robyn Oshita Foundation Blood Drive

Postponed until further notice

Next Gen Nikkei Intergenerational Bowling Extravaganza Fireside Bowl, 2646 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago Get your ticket at: https://squareup.com/store/jacl-chicago

Wednesday, April 8 7:00pm – 9:00pm

JACL Chicago Board Meeting JACL Chicago Office, 5415 N Clark St, Chicago

Sunday, April 262020 Kansha Project Application Deadline Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm See our website for more information: https://jaclchicago.org/programs/Kansha-project/

Postponed until September 26, 2020

JACL Chicago 75th Celebration Hon Kee Restaurant, 5009 N Winthrop Ave, Chicago, IL 60640

5415 North Clark Street

Chicago, Illinois 60640-1294

p: 773.728.7171

f: 773.728.7231

e: info@jaclchicago.org

w: jaclchicago.org

The Japanese American Citizens League is a non-

profit human and civil rights organization dedicated to

preserving the civil liberties of Japanese Americans

and of all Americans.

We welcome your participation.

Go Green! Receive the JACLer newsletter (in full color), news and updates via email. See page 2