CAPAC Members Commemorate Fred Korematsu Day
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements to commemorate Fred Korematsu Day, which is celebrated on January 30 each year. Senator Mazie K. Hirono also introduced a congressional resolution recognizing January 30 as the “Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution” and denouncing any effort to discriminate against communities based on national origin or religion:
Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:
“Fred Korematsu is a civil rights hero who courageously challenged the unjust incarceration of over 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II due to racial prejudice, wartime hysteria, and a failure of political leadership. His actions cemented his legacy as a civil rights icon, and remind us of the continued need to remain vigilant in the face of injustice.
“Mr. Korematsu’s valiant fight for justice is especially relevant today as we work to address anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim proposals from the Trump Administration that harken back to dark chapters in our nation’s history when bigotry and intolerance shaped our national policies. Now, more than ever, we must follow Fred Korematsu’s example to defend and protect the civil rights and liberties of all Americans.”
Senator Mazie K. Hirono (HI):
“Fred Korematsu stood up for the rights of nearly 120,000 Japanese Americans incarcerated during World War II, and continued to fight for decades to expand civil rights and overturn his own false criminal conviction. As we recognize Fred Korematsu Day on what would have been his 99th birthday, Fred’s life serves as a reminder that we all have a responsibility to defend justice and equality.”
Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-28), CAPAC Whip:
“Today, we honor Fred Korematsu, a civil rights hero who resisted the xenophobic policies of the U.S. Government during World War II. Throughout his life, he was an advocate for civil rights and helped Japanese Americans receive an apology and compensation from the U.S. government for their incarceration during World War II. He continued to speak out for those unlawfully detained, including Muslim inmates held in Guantanamo Bay. Fred is a powerful example of someone who spoke truth to power by fighting against bigotry and injustice. I am honored to celebrate Fred Korematsu Day and honor his legacy as a civil rights hero.”
Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02):
“Fred Korematsu dedicated his life to fighting against racism and bigotry. His selfless work against the unjust incarceration of over 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II continues to inspire generations of Americans to confront ignorance and hatred with the light and love of the Aloha spirit.”
Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13):
“Today, I am honored to join those in the East Bay and across the country in honoring the life of Fred Korematsu, an Oakland-native and principled civil rights activist. During World War II, Korematsu resisted Executive Order 9066 and challenged the Supreme Court on our government’s internment of Japanese Americans. He dedicated the rest of his life to fighting racial prejudice and protecting the civil rights of all Americans. In these difficult times, we must carry his legacy as we continue to fight intolerance and bigotry in all its forms.”
Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-06):
“Fred Korematsu’s incredible courage and conviction in the face of bigotry and injustice continues to serve as inspiration today. His story is an important reminder that we must stay vigilant in our defense of civil liberties, and steadfast in our commitment to the values on which this country was founded.”
Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41):
“Fred Korematsu’s life is a reflection of our nation’s profound struggles with discrimination, our progress towards justice, and the significant work that lies ahead. Korematsu’s courageous fight against Japanese-American internment, and his civil rights activism in the decades that followed, inspired many minority communities to demand equal protection under the law. But the Supreme Court ruling that justified his imprisonment and the imprisonment of 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II was never overturned. It remains a symbol of our ongoing struggle to ensure liberty and justice for all. Last month, I introduced the Korematsu-Takai Civil Liberties Act of 2017, which would renounce Korematsu’s original conviction and prohibit the detention of an individual based solely on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation.”
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09)
“On this day, we honor the work of civil rights activist, Fred Korematsu. At the age of 23, he had the courage to refuse to be interned with his fellow Japanese citizens. Through challenging the constitutionality of Japanese internment during WWII, he became a champion for the rights of Asian-Americans.
“He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest award granted to a civilian for his lifelong activism. I am proud to stand with the 9th Congressional district in Washington to honor Fred Korematsu as an advocate that provided a blueprint for those in the pursuit of social justice.”
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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently Chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.