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CAPAC Members Commemorate Fred Korematsu Day

January 29, 2016

Washington, D.C. – Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements to commemorate Fred Korematsu Day:

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:

“Fred Korematsu is a civil rights hero who bravely challenged the unjust incarceration that he and over 120,000 Japanese Americans faced during World War II. Over seven decades later, Mr. Korematsu’s legacy and fight for justice remains relevant as we work to address the dangerous anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim rhetoric that threatens to undermine the progress that we have made as a nation. As we celebrate Fred Korematsu Day, let us also renew our commitment to remain vigilant in protecting the rights of all Americans.”

Senator Mazie K. Hirono (HI):

“Fred Korematsu courageously stood up against the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, and was a lifelong champion of justice. While the internment ended nearly 70 years ago, his work to protect civil rights remains relevant today. As some extremist voices call for harmful proposals targeting particular religions or nationalities, Fred's legacy is a reminder that we must stand strong for the Constitutional rights of all.”

Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17), CAPAC Chair Emeritus:

“Today, we recognize Fred Korematsu’s fight for the constitutional rights of the 120,000 Americans of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II. As one of those illegally imprisoned, I thank Fred Korematsu for his bravery and his lifelong commitment to justice and civil rights. As we now face similar dangers of wartime hysteria, prejudice, and lack of political leadership, we must continue his legacy by standing up for the civil rights and liberties of all Americans.”

Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41), CAPAC Whip:

“It is an honor as a Japanese-American to celebrate Fred Korematsu Day. His legacy of resisting bigotry and discrimination is particularly important at a time when our nation’s commitment to freedom and equality is being challenged. America is special because people like Fred Korematsu have continually stood up for what is right. We should all strive to follow his example as a defender of civil rights and a champion of American ideals.”

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02):

“On Fred Toyosaburo Korematsu Day, we honor a man who stood up for justice in the face of unspeakable adversity. Mr. Korematsu was one of more than 120,000 Japanese-Americans unjustly imprisoned during WWII in states across the country, including at the Oahu Honouliuli camp. His courage and life-long fight for justice serve as an example to generations of Americans, and inspire us to continue to fight for civil rights and liberties each and every day.”

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13):

“I am proud to represent Fred Korematsu's hometown of Oakland, CA. Through his tireless pursuit of justice, Fred Korematsu challenged the Supreme Court and our entire nation to stand against prejudice. Even after the Supreme Court upheld the unjust incarceration of more than one hundred thousand Japanese-Americans, Fred Korematsu refused to give up the fight for dignity and justice. When I met him years later, he was still advocating for the voiceless and against state-sanctioned injustice and racism. His legacy should be a reminder to us all of the power of a single voice against injustice.”

Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06):

“Fred Korematsu was a legend in the fight for civil rights and I’m proud to pay tribute to his legacy. He was a man of tremendous courage who worked tirelessly to combat discrimination and injustice against Japanese Americans. His work will never be forgotten and he continues to inspire us as the fight for civil rights continues to this day.”

Congressman Mark Takai (HI-01):

“As a Japanese-American, I recognize that the contributions that Fred Korematsu and many other Americans of Japanese ancestry have made in the struggle to protect the rights of all Americans are undeniable. During my time in the Hawaii State Legislature, I helped pass a bill to commemorate January 30th as ‘Civil Liberties and the Constitution Day’ in recognition of these important efforts. Let this day serve as a reminder that all citizens are afforded due process under the law and that a nation can never justify the mass incarceration of a people based on race. In light of recent events, we as a nation, must remain ever vigilant against discrimination in times of war and unrest and work to protect the rights of everyone.”

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09):

“Fred Korematsu courageously championed the cause of civil rights for all. Following his refusal to relocate to an internment camp during World War II, Korematsu was arrested and interned. Together with the American Civil Liberties Union, he challenged this injustice by appealing his internment to the United States Supreme Court. While unsuccessful then, Korematsu’s unrelenting pursuit of justice lead to a overturning of his conviction many decades later. Today, Korematsu’s legacy lives on across the country through those who are inspired by his actions. In the Pacific Northwest, we honor his work at the Korematsu Center and Access to Justice Institute at Seattle University where the next generation of civil rights leaders are inspired by Korematsu’s advocacy and dedication to social justice.”

Background:

January 30 is officially recognized as Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution, and it is the first day in U.S. history named after an Asian American. During World War II, Fred Korematsu refused to relocate to an internment camp under President Franklin Roosevelt’s Executive Order 9066, which mandated the mass roundup and incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans. Korematsu was eventually arrested and interned in May of 1942. He worked with the American Civil Liberties Union to challenge his case, ultimately taking it to the Supreme Court. Although unsuccessful at the time, he cleared his name in 1983 – more than four decades after first being detained.

This year, six states – including California, Hawaii, Utah, Illinois, Georgia, and Virginia – acknowledge this holiday statewide.

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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.