WASHINGTON — Jan. 30 marked Fred Korematsu Day, the birthday of Fred Korematsu (1919-2005), a civil rights activist who objected to the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II.
In commemoration of Fred Korematsu Day, members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements:
CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (D-Pasadena):“After Executive Order 9066 was issued on Feb. 19, 1942, Fred Korematsu was not only turned away from enlisting to serve his country, but also became one of the over 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry who were forced into incarceration. Today, we remember Fred’s determination to challenge the U.S. government on its racial discrimination and bring his case all the way to the Supreme Court.
“We also honor his enduring legacy as a civil rights advocate who, after witnessing the wrongful imprisonment of Muslim community members made under the same guise of national security in the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001, filed numerous amicus briefs with the Supreme Court warning the government not to repeat its shameful mistakes of the past.
“As we commemorate this day on what would have been Mr. Korematsu’s 105th birthday, we must remain vigilant to keep prejudice out of our national policies and continue speaking up for civil rights and equality for all.”
CAPAC First Vice Chair Rep. Grace Meng (D-N.Y.):“I am proud to recognize Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution — and I am also proud that my home state of New York has designated this day to honor the legacy of Fred Korematsu.
“During World War II, a 23-year-old Fred Korematsu resisted the racial profiling and incarceration of Japanese Americans in internment camps, taking his case all the way to the Supreme Court. In that landmark 1944 Korematsu v. United Statescase, the Supreme Court ruled that the internment of all Japanese Americans was justified by military necessity. Korematsu never stopped speaking out against racial discrimination, and 40 years later, this shameful ruling was overturned.
“Today, we celebrate the birthday of this civil rights hero, and we are reminded that we all have a duty to fight against injustice whenever and wherever we see it.”
CAPAC Second Vice Chair Rep. Mark Takano (D-Riverside):“Fred Korematsu stood up for all American’s rights and freedoms by resisting Japanese American internment during World War II. His actions have had a profound impact on my life, my heritage, and the way I and serve in Congress. That’s why I have consistently reintroduced a package of bills to honor Mr. Korematsu for his staunch advocacy for civil liberties and fight for freedom.
“In the face of rising anti-Asian hate, let us honor Mr. Korematsu’s legacy by committing ourselves to equity and against cruelty.”
CAPAC Whip Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Manhattan Beach):“Fred Korematsu was a fearless civil rights advocate who stood up for the more than 120,000 Japanese Americans who were wrongly interned during World War II. On what would have been his 105th birthday, we reflect on his courage to seek justice following the years of bigotry and xenophobia from the American government that ultimately led to the incarceration of innocent Japanese Americans.
“Fred Korematsu’s legacy reminds us that even in our nation’s darkest chapters, we must fight against injustice wherever we see it. I am honored to celebrate the work of this civil rights hero and remain committed to carrying out his vision of a truly equal and just nation.”
Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.):“On Fred Korematsu Day, we honor his unwavering courage when he challenged our government’s mass internment of 120,000 innocent Japanese Americans during World War II. Whenever and wherever we may see injustice, may we remember Fred Korematsu ‘s resolve to do what is right.
“To help ensure our nation never repeats the horrors that thousands of Japanese Americans experienced as prisoners within our own borders, we must pass my Korematsu-Takai Civil Liberties Protection Act to reaffirm our commitment to upholding constitutional principles for all.”
Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii):“Today we commemorate the life and legacy of Fred Korematsu, a civil rights champion who resisted the unjust removal of Japanese Americans to incarceration camps and dedicated his life to fighting for thousands of Japanese Americans wrongfully detained during World War II. I am proud to have led efforts to recognize Mr. Korematsu’s fight for equality, including legislation to award him the Congressional Gold Medal.
“May his courage serve as an inspiration to us all to speak out against discrimination and injustice.”
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.):“Today we celebrate Fred Korematsu, the civil rights hero who challenged the unjust and racist internment of tens of thousands of Japanese Americans during World War II and fought for freedom and racial justice his entire life. Let us all continue to honor Mr. Korematsu’s legacy and be inspired to stand up in the face of discrimination, hate, and racism and push for true equality in every aspect of our society.”
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Santa Clara):“Today we celebrate Fred Korematsu’s selfless courage in fighting against the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II –– one of the darkest chapters in our nation’s history. Fred Korematsu and advocates in California have spent their careers working to right this wrong.
“In honor of Fred Korematsu’s legacy, I stand with my CAPAC colleagues in speaking out against intolerance, xenophobia, and hate. We must work toward a future where there is justice and inclusion for all.”