Stressing “political power through unity” NCRR, JACL and LTPRO commemorated the Day of Remembrance in Gardena.  Organizations from many different ethnic communities, professions, and universities endorsed the reparations campaign.  Organizers were very pleased with the turnout of 400 people that filled the auditorium.  Because many Japanese-speaking Issei attended, translations of the speeches were provided.

Rev. Paul Nakamura of Lutheran Oriental Church of Torrance and Rev. Roy Kyozo Kokuzo of Long Beach Buddhist Church gave prayers and gassho before the program began.  Sensing that a redress bill could pass in Congress, Bert Nakano, NCRR spokesman, urged the Japanese American community to push their legislators to pass H.R. 422 (later renamed H.R. 442), the Wright bill.  As a small minority, Japanese Americans need to build ties with other Asian Pacific peoples to form a voting bloc for political power he said.  It was important too to get the support of other minority groups.

George Ogawa, redress chair of the JACL PSWD said that JACL was gearing up to lobby congress.  The national JACL had formed a Legal Education Committee headed by Min Yasui to raise funds for lobbying.  He also talked about the court cases of Hirabayashi, Yasui, and Korematsu.

Alan Nishio, president of the Little Tokyo People’s Rights organization, explained that the DOR was held in Gardena for the first time because there’s a large Nikkei community in the South Bay area and the DOR sponsors wanted to reach the older Japanese Americans who don’t often travel to Little Tokyo.  With President Reagan’s focus on defense spending and the U.S. in a difficult economy, it wouldl be a real challenge to obtain redress.  But the movement is growing he said.

Mervyn Dymally, the U.S. Representative from the Gardena area, gave an update on H.R. 422, the redress bill in the House.  It has 99 co-sponsors including Japanese American Congressmen Norman Mineta and Bob Matsui.  The bill would implement the recommendations of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians by providing congressional and presidential apologies to the former internees, an education fund, and $20,000 to each internee.  The Aleuts would receive $12,000 and a community-rebuilding fund.  With over 200 votes needed for passage of the bill, more support is needed from Congress.

Senator Cranston, who arrived late, received a standing ovation from the appreciative crowd.  He and Senators Spark Matsunaga, and Daniel Inouye sponsored the Senate redress bill.  Cranston told the listeners to unite and build coalitions.  He said would continue to sponsor a redress bill until it passes.

Mas Fukui, Gardena City Councilman and aide to Supervisor Kenneth Hahn gave the DOR proclamation.  A group of young Hawaiian dancers entertained the crowd with their spirited performance.

In addition to the speakers, a panel discussion was held to discuss issues and problems in their Asian Pacific communities.  Craig Wong represented the Chinatown Progressive Association, Roy Gorre the Asian American News, Pok Than the United Cambodian Community, and Duncan Lee the Korean American Coalition.

Besides redress NCRR began a campaign to make the West Hollywood owners of the JAPSS Hair Salon change the name of their business.  JAPS is an offensive racist word to many Japanese Americans and NCRR believed that the public should be aware of this.