| Program Summary | |
| In 1990 the National Coalition for Redress/Reparations found itself at an important crossroad.
NCRR celebrated its tenth year as a leading force in the redress campaign; this Day of Remembrance program would be an important 10th anniversary celebration. The DOR also celebrated the entitlement legislation that had been secured in Congress, ensuring the funding of reparations payments to the surviving former inmates and others impacted by EO9066. Again, the community’s continued efforts in demanding the needed appropriations had been successful. Reparations checks would be delivered to the oldest survivors in the fall. The theme of the 1990 Day of Remembrance, “A Decade of Struggle…Looking to the Future” reflected NCRR’s intention to pay tribute to the community’s efforts to win redress, and, also, NCRR’s need to reassess its goals and direction in order to remain vital as a grassroots community organization. More than 700 people attended the event held at the Japan America Theater. The DOR program pays tribute each year to the community’s elders, those who suffered the most devastating effects of E09066, by honoring the Issei and Nisei with a moment of silence. The tribute extended to performances by the traditional Japanese dance troupe “Nippon Minyo Kenkyu Kai Hoen Kai”. Lane Nishikawa, well-known for his “Life in the Fast Lane” performance piece, presented his works about the camp experience, and “Days of Waiting” Steven Okazaki’s poignant film about camp, was screened. Two of the U.S.Congressmen who were instrumental in the legislative success of the redress bill were honored during the program. Congressman Robert Matsui presented the keynote address, and Congressman Mervyn Dymally also spoke. Matsui applauded Japanese Americans for their determination to win redress and urged them to support others, like the homeless, who are in need of help. Representing the Department of Justice’s Office of Redress Administration was Robert K. Bratt, the Executive Director. Bratt presented the plans of the ORA to facilitate the delivery of reparations to the former inmates and evacuees. This year’s program shared NCRR’s plans for its future work, which included working with the ORA to monitor and advise in their efforts to do expansive outreach and education around the eligibility and receipt of reparations. In addition, NCRR reiterated its goal of working with issues not just of the Japanese American community, but also affecting Asian pacific Islanders, people of color and people fighting for justice. |
|
| entitlement legislation..., Rafu Shimpo, 11//22/89, Bush signs appropriations bill (PDF) | |
| continued efforts in demanding, Rafu Shimpo,7/7/89, Little tokyo Rally (PDF) | |
| future work.., Rafu Shimpo, 1/30/90, Life after Redress | |