Getting a little Southwestern at the 2006 JACL National Convention in Phoenix, AZ 

DC Leadership Conference Reunion! 

In Gratitude*

“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person.
Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lit the flame within us.” -Albert Schweitzer

In our dynamic and progressive society, the noble fight to ensure justice and equality for all American citizens can be overshadowed by the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The civil rights movement has evolved throughout the years, but several key individuals have served as beacons of light—inspiring us to be “Better Americans for a Better America.” John Tateishi has played a vital role as the National Director of the Japanese American Citizens League. Throughout many years of dedication to the JACL and the ongoing fight for civil rights, John has been a hero and a source of inspiration. In this article, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for John Tateishi’s work as a civil rights activist and share how he has personally impacted my life.

Growing up in the Midwest, I often struggled with my Japanese American identity. Social norms encouraged children to “fit in” at school, and I was scared to be labeled as “different.” Despite my best attempts to blend in with the rest of my childhood peers, I knew that I was “different.” I preferred sembei and sushi over potato chips and chicken fingers. I folded paper cranes, owned a kimono, and loved the childhood story of Momotaro. Although I lacked exposure to my cultural heritage at school, I found a way to connect with my Japanese American roots through the JACL. My parents would take me to the Hoosier Chapter’s annual summer picnics and winter holiday parties, where I would meet with people who were proud of their Japanese American identity. The JACL gave me an opportunity to celebrate my cultural heritage and learn about my family roots. In addition, the JACL opened a door for me to meet a very special mentor and hero, John Tateishi.

I first met John at the Mentor Lunch at the 2005 JACL National Youth/Student Conference in Salt Lake City. To me, John was a celebrity. His accomplishments as a civil rights advocate were legendary. John played a key role in the Japanese Americans’ fight for redress. He worked to preserve the voices of the World War Two internment experience by writing the book And Justice for All. He created the Washington DC Leadership program, providing invaluable experiences for aspiring JACLers. As the National Director of the JACL, John tirelessly advocated for civil rights. The list of his accomplishments goes on and on. Needless to say, meeting him was a treat!

Although he was known for fearlessly fighting discrimination and hate, he had a kind-hearted twinkle in eyes. He patiently listened to young JACLers share their ideas and thoughts. John became my role model and mentor. Some children claim Michael Jordan as their hero. Others look up to Princess Diana or Colin Powell. For me, John Tateishi defines and exemplifies the meaning of a hero. Grounded by his values, he leads by his actions. He helped me learn how to take a stand against discrimination and injustice, and he showed how one person can really make a difference in the world. John Quincy Adams once stated that “if your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader. John Tateishi is this type of person.

Throughout the year, our paths crossed at various JACL events. Each time I ran into John, I was impressed that he remembered who I was. As a busy leader who meets thousands of individuals each year, he somehow managed to remember me. He would share a warm smile and ask me how my graduate studies were progressing. I always wanted to express my profound gratitude to John- for being my role model and hero- but words seemed inadequate.

John’s recent resignation as the National Director of the JACL came as a surprise. Although I respect his decision, I was deeply saddened by the news. To me, John embodied the fundamental values and essence of the JACL. It was hard to imagine the organization without his steadfast leadership. However, I’ve come to terms that marinating in sadness will not alleviate the dark cloud over my head. Instead, I want to look on the bright side and seek solace in the numerous contributions of a man that I call my hero. Very few organizations have been blessed with great leaders. The JACL has been fortunate to have many great leaders, including John. Our organization has thrived under his guidance, and I am forever grateful.

The 2006 JACL National Convention’s theme was appropriately named “Phoenix Rising: Leadership for a New Generation.” As the oldest and largest Asian American civil rights organization continues to evolve, we must reflect upon the selfless and steadfast work of JACL leaders. Their legacy inspires us to value our heritage and rights as American citizens.

The need to fight for civil rights remains. Coretta Scott King asserted that “struggle is a never ending process. Freedom is never really won. You earn it and win it in every generation.” As we move forward to a new generation of JACL leadership, John Tateishi will remain as a beacon of light, gently guiding us by his legendary accomplishments. John, thank you for making a difference in the lives of so many. Your leadership will never be forgotten.

*This article was written for the JACL Hoosier Chapter's summer newsletter.

News on the VRA

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA) was a significant achievement and accomplishment of the Civil Rights Movement. The VRA challenged many of the discriminatory practices against American voters, such as poll taxes and tests.

As a hot topic in Washington DC, the VRA's renewal has been hindered by several "controversial" provisions. The article below was released by civilrights.org on 6/29/06. It provides an update on the VRA.


House Votes down Stearns Amendment

By civilrights.org staff civilrights.org
June 29, 2006

The House voted down, 254-167, an amendment to the Voting Rights Act reauthorization bill (HR. 9) that would have disenfranchised millions of American citizens who do not speak English very well.

Rep. Cliff Stearns, R. Fl., proposed Monday to strike a blow to Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act that provides language assistance to minorities, in another Republican attempt to weaken the nation's most effective civil rights law.

The amendment, No. 21 to the SSJC appropriations bill H.R. 5672, directs the Department of Justice not to expend funds to enforce the minority language provisions of the VRA, essentially subverting the VRA reauthorization process.

This latest attack on the VRA reauthorization comes on the heels of a stalled vote in the House last week, which was hijacked by a group of Southern Republicans, led by Lynn Westmoreland, R. Ga., objected to the language provisions.

Civil rights groups stated that the new amendment was yet another attempt to scapegoat minorities and disenfranchise those citizens who do not speak English well. "Efforts by a few rebels in the House to gut the language minority provisions of the Act have been thwarted twice," said Julie Fernandes, senior policy counsel at the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights. "It is now time for the House to bring HR 9 to the floor for a vote."

Key provisions of the VRA will expire next summer: Section 5, the federal pre-clearance provision, which requires certain jurisdictions to obtain federal approval before making any voting or election changes; Section 203, which requires certain jurisdictions to provide language assistance to limited English proficient voters; and Sections 6-9, which authorize the Department of Justice to send federal examiners and observers to monitor elections. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was last reauthorized in 1982.

Reflections from the 2006 JACL National Convention

The 2006 JACL National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona blazed a path of leadership for a new generation. As the Midwest District Council’s youth representative and a proud member of the Hoosier Chapter, I had the honor of attending JACL’s 39th Biennial Convention. In this article, I will share my personal reflections and experiences from the recent National Convention.

Although Phoenix is notorious for its scorching climate, several hot topics came to light. The business meetings were productive and educational, as delegates articulated their thoughts on issues, such as immigration policies, the Voting Rights Act, and APIA healthcare. While the National Council voted in favor of giving cost of living adjustments to our hardworking staff, the proposal for an annual national convention was postponed until 2008.

In addition to formal business meetings, the National Convention provided many opportunities for attendees to participate in social activities, workshops, and fundraisers. The Min Yasui Oratorical Competition was a personal highlight! Five talented youth members gave dynamic speeches on the topic of Japanese American identity. It was inspirational to see young members of JACL take a stand and present their arguments in the public sphere. Other youth-oriented activities throughout the week included a special luncheon, a silent auction fundraiser, and a youth workshop.

The National Convention offered many other fun activities, including country line dancing, dining (so much food--I think I gained about 8 pounds last week!), and reunions with old friends. Individuals could even venture to the Wild Horse Pass Casino to flirt with Lady Luck. Attending the convention reminded me that the JACL is more than a large organization; it is composed of warm-hearted people and sustained by lifelong friendships. It was great to meet new people and bond with old friends. I was thrilled to reunite with members of the Washington DC Leadership Conference and the National Youth/Student Council. The JACL fosters a close community of hardworking individuals, and the National Convention encourages members to catch up with old friends and ignite new relationships.

A final highlight from the National Convention was the “Camp Dance.” Written by Soji Kashiwagi, this musical took audience members on a journey through time. Blending catchy songs from the 1940’s with vignettes of the World War Two internment experience, the “Camp Dance” made audience members laugh and cry. The Camp Dance allowed individuals from nisei, sansei, and yonsei generations to bond and relive the emotional roller coaster of the internment period.

In closing, the 2006 JACL National Convention in Phoenix was a success! Special thanks to Ted Namba and the Arizona Chapter for organizing the week’s festivities. Also, I would like to thank David Suzuki for representing our Hoosier Chapter. Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to the 2004-2006 National Board and National Youth/Student Council for their dedication and leadership in the JACL

Upcoming JACL Convention!

Phoenix Rising: Leadership for a New Generation

Get excited for the 2006 JACL National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona! Officially held from June 21-24, this amazing conference will feature fun workshops, social events, opportunities to explore Japanese American culture and civil rights issues, an oratorical contest, musical entertainment, and more!

To learn more about the upcoming JACL National Convention, check out the Japanese American Citizens League's website at: www.jacl.org.

FYI: Outrageous Stuff....

Despite many genuine efforts to educate others about the freedom of speech and responsibility, we must continue our commitment and dedication to fight discrimination and hate speech. Unfortunately, ignorance and insensitivity continues to resurface in society. Below is an example that I received via email. To sign an online petition, please check out: http://www.PetitionOnline.com/ACU123/petition.html.



From the Asian Communities United Organization on 6/1/06
Dear Friends and Supporters:

Recently, members of our group (Asian Communities United) in the Toledo area reported a couple of appalling incidents on the radio. A DJ identified as "Lucus" on Tower 98.3 FM (a Cumulus Toledo station) has been making prank calls to Asian restaurants in the area with the intention of ridiculing the recipients of the phone calls live on the air. The assumption is that the call recipients speak little or no English and can be easily ridiculed without consequence.

In one incident, on May 22, 2006 around 8:40 pm, the DJ called a restaurant whose workers spoke perfect English. Upon hearing this the two DJs reacted by saying "Who are you? What are you doing there? What's with these white people working at Chinese restaurants? We're not calling Bob Evans!"

In another incident, two months before (date and time unknown), a DJ at the same station, called a Japanese restaurant repeatedly, despite clear indications that the calls were unwelcome. The DJ had a huge laugh at the call recipient's expense, making outrageous remarks such as: "Me love you long time," "Ching Chong Chung," and "Me Speakee no English," among other things.

Please help us get the offending DJ off the air. You can help in two ways. First, write to the station manager and let him know how unacceptable his DJ's behavior is. Next, go online to the URL below and sign our petition: http://www.PetitionOnline.com/ACU123/petition.html.

*“Thank you for not ------------------- .”*

The summer season inspires us to engage in many ritualistic activities. Memorial Day vacations, Forth of July celebrations, and graduation ceremonies inevitably cycle through the sticky months of June, July, and August. Just when we thought we were safe from the unfortunate epidemic of spring fever, people around this grand nation are ultimately plagued with a new danger: the wedding season. People in their twenties and thirties seem especially susceptible to this institutionalized disease. Despite climbing divorce rates and the normalization of prenuptial agreements, individuals stubbornly persist to search for the “Holy Grail” of relationships- the soul mate, the spouse, the “one true love.” But are we searching for the wrong thing?

I despise the conceptualization of a lover as “one’s other half.” It implicitly suggests that a person is “incomplete” or imperfect until he or she finds a mate. I’ve seen many smart and sexy women compromise their careers, friendships, and happiness in pursuit of romance. They would rather be in an unhealthy or stagnant relationship than be alone. But what is so bad about being single?

In reality, the “single woman” has acquired a notorious reputation. Like a broken toy or a benchwarmer, society has erroneously stereotyped single women as defunct beings, dangerous creatures, or old maids. This unfortunate labeling system is further complicated when women define their self-concepts through their romantic relationships. This mentality leads them to become dependent upon their significant other. We need to stop this.

In this entry, I would like to urge women to reappropriate the meaning of the “single woman.” Take control of your lives and embrace your own autonomous identities. I am not advocating women to give up their quest for "everlasting love." Marriage can be extremely fulfilling, and weddings are fun…but celebrating your identity as an independent and capable person is truly empowering.

*This article is a personal rant and does not reflect this Blog site’s actual theme.

Memories with Bri & Jessi.... 

Gotta love girls' nights....mmmmwah! ;) 

Graduation! A bittersweet moment.... 

Graduation: Commencement to the Future...of Four More Years...

Whew! Between my graduate school projects and my teaching responsibilities, the past few weeks have been pretty intense. The overwhelming (and relentless) wave of final exams and papers stormed by; and I am gingerly sorting through the disorganized aftermath of old lesson plans and graduate school notes.

The 2006 Miami University graduation ceremony was liberating yet bittersweet. Two intense years of graduate school could be equated to running an 800 meter race (a painful sprint). After two laps, I finally feel prepared to punctuate the end of my career as a Red Hawk. In retrospect, I never dreamed that I would be pursuing my Ph.D. in speech communication. My childhood shyness and awkward adolescence skewed my opinion of public speaking and communication. Nonetheless, I hope to eventually teach communication as a professor. This fall, I jump back into the saddle for four more years of graduate school. If I survive, I hope to hear the glorious word combo: "Dr. Lisa." (Some people have commented that this title sounds like a sex therapist or radio talk show host's name...regardless, I still like it!)

In addition to my lofty dreams of Ph.D. school and a tenure track position, I hope to advocate for APA issues. My current passions are fighting hate crimes and discrimination. I also hope to use my background in education to teach others about APA issues.

This summer, I plan to investigate my Japanese American heritage. In addition to shelves of reading material, Japanese language lessons, and participating in several APA events, I am looking forward to discussing my family roots with my relatives in California. If you have any other suggestions, please let me know!

A weekend in Philly.... 

The Ladies! :) Happy Graduation Day!!! 

Check My Box ;)

Greetings from the "City of Brotherly Love!" Philadelphia is a remarkable city that is rich with American history and national treasures. The past few days have been incredible. :) -- but I still need to get some work done...While checking my email, a fellow JACLer sent me an interesting article on race and categorization.

Many Americans are plagued by a redundant question: "What is your race?" For some people, the answer is as easy as adding 2+2. They swiftly check one box and mindlessly progress to complete their paperwork. However, changing demographic trends and psychological shifts are leading to an inability and/or reluctancy to clearly respond to this item.

If the phenomenon of race is socially constructed, then we could argue that racial categories are profoundly subjective and lack an essential essence. Is the scientific objectivity of race a myth? Regardless of the operational definition, the state of California is recognizing the need to revamp their categorization of race. Please feel free to check out the article below...

"*California** Considers Groundbreaking Legislation for Multiracial Community"

On April 25, the California Senate Judiciary Committee approved Senate Bill1615, the Ethnic Heritage and Respect Act, which could potentially makeCalifornia the first state in the country to adopt federal guidelines thatallow multiracial individuals to "mark one or more" racial categories ongovernment forms. Before the bill reaches the governor's desk for asignature, it must be approved by appropriations committees in bothlegislative chambers who will consider the cost associated withimplementation.Currently, Californians are forced to choose only a single race when askedfor such information on state forms. Introduced by State Senator JoeSimitian, the bill would adopt federal guidelines developed in 1997 thatallow individuals to select multiple responses when information about theirrace is requested. The bill would also mandate guidelines for thepresentation of such data to ensure that state agencies present a fullpicture of the population's diversity, as well as adopting federalguidelines for the use of race in civil rights actions. "We hope that byadopting these guidelines the state will gain a better understanding of thediversity of its population," says Senator Simitian.SB 1615 was introduced by Senator Simitian in response to the rapidlygrowing population of multiracial Californians—in this diverse state, 1 in 6babies born are multiracial. Collection of data on multiracial individualsis an important part of being able to identify and address unique needs inthe population. For example, multiracial individuals have unique medicalneeds, such as increased difficulty in finding a bone marrow donor.SB 1615 bill is supported by a coalition of multiracial advocacyorganizations, including Swirl Inc., Mavin, AMEA, I-Pride, and theMultiethnic Education Program. The legislation is also supported by manytraditional community of color organizations. Before the hearing on April25, the coalition held a press conference and legislative briefing, whereSwirlBayArea leaders Megan, Jamie and Adriane represented for Swirl. If youwould like more information on ways you can support this bill and Swirl'sadvocacy efforts, please contact Adriane at adrianeg@swirlinc.org

Meet Me in St. Louis....

This weekend, I will be venturing to St. Louis for the Midwest District Council meeting of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL). I'm looking forward to working with many dedicated individuals who truly care about civil rights advocacy and Asian American issues! Every time I attend a JACL event, I'm always amazed at how close the Japanese American community can be.

In addition to attending meetings and working on some graduate school work, I hope to check out the city of St. Louis! Please let me know if you have any travel/tourist tips. :)

Dusty :)  

I love my Dusty dog! :) 

Asian Americans in Academia

During my senior year of high school, applying for college was quite intimidating. In addition to the hurdles of test scores, rising tuition fees, and ambiguous application essays, I came across one more barrier.

As I searched for scholarship opportunities, I discovered that many “Minority Scholarships” would not consider Asian American applicants. Despite our status as minority members in the United States, all Asian Americans were barred from these scholarships. I was extremely frustrated; how can I be a minority member and simultaneously denied consideration for a minority scholarship?

One explanation to this bizarre predicament is the “Model Minority.” Asian Americans have been called the “Model Minority” because of their historical ability to assimilate into American society. However, this category is saturated with fallacious reasoning and dangerous implications. Not all Asian Americans have been able to successfully assimilate into the United States. In addition, this perspective wrongfully denies Asian Americans their true minority status.

For more information, please check out: http://www.asianam.org/2006.htm

Food for Thought....

Whew! What a week! Between conference presentations, class papers, research project presentations, and teaching, life is keeping me busy. Despite my hectic schedule, Japanese American identity has been at the forefront of my mind (because I really am that nerdy...). I came across an article that lists some commonalities of Japanese Americans and Japanese people. Although I do NOT want to endorse stereotypes, I found a few points particularly interesting. Please enjoy!

"You Know You're Japanese When..." (Originally published in the Pacific Citizen?)

• You know that Camp doesn't mean a cabin in the woods.
• You have at least one bag of sembei in the house at all times. (Lol...oh so true!)
• You have a nekko cat in your house for good luck.
• The bushes in your front yard are trimmed into balls.
• You fight fiercely for the check after dinner.
• You start off the new year with a bowl of ozoni for good luck, and the mochi sticks to the roof of your mouth.
• Along with salt and pepper, you have a shoyu dispenser at your table.
• As a kid, you used to eat Botan rice candy.
• Milk makes you queasy, and alcohol turns your face red.
• Whenever you're with more than three people, it takes an hour to decide where to eat.
• You've heard your name pronounced a half-dozen different ways.
• You know that E.O. 9066 is NOT a zip code.

The J-Life Project

“This is not a mission to identify Japanese America. This is an expression of lifestyles and interests by people who trace their ancestry back to a far away place called Nippon. From top to bottom, east to west, JAs are everywhere, doing everything…where are you?”


In a brilliant attempt to explore the diversity of Japanese Americans’ collective identity, Kirk Iwasaki and Eric Yamamoto are steering a promising film project that will explore young Japanese Americans’ lifestyle, shared history, friendships, families, and perspectives. This project should be a quilt of Japanese American voices. I can’t wait to see the finished product! You can learn more about the J-LIFE project at http://www.j-life.co.nr/ .

Classic...My brother Danno and I pose in another wacky photo... 

Central States Communication Association Recap: Celebrating the Past While Shaping the Future

Sigh…You can take the girl out of Indy, but you can’t take the Indy out of the girl.

Last weekend, I attended the 2006 Convention of the Central States Communication Association in Indianapolis. Academic conventions have numerous strengths, but I find one major weakness is its tendency to promote academic elitism and that “Ivory Tower Syndrome.” However, I remain optimistic that some of our ideas and research findings will escape the thick bubble of jargon and impact society.

Professors should have an ethical obligation to translate their ideas (directly or indirectly) to the general public. Our current educational system marginalizes the significance of professor’s dedication to service and community, which can deter the engagement of behaviors that don’t result in publications or high teacher evaluations.