APAICS | Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies

Celebrating a civil rights icon: Fred Korematsu

Celebrating a civil rights icon: Fred Korematsu

APAICS February 2012 newsletter

On February 2, 2012, two photographs of Fred Korematsu (1919-2005) were unveiled in the Smithsonian Institution’s National Portrait Gallery’s historic exhibit, The Struggle for Justice. APAICS Administrator of Finance and Development Helen Ruggiero attended the ceremony and recounts the commemoration.

It was an exciting time to be a part of the Fred Korematsu celebration, especially since he is the first featured Asian American in the exhibition. Fred’s photographs and lifelong commitment to justice were recognized alongside fellow legendary civil rights leaders like Susan B. Anthony, Frederick Douglass, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, César Chávez, Thurgood Marshall, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
 
The room swelled with pride as Fred’s family and other Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) leaders gathered to pay tribute to his life.  Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-32) and CAPAC Chair Emeritus Rep. Mike Honda (CA-15) spoke about Korematsu’s courage to stand up to the injustice of Japanese American internment camps during WWII. Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-05) spoke about how her husband, Rep. Bob Matsui (1941-2005), and Fred were steadfast in their support to advance all communities facing injustice. Former Secretary Norman Mineta shared stories about working with Fred on Capitol Hill to ensure that Japanese American internees received redress and reparations from the U.S. government.

It was also touching to hear Karen Korematsu, Fred’s daughter and co-founder of the Korematsu Institute, share stories from her childhood and how her father’s arrest and decision to challenge the legality of the internment camps had a rippling effect on her and the rest of our country.
 
Fred’s bravery to always speak up during times of injustice, reminds us of our inner strength as well as the beauty of America’s diversity. The unveiling made me feel proud to be an honorary AAPI. We can all learn from Fred Korematsu’s life and always remember to speak up against injustice.

 

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