LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – With less than a week until the start of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Michigan House Judiciary Committee voted to advance a Senate Bill commemorating the contributions of one such Japanese American, Fred Korematsu. 

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Under Senate Bill 18, sponsored by Senator Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), Michigan would join a growing number of states to devote January 30 as “Fred Korematsu Day” in honor of his actions for civil rights for Asian Americans, as thousands of Japanese Americans were interned in camps during the Second World War. 

“In 1942 President Franklin Roosevelt’s Executive order 9066 authorized the secretary of war to require all Americans of Japanese ancestry to be placed incarceration camps,” Chang said, “ over 100,000 Japanese Americans ultimately incarcerated and Fred Korematsu was one of many American citizens of Japanese ancestry living on the West Coast during World War II.” 

After his arrest for disobeying the order, he later moved to Michigan where he met his wife. 

“I’m very hopeful that the state where Komatsu once called home will formally recognize the sacrifices as well as his contributions to our great nation,” Sen. Chang said, “I believe it is critical that more Michiganders learn about Fred Korematsu as an important figure in Asian American history, in Michigan history, and in United States history.”

At the committee hearing, his daughter, Dr. Karen Korematsu testified in support of SB 18 virtually from California, who expressed that she knew her mother and father would be happy about the bill. 

“Most importantly it’s about education,” Dr. Korematsu said, “It’s about the education about the history of our country and helping to stop making the same mistakes of the past.  My father was born in Oakland, California in the San Francisco Bay area, and he always thought of himself as an American citizen.” 

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She further explained that he had a history of experiencing racist treatment including denial to a 1940s peacetime draft. 

“Because my father’s name was ‘Korematsu’ the military officer said we have orders not to give anyone who is Japanese an application,” Dr. Korematsu said, “My father was terribly hurt and embarrassed, but he still wanted to serve his county, so he worked in the shipyards before Pearl Harbor, but the day after he was fired because it was a military shipyard.” 

According to his surviving daughter, she also said that her father was speaking about his case and other under-represented communities until the last five months of his life, when he charged her to continue educating others. 

“If my father were here, he would say to you ‘stand up for what is right and don’t be afraid to speak up,’” Dr. Korematsu said, “And I say to you that Fred Korematsu was one man who made a difference in the face of adversity, and so can you.” 

Professor of History at Michigan State University, Naoko Wake, and Director of the Asian Pacific American Studies Program at MSU, testified in support of the bill as it has been celebrated in Michigan by proclamation under former Gov. Rick Snyder, and current Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. 

“Korematsu Day has had political support from across the aisle because it embodies one of the most fundamental American values, that is civil rights for all,” Professor Wake said adding that it is not only an important Asian American issue, but also an important lesson in U.S. History, particularly regarding the U.S. and foreign relations. 

Katherine Bussard, Executive Director & COO of Salt & Light Global, wrote in favor of the bill.  

“We must remember the past so that it is never repeated,” Bussard said in a statement, “The atrocities endured by Mr. Korematsu and 120,000 Americans of Japanese ancestry should never be forgotten and must never be repeated. We should also never forget the Americans of German and Italian ancestry who were wrongfully incarcerated. Hate knows no skin color. Nearly 80 years later, SB 18 can help new generations learn the important lessons of the past and honor the legacy of a courageous American hero.”

If the House approved version of the bill is passed and signed by the Governor, Michigan would join the six other states including: California, Hawaii, Virginia, Florida, Arizona, and New Jersey, have since 2010 established a day of recognition for Mr. Korematsu.  Under former President Bill Clinton, Fred Korematsu was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor.