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Honoring Fred Korematsu First Asian American Civil Rights Hero
January 27, 2020
The Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission (MAPAAC) will co-sponsor ‘Korematsu Continues’, a Fred Korematsu educational event, Thursday, Jan. 30 from 6 p.m.– 8 p.m.
“MAPAAC is pleased to recognize Fred Korematsu for his courage and achievements as a role model for Asians Pacific Americans’ civil rights,” MAPAAC Chair Toshiki Masaki said. “He fought against discrimination and promoted racial equality. His legacy serves as an example for all Americans.”
There will be a screening of the documentary ‘Alternative Facts: The Lies of Executive Order 9066’by Jon Osaki, followed by a panel discussion featuring:
- Karen Korematsu, Founder and Executive Director of the Fred T. Korematsu Institute. Dr. Korematsu is also the daughter of Fred Korematsu.
- Don Tamaki, partner at Minami Tamaki LLC and attorney for Fred Korematsu during the coram nobis
- Mary Kamidoi, Japanese American Citizens League member and survivor of the World War II internment camps.
- Aamina Ahmed, organizer and program manager with New American Leaders.
- Michael Steinberg, professor at the University of Michigan Law School and former legal director of ACLU MI.
The event will be held at the University of Michigan Law School and is open to the public. RSVP by Wednesday, Jan. 29 to attend. Contact Gabby Abel to request an interview with Dr. Karen Korematsu or Don Tamaki.
Fred Korematsu was a Japanese American who refused to go to the government’s internment camps in World War II. After he was convicted of defying the government’s order, he appealed his case to the U.S. Supreme Court and won. In 1998, Korematsu was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Fred Korematsu Day, also known as the Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution, is celebrated annually on his birthday. Hawaii, Virginia and Florida have also established a day of recognition in honor of Fred Korematsu’s fight for justice and the importance of upholding our civil liberties and the Constitution.
For more information on the Korematsu Institute, visit KorematsuInstitute.org.
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