By Bob Katzen
The Senate 37-0, approved and sent to the House a proposal that would designate January 30 of each year as Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution in Massachusetts, in recognition of the birthday of Fred Korematsu and to educate about and honor his life, his perseverance, and his determination to advocate for the civil liberties of all Americans.
Unfortunately, the Senate approved the bill on January 29 and the bill must be approved by the House and signed by Gov. Healey in order to take effect. Neither of those will occur by January 30 so the actual celebration on January 30 will not take place until 2027.
“During WW II, Fred Korematsu had the courage to challenge the federal government after a military order forced hundreds of thousands of Americans of Japanese descent into internment camps,” said sponsor Sen. Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough). “His stand became a landmark moment in the fight for due process, confronting racial prejudice and the wrongful incarceration of people based on their race and ethnicity. Korematsu’s resistance struck a lasting blow against discrimination and reaffirmed the principle that no American should be denied their civil rights. I am grateful to the incredible advocacy by so many Asian American civic, political action and coalition groups to fight to create Fred Korematsu Day, and to the Fred T. Korematsu Institute for its vision to use Korematsu’s legal battle as a tool to educate all Americans about history, the U.S. Constitution, and the need to expand and protect legal rights.”
“Fred Korematsu’s story is one of strength and perseverance in the face of discrimination,” said Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem). “By marking Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution on January 30 each year, we highlight the historical struggle Asian American and Pacific Islander communities face against discrimination across this country and across the world. I was proud to join my colleagues on the Senate Committee on Rules in advancing this legislation to the floor to honor a man whose conviction, courage and resiliency represent one of the most profound struggles for civil rights in American history.”
(A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)
Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes