This blog is not terribly genealogical, but I’m pleased to be able to post it. Tomorrow (April 18), Seattle University’s School of Law will launch a new center called the “Fred T. Korematsu Center for Law and Equality.” The purpose of the Center is to address, through research, advocacy and education, discrimination in all areas – from race and ethnicity to gender, sexuality, class, disability and religion.
The name of Fred Korematsu may not be familiar to you. However, the man did something a bit unusual when the Japanese Americans were rounded up during WWII. He was only 22, and wanted to marry the girl of his dreams. So he refused to be interned along with his parents and three brothers. He went so far as to attempt to disguise his appearance by plastic surgery. However, he was eventually arrested, jailed and interned.
Later, Korematsu went on to become an advocate for minorities and those who were discriminated against. President Clinton even awarded him the Presidential Medal of Honor. He passed away in 2005.
I happen to believe that diversity – and the freedoms we enjoy in America – are part of what makes this country great. It’s a pleasure to see Mr. Korematsu honored in this way.
Read more about the launch of the Fred T. Korematsu Center for Law and Equality in the April 17, 2009 edition of the News Tribune.
