FRED KOREMATSU DAY
Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution honors the legacy of civil rights hero Fred T. Korematsu and his fight for racial equity, social justice, and human rights for all.
On this day, and every other day of the year, we hope that his story (https://korematsuinstitute.org/freds-story/) of perseverance in the face of adversity inspires others become more civically involved and to “stand up for what is right.”
– Why honor Fred Korematsu?
– How can you honor Fred’s legacy?
– Where is Fred Korematsu Day recognized?
– Where can you learn more?
I didn’t feel guilty because I didn’t do anything wrong… Every day in school, we said the pledge of the flag, ‘with liberty and justice for all,’ and I believed all that. I was an American citizen, and I had as many rights as anyone else. [1]
Fred’s case went all the way to the Supreme Court. In 1944, the court ruled against Fred, claiming that the incarceration was a “military necessity.” Even more than the fact that he now carried a federal felony conviction, he was devastated that the court validated the government’s complete disregard of his community’s civil liberties.
It took nearly forty years, but Fred’s conviction was finally overturned in the ninth circuit court of appeals. Several years later, the government issued apologies and reparations to remaining camp survivors. In 1998, President Bill Clinton awarded Fred the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award of the United States.
Amazingly, during all that time, Fred never gave up hope. Despite all that happened, he was never bitter or angry. He remained firm in his commitment to community and this country. He treated everyone else the way he wanted to be treated and lived by his moral principles of right and wrong.
Fred was an ordinary citizen who believed in our constitutional rights and was not afraid to speak up in the face of adversity. With Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution, we honor his sacrifice and determination to uphold justice for all people in this country.
How can you honor Fred’s legacy?
– Register for our Fred Korematsu Day virtual celebration , taking place on Sunday, January 30, 2022 at 4pm PST | 6pm CST | 7pm EST and check our website for other FKD events.
– Get your influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, encourage others to get theirs, and volunteer to help more people do the same. Getting vaccinated protects you AND your community.
– Check that your voting information is up to date. Every election is vital. Make sure your voice is heard by registering to vote or finding polling locations and important dates in your state by visiting APIAVote.org.
– Make a tax-deductible donation to the Korematsu Institute to support our urgent initiatives.
– If Fred Korematsu Day is not recognized in your state (see list below), petition your elected officials to put forth legislation for consideration. Contact us at info@korematsuinstitute.org (mailto:info@korematsuinstitute.org) for help with this process.
Where is Fred Korematsu Day recognized?
In 2010, the Governor of California signed the legislative bill establishing Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution on January 30 in perpetuity. It is the first statewide day in U.S. history named after an Asian American.
Since 2010 Hawaii, Virginia, Florida, New York City, and Arizona have also established a day of recognition every year in honor of Fred Korematsu’s fight for justice and the importance of upholding our civil liberties and the Constitution.
The Fred T. Korematsu Institute is leading efforts to recognize Fred Korematsu in other states and also achieve a national Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution to honor his legacy as a civil rights hero for all Americans.
Recognized in perpetuity:
– California – bill signed in 2010
– Hawai’i – bill signed in 2013
– Virginia – bill signed in 2015
– Florida – bill signed in 2015
– New York City – bill signed in 2018
– Arizona – bill signed in 2022
Recognized by Proclamation:
– Utah – issued 2013
– Illinois – issued 2014
– Georgia – issued 2014
– South Carolina – issued 2015
– Pennsylvania – issued 2014
– Michigan – issued in 2014, 2015
Legislative Bills in Committee:
– Michigan
– New Jersey
– as of January 2022
Where can you learn more?
This year’s events:
– Korematsu Institute 2022 Virtual Fred Korematsu Day Celebration
– Other Fred Korematsu Day events
Recent articles about Fred Korematsu Day:
– CAPAC Members Commemorate Fred Korematsu Day | Jan 28, 2022
– Why Kids Should Know About Fred Korematsu Day | Parents Magazine | Jan 25, 2022
– Daniel Dae Kim to Be Honored at Fred Korematsu Day Event | Rafu Shimpo | Jan 27, 2022
– Learn about Civil Rights Champion Fred Korematsu and his Fight for Justice at the Seventh Annual Commemoration | Japanese American Museum of San Jose
– Governor Ducey Signs Legislation to Honor Civil Justice Activist Fred Korematsu | Apr 15, 2021 – In Celebration of Fred Korematsu Day: Remembering Japanese American Incarceration | Jan 27, 2021
– The National WWII Museum article on Fred Korematsu Day | Jan 28, 2019
[1]: Richard Goldstein, Fred Korematsu Obituary, New York Times , April 1, 2005.
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