Dear Voornaam, It was at dusk time in 1942 when a young 25-year-old Japanese-American, Minoru Yasui, walked up and down 3rd Avenue in downtown Portland. It was after 8:00 PM, and for over three hours, Yasui rambled the sidewalks with the fierce, deliberate intention to prove the injustice of Executive Order 9066, which targeted individuals of Japanese ancestry to abide by the curfews that unequivocally violated constitutional rights. Yasui, born in Hood River, Oregon – a newly minted University of Oregon law school graduate and practicing lawyer with wry wit and humility – approached the local police office to be arrested, only to then spend nine months in solitary confinement before being transported to an internment camp in the neighboring state of Idaho. He believed that these curfew orders were unconstitutional and violated the civil rights of Japanese Americans, and his case eventually made its way to the United States Supreme Court. Although the Supreme Court ultimately upheld the constitutionality of the curfew orders, Minoru Yasui's actions demonstrated his unwavering commitment to justice and willingness to fight for what was right, even in the face of adversity. As we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the life and legacy of Minoru Yasui and the many other pioneering civil rights activists' shoulders we stand on in the plight of justice and equality for all Americans. |
| Photo Credit: Representative Hai Pham (HD 36): Governor Tina Kotek’s signing of AAPI Heritage Month Proclamation. |
As Democrats, we are responsible for continuing the work and standing up for social justice and civil rights. In light of the recent tragedies of gun violence in Texas and anti-Asian hate, we must be vigilant against discrimination and prejudice and work toward a society that values diversity and promotes equality and justice for all. This month and all days, we celebrate the excellence and contributions of Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders & Native Hawaiians across the country. As the fastest-growing demographic in the United States, we have established resilience, grit, and belonging in every corner of the nation. Sincerely, The AAPI Caucus Read President Biden’s Proclamation Watch Oregon Governor Tina Kotek’s Proclamation Stream the PBS Series Asian Americans online Congresswomen Meng and Hirono Introduce Legislation to Promote the Teaching of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander History in Schools |
Caucuses of the Democratic Party of Oregon play a vital role in representing, advocating for, and increasing awareness of communities' perspectives and issues. Please consider volunteering or making a contribution to the Asian American and Pacific Islander Caucus today! |
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