Dear Centenarians,
On June 6, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors took action on a motion to “rescind and revoke the Resolution of the Board of Supervisors dated January 27, 1942 which supported the relocation of Americans of Japanese ancestry from their homes and businesses.”
I was included in a group of persons representing Japanese American organizations who were asked to speak on behalf the motion, which was authored by Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas. He began the hearing by reflecting that when asked “why now?” by people, he responded by saying that “it is never too late to right a wrong.” He also explained that there is no statute of limitations in correcting previous constitutional legislation of a governmental body.
As part of my testimony, I considered this motion to be an “act of repentance” in spiritual and theological terms, that would remove the burdens of guilt and shame from Japanese Americans, both individually and collectively, who were forcibly removed from their communities during those tumultuous historical times.
I was humbled by the presence of Muslim Americans who came out to show their support of the motion. A nationally known leader of the American Muslim community spoke of the support they received from Japanese Americans in the aftermath of the 9/11 tragedies, during which times Muslims were being targeted and vilified for the attacks.
This year is the 70th anniversary year of Executive Order 9066, which authorized the evacuation and internment of Japanese Americans in the spring of 1942. It is humbling that this action is taken by a governmental body that recognizes an injustice that was previously done long ago, but that also recognizes the moral imperative to correct it regardless of the amount of time that has passed.
I was honored to be included in this historic moment, and count it as one of most significant and important experiences of my life and ministry.
Grace and Peace,
Reverend Mark M. Nakagawa
revmmn@aol.com
