Congresswoman Waters Speaks Out in Honor of Fred Korematsu Day

Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43) spoke out against the U.S. internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II at an event marking the third annual "Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution,'' a day which honors Korematsu who challenged the government's incarceration camps for Japanese-Americans. The event was held on Saturday, Jan. 26 at the Katy Geissert Civic Center Library in Torrance.

"Fred Korematsu was a tireless advocate for human and civil rights. Korematsu and his family were ordered to an internment camp in 1942 along with thousands of Japanese-Americans because they were suspected of sabotage after the attack by Japan on Pearl Harbor, but he refused to go. He stated that the camp was "not fit for human habitation," said Congresswoman Waters. "In the last years of his life, he continued to fight for the civil liberties of Americans of all races, religions and ethnic background including working to highlight the racial discrimination and profiling of Muslim Americans after the 9/11 attacks."

Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution is the first day in United States History named after an Asian American. The day was established under a bill signed into law on Sept. 23, 2010, and is observed on Jan. 30 on Mr. Korematsu's birthday. During the event, Congresswoman Waters presented a certificate to Mr. Korematsu's daughter, Karen who served as the keynote speaker. The certificate read as follows:

"On the occasion of the 2013 Fred Korematsu Day event organized by the Greater LA Singles, South Bay, and Torrance Chapters of the Japanese American Citizens League in partnership with the Japanese American Historical Society of Southern California; and in appreciation of your dedication to preserving your father, Fred Korematsu's legacy through your work and service as co-founder of the Fred T. Korematsu Institute for Civil Rights and Education; you have my very best wishes for continued success in your mission to advance civil and human rights through education."

Attached photograph: (L to R) Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43) and Karen Korematsu, daughter of Fred Korematsu.

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