Our Non-Nikkei Friends

by Frank Iritani

There are many Non-Japanese Americans who befriended and helped us in various ways in the past, especially during the trying times of WW II.

Governor Ralph Carr of Colorado welcomed evacuees when all others refused. Margaret Gunderson, a dedicated Christian teacher was a real friend and guide to many at Tule Lake Tri-State High School. Bob Fletcher, a Florin, California neighbor helped the Tsukamoto family before, during and after the war.

The American Civil Liberties Union helped with general welfare, civil rights, immigration and other legal matters, often pro bono. There were religious groups/individuals such as the American Friends Service Committee and churches who helped.

Often they were treated like one of us and had difficulty in their community life, living situation and job search. Before they are all gone and forgotten, we wish to recognize these individuals and groups for their stand on principles of constitutional justice.

People like Congressman Barney Frank, Professor Peter Irons, Attorney Waye Collins are documented in Nikkei literature. We are interested in unpublished, personal stories, the "not very well known" Non-Nikkei who helped you.

Several, including Sue Embrey of Los Angeles, Ann Noble of Cora, Wyoming, who attended the Civil Liberties Public Education Fund Conference this summer in San Francisco, are interested in a project compiling these.

Send name, address, a brief statement, even an obituary or a photo if available c/o Our Non-Nikkei Friends, 890 Sunwind Way, Sacramento, CA 95831.