Fred Korematsu Day
The Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution is celebrated on January 30 in seven states and New York City to commemorate the birthday of Fred Korematsu, a Japanese-American civil rights activist best known for resisting the internment of Japanese Americans. It also recognizes American civil liberties and rights under the Constitution of [the United States]. It is the first day in U.S. history named after an Asian American.
History
Legislation establishing Fred Korematsu Day was first signed into law by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of California on September 23, 2010, after passing unanimously in both the State Assembly and Senate.It was first officially commemorated in 2011 at the University of California, Berkeley. Educational materials were also distributed to school teachers for classroom use.
National Fred Korematsu Day
The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights recommended that a national Fred Korematsu Day be established as a national holiday in 2015.In January 2023, the fight for a national Fred Korematsu Day continued with a resolution to establish a national Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution introduced in the United States Congress led by Representatives Mark Takano and Jill Tokuda in the U.S. House and Senators Mazie Hirono and Tammy Duckworth in the Senate. A number of additional members of Congress made statements in support.
Additional recognition
Since passage in California, Fred Korematsu Day has also been recognized in additional jurisdictions.The states of Hawaii, Virginia, Florida, Arizona, Michigan and New Jersey, as well as New York City, have recognized Fred Korematsu Day in perpetuity by legislation.
Fred Korematsu Day was also celebrated in Illinois in 2014, but it is not clear whether then-governor Pat Quinn's proclamation extended past the year. Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Utah have also submitted resolutions honoring the day, while South Carolina has submitted a bill to their legislature.