I rise today to salute one of this countrys great defenders of civil rights. By honoring the efforts of Mike Masaoka. we pay homage to the belief that prejudice. stigma and racial discrimination can be effectively fought in this country through the concerted effort of one dedicated citizen. Mike Masaoka was born In California to an Immigrant farmer from Japan. He graduated from college with honors despite the death of his father. which left Mike. his mother. and six brothers and sisters struggling to survive. Unable to afford law school. he applied his cornmitment to civil liberties and the law as a leader of the JapaneseAmerican Citizens League. helping to expand it into a nationwide organization at the forefront of gaining the rights of citizenship for JapaneseAmericans.
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Immigrant