The Role of Nisei Women in the Portland Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), 1931-1939

Jillian Toda

SSRD, 4/20/11

Introduction

Thesis/Argument: Nisei women of the Portland JACL laid the foundation of the organization during the 1930s, and held roles as community builders within

the JACL as well as in Portland.

Historical background

Information from primary texts

Conclusions: History’s relevance today

My investment: Personal history

Family

Community history Cultural preservation

The Opportunity: “Creating Asian America” course

WWII-centered history

2nd generation Japanese Americans—Nisei culture Varying lifestyles and experiences

Urban vs. rural

Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) culture Delving into unchartered NW territory

The role of Nisei women in the JACL:

Active participants Political and social appeal—had to balance

Agents of community building Social responsibility in building JACL network

The intersections of gender and ethnicity:

Domestic sphere Women as cooperative, nurturing, social (1931-1935)

J.A. community issues Sino-Japanese War (1937) changes politics (1936-1939)

“To reconcile the differing conclusions about Nisei women’s participation in the Northwest JACL chapters from 1931-1939, a different public memory must be remembered.”

THANK YOU

Questions/Comments: <jtoda>

Special thanks to:

The Nikkei Legacy Center

Professor Sarah Griffith