Densho Digital Repository - Arlene Oki Interview

Densho Digital Repository
Seattle JACL Oral History Collection
Title: Arlene Oki Interview
Narrator: Arlene Oki
Interviewers: Elaine Kim, Dr. Kyle Kinoshita
Date: March 16, 2022
Densho ID: ddr-sjacl-2-37

<Begin Segment 1>

KK: Okay. And hopefully everyone is on. Great. I'd like to welcome everyone to our Legacy Grant interview of Arlene Oki. As everyone on the call knows, the Legacy Grant is aimed at helping to preserve our 100-year history of Seattle JACL. And what we've been doing are interviews of leaders who have played a role in JACL over the last couple of decades and capturing their perspectives. And in your case, Arlene, you've been president, but you've been on the board for many years and have seen many changes and many people. So that's why we thought your memories and your perspective would be pretty important to preserve. So, you kind of know how it goes. I think I'm going to give it to Elaine's capable hands. I'll just be listening. Once in a while I might have a question, but Elaine is going to maybe get us going. Okay. So, Elaine, it's all yours.

EK: Perfect. Arlene, it's nice to see you again, but brief introduction. Once again, I am the... I'm a UW intern for the JACL Legacy Fund Grant project. And like Kyle said, I'm just here to really be able to engage with leaders like you who have such grand accomplishments and have so many stories to tell about just the legacy of the JACL. And so just to go right into it, if you don't mind just telling us a bit about yourself, just a brief introduction.

AO: Okay. I grew up in Spokane, Washington, became a registered nurse after graduating from the Deaconess School of Nursing. And I went back to college, went to Whitworth University to receive a Bachelor of Science degree. I then married and we moved to Seattle when my husband got a job at Boeing. And I have three wonderful daughters, Francine, Corrine and Alison, and a son in law, Brian Ing, and seven grandchildren. And my oldest granddaughter is now married and she has two little ones. And unfortunately, she doesn't live in Seattle, so I only see them... she just left after a visit here for two weeks. I work at... I was a stay at home mom for a long time and then I became involved with school politics because I was very concerned about the education that my children were receiving in Seattle Public Schools. So, I joined the desegregation committee, feeling that an integrated classroom would be better for them. And following that, I was asked to work on a campaign for Charles Royer, who decided to run for mayor. He won and I was asked to be an assistant in his office. So I worked there for almost six years, and then was transferred to the Human Services Department where I worked as a planner. I did a lot of work with the Southeast Asian refugees and helped establish the Veterans Consortium when we became concerned that so many veterans were showing up in jail and at the shelters, homeless shelters.

I joined JACL when I was asked, when I was asked to take minutes for their meeting. And it was a period when this discussions about redress were first starting. And that first meeting was very unsettling because everyone was yelling at each other and it was very difficult to take meeting notes. The members of the board at that time were deeply committed to redress, but there were divisions within the community about whether to support it. And what type of redress reparations would be given to our community, to those who were incarcerated in the camps. So I joined JACL and have been involved for many years. I am mainly a cheerleader, and a supporter of people in my organization. We've had some fantastic leaders, and they were really good mentors to me. And they were mentors, but they were also good friends. In those early days, we did a lot of social activities, we had parties. Of course, we had our annual banquet. And we would hang out at the Bush Garden after the meetings, and some would participate in the karaoke sessions. So, it was not only a commitment to work for social justice, but also a way to get a sense of community, a feeling of belonging, feeling like I belong to a group. And my sense of identity was greatly strengthened as a result.

So, as I said before, I'm mainly a supporter, and among the significant things that I supported were resolutions at the national convention. And one of the resolutions, which offered recognition to the wartime draft resisters, was very controversial, and we were able to pass that resolution at the national convention. However, it resulted in tensions between the Seattle JACL and the Nisei Veterans Committee, and that tension was there for quite a long time. I was so happy when Norman Mineta presented the Seattle chapter with the American flag that was flown over the capitol when the Civil Liberties Act was signed into law by President Reagan in 1988. When JACL moved out of its office, we took down that frame. Actually, Bill Tashima and Tom Kometani were the two who thought of the idea. And they dismantled the frame's flag and gave it to the Nisei Veterans Committee, and it still stands on a wall in the Nisei Veterans Committee clubhouse. And that kind of eased the tensions and we started attending their banquets, their luncheons, and meeting at their office.

<Begin Segment 2>

AO: Our interest in Japanese and American, in cultural activities involved our support for the Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival. And one of the things that we did when I was president was to get involved with organizing a group to revive our earlier efforts to establish a Japanese cultural and community center. So, Kip Tokuda and Ron Mamiya were the chairs, co-chairs of that committee, and I provided the support by doing the minutes, and setting the agendas, and creating a hospitable meeting space for the committee members. At the time, Kip Tokuda was a state representative, and he was able to obtain a million dollars from the state legislature to help restore, renovate the Japanese language school. And it soon became a meeting place for many groups as well as a place where people could learn the Japanese language. And they had a judo class and they had taiko. And so today, it's a very important part of that community. We supported the Civil Liberties Act, which then state representative Kip Tokuda proposed, and it passed and today it provides funding for many educational projects about the World War II experience of Japanese Americans. We supported actions by the state such as Hands Off Washington to restore, to provide equal rights to the LGBTQ community, and we supported same sex marriage. And that was a little controversial, but we supported that bill. And we also passed a resolution at the national convention to support the LGBTQ community. We were involved with the Seattle School District, which I was very happy about, when we appointed Sam Shoji to serve on the Seattle district wide committee for desegregation. And fortunately, the school district did approve the Seattle plan to start desegregating the public schools.

As we moved along, in JACL, we noticed that we were mainly older people and we really needed to have some young members. So we became actively involved in recruiting young people into the organization so that we could sustain the organization. And as a result, we had as new members some exceptionally competent, and talented, and energetic young people. It was great to see fresh faces, fresh ideas, and new energy. And so we're now in the process of having more young people on the board. And some of them have gone on to, some of them have gone on to become leaders in state government, city government. And most recently, one of our members, Toshio Hasegawa, won election to the Seattle Port Commission. So we were very happy that she won.

I became a political junkie early in my life as a young mother watching television a lot. I was inspired by Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy, was devastated when they were assassinated. But their message stayed with me. And they talked a lot about social equity, racial justice. And as a result, I became involved in many campaigns, political campaigns, for those who are running for the state legislature, governor, city council, and mayor. I also worked on several political campaigns for men who were running for the presidency. So I've continued to be a political junkie. I follow the news very closely. And many of the younger members are also very interested in politics, which is very encouraging. And I see many potential city council members and state legislators among that group. They organized events such as seminars for hapa issues, mixed race issues, seminars on Black Lives Matter. And one of our members, Sarah Baker, organized a large seminar for parents of gay and lesbian children that was held at North Seattle Community College. And it was great to see parents there because there was an effort that... there was a feeling that many parents needed to know more about gay, lesbian, their gay and lesbian children, and to support them. And Sarah is just a great leader and she just graduated from Seattle U's master, to receive a master's degree, and I see great things for her. We have Gabrielle Nomura Gainor, who worked for the Seattle Opera, and did a lot of work to inspire them or to encourage them to work on racist issues involving Madame Butterfly, Miss Saigon, and so forth. And so, she was really a change maker.

<Begin Segment 3>

AO: I think right now that JACL is in a good place because we have so many young people who feel energized about the organization. Fortunately, we get funding for projects like the Legacy Project from national organization, through their Legacy Fund. There was an effort some years ago, to get donations from people who received reparations from the government. And so, a lot of Japanese Americans donated part of that money to create a Legacy Project and Legacy Fund. And that fund now provides funding for chapters to put, organize special events. And so, we're very fortunate to have a funding source available to us. We also... the Legacy Fund is costing a lot of money, but I think it's worth it because this will then create a history that young people can look into and others. And our main goal of establishing an equal justice, equal opportunity organization is going to be necessary for a long time.

Right now, I see that the country is extremely polarized. The emergence of the white supremacist groups really concerns me. And the political discourse between members of the two parties is very harsh, and sometimes racist. And I just feel that some of that rhetoric has resulted in an increase in hate crimes against Asian Americans. JACL is a 501(c)(3) organization so we cannot be partisan, so I really don't want to name names. But the rhetoric that we are exposed to right now is very dangerous. And it seems like there are major issues such as climate change and of course the war that is going on in the Ukraine. Those things are really concerning. But right now, I think JACL needs to work to establish a more just society for all. And so having young people join the organization is critical to the survival of the Japanese American and Asian Pacific American community. We need more organizations that are willing to speak up and to organize, and to become politically active, so we have legislators who are sensitive to our needs. I still think there's a glass ceiling. I see so many Japanese Americans who work so hard, they're so diligent in their work, and they have worked to get a solid educational, to reach their educational goals. But I still don't see enough of our Japanese American professionals getting into the higher levels of government, of the corporate world, and even in the educational world, in academics. I would love to see an Asian be a president of the University of Washington or Washington State U, and hopefully that will happen soon.

<Begin Segment 4>

EK: Yeah. Thank you, Arlene. You basically hit almost every question on what I was going to ask you. And I know just one thing that I really appreciate behind the work that you've done thus far is like, especially for Seattle Public Schools, I went to Seattle Public Schools during high school. I went to Roosevelt, and it's predominantly white and Caucasian, very limited minority. And so, it just made me think that all the work that you've done kind of opened doors for the stuff that I've worked on as well at Roosevelt. I worked with other high schools and did -- I was on student government -- So I worked on, worked with different high schools to raise more awareness about the issues surrounding BIPOC communities and the lack of discussion and conversation surrounding the microaggressions, and macro aggressions, and the prejudice that still exists within our education. So, I just want to say I really appreciate that you put this effort in at such an early stage of our education for it to come to this point. But just going into the specifics, I was just wondering, because you are, as you say, a political junkie and everything, what would you say the Seattle JACL chapter has helped you achieve the goals that you worked on with Mayor Charles, and just in politics in general?

AO: My goal in getting involved in politics is to seek equity for Asian Pacific Americans at every facet of life in America. I see so many Asian parents working so hard to create educational opportunities for their children. When I was working for the city, I used to work late sometimes, and there was a Cambodian custodian who I would talk to. And he worked so hard. He was working two and a half jobs in order to pay for his daughter to go to college. And I've seen so many parents doing that. And it seems unfair that their children who graduate don't have the same opportunities that the Caucasian, the white kids, have. There are still very negative stereotypes about Asian Pacific Americans, especially the women, because they think we're all so docile, that we don't complain, that we quietly do our work, and they don't see us taking charge. Because of the way we were raised, �it seems like we are handicapped in that way. We're not taught to speak up and make, create waves in the organizations we belong to. We're mainly "yes" people. And some of the most brilliant ideas have come from Japanese Americans. I don't think many people know that the man who invented contact lenses is a Japanese American. He's now passed away, but he lived in Denver, and he would come to our national JACL conventions because he believed in supporting our community. There are many physicians and jurists who have achieved a lot of success. But when you see anybody discussing an Asian candidate for the U.S. Supreme Court, it's with so many jurists now in the state of Washington and California, New York, it seems to me that there should be an Asian on the U.S. Supreme Court. That's just one example.

EK: Absolutely. I actually just had this conversation recently with my parents, because I want to go to law school and I'm a big political junkie, as well. And just the lack of representation for Asian American communities, especially the idea that it's, that we have this model minority myth...

AO: Yes.

EK: ... that we don't have, that Asian people are not, like elites, political elites are still not appointing Asian or Asian American leaders, despite this myth that exists. So, it's really telling and disappointing. And you mentioned how Asian American women and Asian women are just stereotyped as these silent women who just kind of succumb to certain standards or certain orders. But for you, through all the work that you've done, from what the research I've done, in from hearing from you, I can just conclude that you are a powerhouse for women, that you trailblaze for women. And so, I was wondering, what values do you hold most important to you as an Asian American woman when working alongside or working in a predominantly male sector? I know that for politics and law and everything surrounding that, it's always been a male dominated sector. So, I'm wondering what values you carry specifically as an Asian American woman?

AO: Yes. How many times have you sat in a meeting and offered ideas and the meeting facilitator, or president, or a chair would write down what you are saying, and the next thing you know, the comment that you made is said by that chair in a larger meeting, and it becomes an issue? But you just... it just happens all the time. And I think we are always like our mothers. I mean, I had a lovely mother, but she was not very outspoken about her role in the family, and she complied with everything my father said or wanted.

EK: Yeah, and so then you would find so much, I guess, importance in speaking out for women.

AO: I'm sorry, you said what?

EK: I just asked. I'm saying that at the end of the day, you find grave importance in speaking out for women and women speaking out for themselves.

AO: Uh-huh.

EK: Okay, yeah. Perfect.

AO: I'm very encouraged to meet you.

EK: Thank you.

AO: You're going to be a great lawyer.

EK: I hope so. Thank you. I mean, like I said, it's individuals like you who really set paths for individuals and women like me who believe, who tried to break the status quo.

<Begin Segment 5>

EK: And I know... and something that you touched on as well that I was super interested in is your call for younger individuals and the younger generation to really involve themselves in the fight for equality, especially for Asian American rights. And I just don't... I think that the younger generation right now, I guess from what I've seen, there's still a lack of conversation surrounding Asian American visibility and fighting for those rights and all of that. So, I was wondering... I think that there's a lot of value and taking lessons and thoughts from individuals around me and around just you. So, I was wondering if there's anything specific that you would want the younger generation to involve themselves in to really expand the work that you've done in regards to equality and justice? I mean, not just the younger generation, but I feel like there needs to be more conversation surrounding individuals who are not part of the POC BIPOC community. So, if you want to... if you don't mind, sharing your thoughts on what the younger generation can do, and what non-BIPOC allies could also do, too?

AO: Well, that's a big question.

EK: Yeah, it is. Sorry.

AO: I really can't imagine what the younger generation really want. I think most of the younger generation just want an opportunity to excel in whatever profession they become involved in. And they want to be in an environment where they are treated equally, just like everyone else, other people, non-BIPOC people and white people. But they will do it in a very smart and strategic way. I think that the Asian qualities will still remain with you forever. And I'm not saying they're bad; they're good, but in certain situations it's not good. So, I just see a lot of good personalities. And really, the Asians that I've worked with in JACL are also, they're so nice. And in addition being smart, their personalities are just so wonderful, and it's just a pleasure to be around them. I just want, I just wish the best for them all the time. I want them to achieve their goals. But I also think that family life is very important. And having three girls and three daughters and grandchildren, I get so much joy just from being with them. They're great mothers, as well as really successful women in their careers. So, they've been able to manage both worlds very well. And their children, my grandchildren have all gone to college. Four of the seven... no, five of the seven, were on the Dean's List through college. And I'm just am so proud of them, and I think it's because they had good mothers and fathers.

EK: Absolutely, there seems to be a lot that you should be proud of, in regards to your family. And also just, I wanted to say thank you for also finding value in the younger generation as well. I think that... there's sometimes individuals who do not feel the same way about the younger generation and think that sometimes we're, the younger generation may be too radical. Or may be too... I mean, to break the status quo means to just start eliminating racial prejudice and prejudice around the LGBTQI community. I mean, it's fighting the good fight, if that really matters.

<Begin Segment 6>

EK: But just in the interest of time and your time, and just to slowly wrap things up, I was wondering if you saw any future directions that the Seattle JACL should start progressing towards in the next, for the next generation and the future? Is there anything that you would like to add to that?

AO: Well, I'm really happy that our current leadership is making courageous actions, are taking action to deal with current issues. And they could be called radical, but to hold a demonstration at the ICE Detention Center in Tacoma and to participate in demonstrations for Black Lives Matter. Some people may consider that radical, but I think it's the right thing to do. Because we care about all people, and all people should be treated equally, and not made to suffer in this country. And I see so many of the young people who are taking very positive steps to address those kinds of issues. And, again, we may be called radical, but the JACL members in the early days were called radicals. They were called rabble rousers, and this is at a time that redress has been proposed. And so, it's not unusual for us to take the stance we are currently taking. And so I see a real good future for the Seattle JACL as a result, and I think taking those very humanistic, compassionate positions might inspire the young people to join, and to help us organize and strategize to address some of these issues.

EK: Absolutely, yeah.

<Begin Segment 7>

EK: And then on that note, was there... the purpose of this interview is for individuals in the future to be able to go back and get to know an individual like you has left such an impact on human rights, civil liberties, Asian American, and BIPOC, and LGBTQIA. Communities like that, who need more visibility. So, is there anything that you would like to say in these last few minutes about it, just say anything so when people go back to this, they can reflect on you and your remarks?

AO: Go back to what?

EK: Well, if any individual goes back to see this interview that I'm having with you currently, I'm just wondering if there's anything else that you would want to say, for individuals who watch this interview in the future? If there's anything that you would like to say that will be kept in this recording, I guess this is the time to do so now.

AO: Yeah, I really don't have anything more to add. I'm just grateful to have such great friends. And I'm grateful to have the opportunity to witness what great leaders do.

EK: Well, thank you so much, Arlene. I can genuinely say... I genuinely enjoyed having this -- I wouldn't even want to say interview. It was a conversation, it was a very, a conversation that I would love to have for hours and hours on end. So, I just want to say thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and stories, and also just being a voice that is needed for generations to come and being a voice even back then for the times then. So, I just want to say thank you so much for being able to contribute to not only my own knowledge, but knowledge that will stay relevant for, I guess, for the test of time.

AO: Well, thank you for all the work you're doing. And you're so gracious. You're such a gracious interviewer. I really appreciate it, thank you.

EK: Oh, no, thank you. I can only be gracious when the individual I'm interviewing is as giving as you are.

KK: Great.

AO: Well, good luck. Thank you, Kyle.

KK: Yeah, I want to thank you both. Because, Arlene, I think... I really, really want to express my gratitude for sharing this. In my mind, you've been way more than a cheerleader. I think that you're one of the people that makes it possible for JACL to be still around today, and still very relevant, and something for which the younger generation can pick up and continue. A lot of it had to do with efforts of people like you. So, we're really, really, really grateful, not only for the work you've done in the past, but the fact now that we have some record of it. So anyway...

AO: Yes, and thank you. I'm so glad that you are carrying on the legacy of your mother, Cherry Kinoshita. She was one of my idols when I joined, first joined JACL. She was so smart, so strategic.

KK: Well, thank you. And this project sort of helped me keep connected with that legacy. So, I'm very appreciative just for that reason, for hearing what happened in the past and things like that, so I'm glad that you helped me keep in touch. So that's great. Okay, well, thank you. I'm going to end our recording and it is now part of our legacy record. Very happy.

AO: Okay, take care.