Michigan lawmakers are attempting to make January 30, “Fred Korematsu Day” in their state.
Korematsu was a civil rights activist who resisted the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. The Smithsonian Magazine notes that Korematsu resistance led to a historic Supreme Court case that still influences American law today.
Other states like California, New York, Hawaii, Florida, Arizona and Virginia have also designated January 30 as “Fred Korematsu Day.” In January, the New Jersey governor signed a bill officially designating the day as a remembrance of Korematsu.
According to The Michigan Advance, Michigan lawmakers unanimously passed SB 18, which would also give their state a Korematsu day. The bill was sponsored by state Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit).
“Mr. Korematsu had strong ties to Michigan and his growing legacy continues to inspire people of all backgrounds,” Chang wrote to her constituency, according to The Michigan Advance.
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