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Parade Honors Japanese-American WWII Vets Who Fought in Segregated Units

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By Brian Day, San Gabriel Valley Tribune

Japanese-American World War II veterans who fought in a segregated regiment their families were incarcerated in U.S. internment camps placed roses Sunday on Alhambra’s 2015 Rose Parade float in, which was designed in their honor, in Alhambra, CA near Los Angeles.

Five veterans of the U.S. Army’s 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the most decorated combat unit of its size in the U.S. military during WWII with 21 Medals of Honor received, will ride the float on New Year’s Day. They will be representing nearly 4,000 men who fought with the regiment.

The float is titled, “Go For Broke,” in reference to the battle cry of Japanese-American warriors during WWII, according to the Go For Broke National Education Center, which partnered with Alhambra on the Rose Paraded Float project. The float is a flower-covered replica of the permanent Go For Broke Monument to Japanese American soldiers in Los Angeles.

The float riders, other veterans and their loved ones took part in decorating the float.

“I am very honored,” said float rider Masao “Mas” Takahashi 90, of Torrance. “I’m just here to represent the guys who passed away.”

Takahashi was drafted into the 100th Battalion, which was later joined the 442nd RCT, after spending a year at the Manzanar internment camp in Inyo County.

“It’s overdue,” added his son, Scott Takahashi. “I wish more of the vets were around to see it.”

Masao Takahashi was accompanied by three generations of family members, some of whom traveled from Iowa.

The Go For Broke float fits well with the 126th Rose Parade’s overall theme of, “Inspirational Stories.”

Joining the veterans on the float will be Alhambra Mayor Gary Yamauchi and his wife.

Being chosen to ride on the float was an extra-special honor for Tokuji “Toke” Toshihashi, 91, of San Gabriel, who was born and raised in Pasadena and grew up watching the Rose Parade. He was drafted into the army at age 21 while incarcerated with his family at the Gila River War Relocation Center in Arizona.

“It’s a little exciting. I never though I’d be on a float,” Toshihashi said.

Prior to being drafted, he recalled filling out a “loyalty questionnaire” in which he was asked if he was willing to fight for the United States. He answered yes.

In addition to the 442nd RCT and its components, other Japanese-American WWII veterans are also honored on the float, including Military Intelligence Service veterans who performed vital translation tasks ranging from interrogating prisoners to intercepting enemy radio traffic.

The 442nd RCT took part in several key European battles. Members helped break the Nazi’s Gothic Line in northern Italy, participated in the march through Germany and helped liberate the Dachau concentration camp.

“It’s so nice to see the city of Alhambra recognize this story that’s still pretty much hidden,” Go For Broke National Education Center President Don Nose said.

“Maybe when 75 million people see the float and hear about it, it will open their eyes to an amazing piece of American history,” he said.

 

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Oakland Post: Week of May 28 – June 30, 2025

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 28 – June 3, 2025

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Black Feminist Movement Mobilizes in Response to National Threats

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — More than 500 Black feminists will convene in New Orleans from June 5 through 7 for what organizers are calling the largest Black feminist gathering in the United States.

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By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

More than 500 Black feminists will convene in New Orleans from June 5 through 7 for what organizers are calling the largest Black feminist gathering in the United States. The event, led by the organization Black Feminist Future, is headlined by activist and scholar Angela Y. Davis. Paris Hatcher, executive director of Black Feminist Future, joined Black Press USA’s Let It Be Known to outline the mission and urgency behind the gathering, titled “Get Free.” “This is not just a conference to dress up and have a good time,” Hatcher said. “We’re building power to address the conditions that are putting our lives at risk—whether that’s policing, reproductive injustice, or economic inequality.” Hatcher pointed to issues such as rising evictions among Black families, the rollback of bodily autonomy laws, and the high cost of living as key drivers of the event’s agenda. “Our communities are facing premature death,” she said.

Workshops and plenaries will focus on direct action, policy advocacy, and practical organizing skills. Attendees will participate in training sessions that include how to resist evictions, organize around immigration enforcement, and disrupt systemic policies contributing to poverty and incarceration. “This is about fighting back,” Hatcher said. “We’re not conceding anything.” Hatcher addressed the persistent misconceptions about Black feminism, including the idea that it is a movement against men or families. “Black feminism is not a rejection of men,” she said. “It’s a rejection of patriarchy. Black men must be part of this struggle because patriarchy harms them too.” She also responded to claims that organizing around Black women’s issues weakens broader coalitions. “We don’t live single-issue lives,” Hatcher said. “Our blueprint is one that lifts all Black people.”

The conference will not be streamed virtually, but recaps and updates will be posted daily on Black Feminist Future’s YouTube channel and Instagram account. The event includes performances by Tank and the Bangas and honors longtime activists including Billy Avery, Erica Huggins, and Alexis Pauline Gumbs. When asked how Black feminism helps families, Hatcher said the real threat to family stability is systemic oppression. “If we want to talk about strong Black families, we have to talk about mass incarceration, the income gap, and the systems that tear our families apart,” Hatcher said. “Black feminism gives us the tools to build and sustain healthy families—not just survive but thrive.”

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Hoover’s Commutation Divides Chicago as State Sentence Remains

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Hoover was convicted of murder and running a criminal enterprise. Although some supporters describe him as a political prisoner, the legal and public safety concerns associated with his name remain substantial.

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By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

The federal sentence for Gangster Disciples founder Larry Hoover has been commuted, but he remains incarcerated under a 200-year state sentence in Illinois. The decision by Donald Trump to reduce Hoover’s federal time has reignited longstanding debates over his legacy and whether rehabilitation or continued punishment is warranted. The commutation drew immediate public attention after music executive Jay Prince and artist Chance the Rapper publicly praised Trump’s decision. “I’m glad that Larry Hoover is home,” said Chance the Rapper. “He was a political prisoner set up by the federal government. He created Chicago Votes, mobilized our people, and was targeted for that.”

But Hoover, the founder of the Gangster Disciples, is not home—not yet. Now in federal custody at the Florence Supermax in Colorado, Hoover was convicted of murder and running a criminal enterprise. Although some supporters describe him as a political prisoner, the legal and public safety concerns associated with his name remain substantial. “There is a divide in the Black community here,” said Chicago journalist Jason Palmer during an appearance on the Let It Be Known morning program. “Some view Hoover as someone who brought structure and leadership. Others remember the violence that came with his organization.” Palmer explained that while Hoover’s gang originally formed for protection, it grew into a criminal network responsible for extensive harm in Chicago. He also noted that Hoover continued to run his organization from state prison using coded messages passed through visitors, prompting his transfer to federal custody.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who is widely considered a potential 2028 presidential contender, has not issued a statement. Palmer suggested that silence is strategic. “Releasing Hoover would create enormous political consequences,” Palmer said. “The governor’s in a difficult spot—he either resists pressure from supporters or risks national backlash if he acts.” According to Palmer, Hoover’s federal commutation does not make him a free man. “The federal sentence may be commuted, but he still has a 200-year state sentence,” he said. “And Illinois officials have already made it clear they don’t want to house him in state facilities again. They prefer he remains in federal custody, just somewhere outside of Colorado.”

Palmer also raised concerns about what Hoover’s case could signal for others. “When R. Kelly was convicted federally, state prosecutors in Illinois and Minnesota dropped their charges. If a president can commute federal sentences based on public pressure or celebrity support, others like R. Kelly or Sean Combs could be next,” Palmer said. “Meanwhile, there are thousands of incarcerated people without fame or access to public platforms who will never get that consideration.” “There are people who are not here today because of the violence connected to these organizations,” Palmer said. “That has to be part of this conversation.”

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