The Yasui family had several notable ties to the UO. Their remarkable story was told by emeritus professor Lauren Kessler in her book “Stubborn Twig.” (Full disclosure: Lauren and I are married).
On March 28, 1942 Min Yasui risked his career (the first person of Japanese ancestry to be admitted to the Oregon Bar), his freedom, his future by walking the streets of Portland with the intent of getting arrested. He was challenging the constitutionality of Executive Order 9066. The case went to the Supreme Court. This is the definition of courage and conviction. Yes, let us celebrate him today.
Here is a link to the wiki page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minoru_Yasui
Thanks for sharing. Never would have heard of this remarkable alum otherwise. I thought they all played football.
The Yasui family had several notable ties to the UO. Their remarkable story was told by emeritus professor Lauren Kessler in her book “Stubborn Twig.” (Full disclosure: Lauren and I are married).
Thanks for the info! I see it’s available on Amazon, at https://www.amazon.com/Stubborn-Twig-Generations-Japanese-American/dp/0870714171/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=stubborn+twig+kessler&qid=1617056708&sr=8-2.
Stubborn Twig is a great (sobering) book – I read it soon after moving to Oregon, as part of my depressing history lesson on my new state.
On March 28, 1942 Min Yasui risked his career (the first person of Japanese ancestry to be admitted to the Oregon Bar), his freedom, his future by walking the streets of Portland with the intent of getting arrested. He was challenging the constitutionality of Executive Order 9066. The case went to the Supreme Court. This is the definition of courage and conviction. Yes, let us celebrate him today.