If you have the feeling that something is wrong, don’t be afraid to speak up.”
                                                                                                                                                              —Fred Korematsu (1919-2005)

I am pleased to join Governor Phil Murphy in Trenton today for the signing of the joint resolution recognizing “The Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution” in New Jersey. And I want to extend a special thanks to Assemblyman Raj Mukherji, Assemblyman Brandon Umba, Assemblyman Anthony S. Verrelli, and Senator Joseph Lagana for working tirelessly to bring #FredKorematsuDay to New Jersey every January 30! 

My father, Fred T. Korematsu, is a civil rights hero and the first Asian American honored with a US holiday. We are pleased the “Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution of NJ” has become law in New Jersey on his birthday, January 30. New Jersey is now the 7th state, joining California (2010), Hawai’i (2013), Virginia(2015), Florida (2015), New York City (2018), and Arizona (2022), to honor him with a holiday. On this day, and every other day of the year, we hope that his story of perseverance in the face of adversity inspires others to become more civically involved and to “stand up for what is right.” 

Dr. Karen Korematsu
Founder & Executive Director