Fred T. Korematsu Day - Bright Spots 

Civic and Cultural Awareness 

 

About this project Schools don’t always live up to the legacy of their namesake, but that’s not the case at Korematsu Elementary. The school motto “Speak Up” invokes the courage of Fred T. Korematsu to resist the U.S. Government’s incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII, for which he was jailed. The 1944 Supreme Court decision against Korematsu was eventually overturned in 1983, and in 2010, January 30th was declared Fred T. Korematsu Day. Korematsu students live into this legacy through a commitment to Civic and Cultural Awareness. Specifically, Korematsu staffs’ efforts to promote developmentally appropriate, actionable opportunities for their students to develop the responsibilities of contributing individuals in a diverse society. 
Their school song and monthly assemblies create opportunities for each student to learn and reflect upon what it means to be responsible citizens who appreciate cultural diversity as an asset. This is best shown through the annual January 30th school celebration wherein student leaders develop new sections of the song for each grade level to perform. These additional verses celebrate leaders that embody social justice, responsible citizenship, and cultural and societal diversity. 

Project Testimonials “As I go on through life, there may be people who try to take away my rights or others' rights, and I’m learning to stand up for myself and for other people.”
- Natalie Edworth (Grade 6 student)

“It’s the best day of the whole year - it’s a celebration, with everybody in their green shirts.  Learning about civic and cultural contributions is completely baked into the planning and the event. The Speak Up Legacy activity uses the phrase ‘the other part is you’ which invites students to dialogue about how they can extend the lessons they have learned.”
- Laura Andrews (Korematsu Principal)


 “The lyrics of the song are important because that is the motto of our school - To Speak Up. I have a special place in my heart that tells me not to be a rule breaker but It’s important to encourage and help others be better citizens. "
- Natalie Edworth (Grade 6 Student)

“We include students from TK through grade 6 so they all get to be a part of the community event. They see the progression each year and the opportunity to participate. They learn about the leaders in the songs, and they are empowered to increase their level of involvement in the message each year. The Speak Up song itself builds community.”

- Laura Andrews (Korematsu Principal)  

Fred T. Korematsu