Wayne Collins: Trailblazing Advocate for Japanese American Rights

Early Life and Education

Wayne Monteath Collins was born on June 26, 1912, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His father was a minister, and his mother was an accomplished pianist. Collins attended the University of Minnesota, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1934 and his law degree in 1937.

Legal Career

After graduating from law school, Collins moved to San Francisco, California, where he began his legal career. He became an active member of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL),an organization dedicated to protecting the rights of Japanese Americans.

Rebel Lawyer: Wayne Collins and the Defense of Japanese American Rights

by Peter Pomerantsev

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4526 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	161 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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World War II and Japanese American Internment

With the outbreak of World War II in 1942, the United States government authorized the internment of Japanese Americans. Over 110,000 Japanese Americans, including US citizens, were forcibly removed from their homes and sent to concentration camps, such as Manzanar in California.

Defending Japanese American Rights

Collins was outraged by the internment of Japanese Americans. He believed that their civil rights had been violated. He joined a small group of lawyers who took on the daunting task of defending the rights of Japanese Americans.

Korematsu Case

One of Collins' most famous cases was the Korematsu case. Fred Korematsu, a Japanese American man, had refused to report for internment. Collins argued that Korematsu's refusal was a form of civil disobedience, and that the government's internment order was unconstitutional.

The Supreme Court ruled against Korematsu in 1944, upholding the government's internment program. However, Collins continued to fight for justice for Japanese Americans.

Civil Rights Advocacy

After World War II, Collins continued to advocate for civil rights. He helped establish the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF),an organization that provides legal assistance to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Collins also served on the board of directors of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) for many years. He was a staunch defender of the rights of all Americans, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or religion.

Legacy

Wayne Collins passed away on June 25, 2010, at the age of 97. He left behind a legacy of fighting for justice and equality. His work helped to ensure that the rights of Japanese Americans and other marginalized groups would be protected.

In 2018, President Barack Obama awarded Collins the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.

Wayne Collins was a true American hero. He dedicated his life to fighting for what he believed in, even when it was unpopular. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Rebel Lawyer: Wayne Collins and the Defense of Japanese American Rights

by Peter Pomerantsev

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4526 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	161 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE