30 Years of Legacy: The Nikkei Student Union at UCLA

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The Nikkei Student at UCLA celebrates its 30th Anniversary this year, hosting a commemorative banquet on Saturday January 21, 2012.

Founded in 1981, the Nikkei Student Union (NSU) at UCLA has grown to have a membership of over 200 students. This year NSU celebrates 30 years since its founding and will also feature its 26th Annual Cultural Night in February.

Timeline:

1981 – NSU is founded

The Nikkei Student Union is founded by Ken Minami, Albert Saisho, and Kenji Saisho.

1980s – NSU fights with NCRR

NSU fights with the National Coaltion for Redress and Reparations (Nikkei for Civil Rights and Redress (NCRR)) to demand an apology and monetary reparations for the internment of Japanese and Japanese Americans during WWII

Feb 1986 – Week of Remembrance is held

NSU holds its inaugural week of Remembrance (weeklong series of speakers, forums, and exhibits). Evolves into NSU’s annual Cultural Night (CN)

1986-1989 – Nakanishi’s Fight for Tenure

NSU plays an integral part to gain tenure for former Asian American Studies Center director Don Nakanishi

1990 – Kyodo Taiko formed

NSU members organize Kyodo Taiko, the first collegiate taiko group

1992 – Community recognition for NSU’s contributions/active involvement

Southern California Japanese American Historical Society honors NSU for its efforts to educate students on JA issues. The City of Los Angeles, County of Los Angeles, and the California State Legislature Assembly award NSU for outstanding service

1995 – SoCal INC is formed

The Intercollegiate Nikkei Council is formed in efforts to establish a network among SoCall Nikkei college groups

1996 – First Chinese American president of NSU

April Cheng becomes the first Chinese American president of NSU

1997 – NSU Modern is formed

NSU Modern, a hip-hop and jazz dance group, is formed to provide members with an artistic outlet for expression

2000 – First Fall Festival

NSU and Kyodo Taiko hold the first Fall Festival

2000 – LTSC Recreation Center Project

NSU begins working with LTSC and other community groups to build a recreation center in Little Tokyo (2008 a Memorandum of Understanding between the City and LTSC is approved, 2009 the recreation center project renamed Budokan)

2000 – NSU staff member Evan Okamura is elected USAC External Vice President

2002 – NSU becomes a part of the Little Tokyo Community Council (LTCC)

2002 – Yuji Ichioka Basketball Tournament

NSU renames its annual basketball tournament to “The Yuji Ichioka Memorial Basketball Tournament” in honor of the renowned historian, activist, and professor Yuji Ichioka

2003 – “Where is the Love”

NSU staff member Jonathan Shintaku organizes the first annual “Where is the Love” (raising awareness about hate crimes)

2007 – Chibi-K Internship is started

Chibi-K was suspended in 2006 due to dwindling participation and lack of outreach

2009 – NSU initiates Project Hashi

A grass roots student initiated volunteer program to connect college students with the Nikkei community through participation in Little Tokyo community-based organizations

2011 – NSU is awarded for its generous contributions to the Japanese Relief Fund by the Red Cross

2012 – NSU celebrates its 30^th Anniversary with a Banquet at Ackerman Grand Ballroom