Enduring Conviction: Fred Korematsu and His Quest for Justice (Scott and Laurie Oki Series in Asian American Studies)

"Enduring Conviction: Fred Korematsu and His Quest for Justice" delves into the profound narrative of Fred Korematsu, an ordinary man whose defiance against the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II marked a pivotal moment in U.S. civil rights history. Published on October 23, 2015, as part of the Scott and Laurie Oki Series in Asian American Studies, this book captures Korematsu’s transformation from a young man in love to a resolute activist challenging the constitutionality of forced incarceration. His initial personal battle to stay in California with his fiancée evolved into a broader fight for justice, culminating in a Supreme Court case that would haunt and motivate him for decades. Korematsu's eventual victory helped catalyze the redress movement for Japanese Americans. Authored by Lorraine Bannai, a key attorney in the reopening of his case, this book blends rigorous research with personal insights, highlighting Korematsu’s quiet yet fierce commitment to equality. The narrative, enriched with personal letters and interviews, not only honors Korematsu's legacy with the Presidential Medal of Freedom but also resonates deeply with middle-school readers learning about racial justice. This story invites young readers to reflect on the impact of individual courage in the face of injustice.