Jonathan Y. Okamura

Jonathan Okamura is professor emeritus at the University of Hawaii Manoa, where he worked for most of his 35-year academic career, 20 years of which were with the Department of Ethnic Studies. He taught courses and published books and articles on Japanese Americans, Filipino Americans, and race and ethnicity in Hawaii. He continues to research, write and lecture on problems and issues concerning race and racism. Opinions are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Civil Beat’s views. You can reach him by email at jokamura@civilbeat.org.

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Jonathan Okamura: Past Court Cases Helped Perpetuate Racial Injustice In Hawaii Cory Lum/Civil beat

Jonathan Okamura: Past Court Cases Helped Perpetuate Racial Injustice In Hawaii

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The 1929 execution of a Japanese American who confessed to killing a 10-year-old white boy occurred despite evidence that the suspect should have been deemed legally insane.

Jonathan Okamura: Okinawans Use Music And Dance To Assert Their Distinct Identity David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023

Jonathan Okamura: Okinawans Use Music And Dance To Assert Their Distinct Identity

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Increasing integration into the Japanese community in Hawaii led Okinawan leaders to become concerned about the viability of their heritage.

Jonathan Okamura: Anti-Haole Violence Has Persisted Since The Killing Of Captain Cook Screenshot

Jonathan Okamura: Anti-Haole Violence Has Persisted Since The Killing Of Captain Cook

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Locals should express their resistance to external threats peacefully, affirming local cultural values of acceptance and tolerance.

Jonathan Okamura: Lahaina’s History Of Labor Activism Should Be Remembered Provided: Jonathan Okamura

Jonathan Okamura: Lahaina’s History Of Labor Activism Should Be Remembered

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Government, business and community leaders need to prioritize workers in restoration plans.

Jonathan Okamura: The Palestinian Struggle Is Being Advanced In Hawaii Getty Images/iStockphoto

Jonathan Okamura: The Palestinian Struggle Is Being Advanced In Hawaii

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A group of committed activists centered at UH Manoa promotes the cause from half a world away.

Jonathan Okamura: Hawaii Is Aggressively Recruiting Teachers From The Philippines James Urbaniak/DOE/2023

Jonathan Okamura: Hawaii Is Aggressively Recruiting Teachers From The Philippines

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Bringing in new hires from the Philippines could help with our teacher shortage. But the DOE also should look to qualified Filipino teachers who are already here.

Jonathan Okamura: Biden Commission On AANHPI Policy Was A Mixed Bag Of Ideas Victoria Budiono/Civil Beat/2023

Jonathan Okamura: Biden Commission On AANHPI Policy Was A Mixed Bag Of Ideas

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Recommendations range from listening sessions for nail salon workers to making it easier for COFA citizens to replace lost I-94 cards.

Jonathan Okamura: Where Have All The Portuguese Gone? Provided: Portugese Cultural Historical Center

Jonathan Okamura: Where Have All The Portuguese Gone?

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The community is alive and kicking, despite no longer being officially counted.

Jonathan Okamura: The End Of Affirmative Action Likely Would Not Affect The University Of Hawaii Courtesy: HSTA report, "Unequal Opportunity: Ethnic Inequality in Public Education in Hawaii"

Jonathan Okamura: The End Of Affirmative Action Likely Would Not Affect The University Of Hawaii

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But the university should consider new ways to diversify its student body.