For Highlighting the Legacy of Great Leaders who Strove for Peace & Democracy and Fought Against Racism, Author/Historian Dr. Stan S. Katz was nominated for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Community Service Award

Dear Friends,

Here is an illustrated article which honors the memories of significant Black, Asian, and Caucasian historical figures who creatively and peacefully utilized the intercultural exchange of art, music, education, and diplomacy as well as working through the political and legal systems to improve race relations – International disrespect and racism has often been a catalyst towards conflict. By gaining new insights from history, we discover better answers for dealing with our challenging issues of today.

Over the past twenty years, I’ve written historical works which honor significant, but often forgotten individuals who devoted their lives to promoting peace, democracy, and strove to confront racism. Based largely on this, in combination with volunteer activities and membership in public affairs organizations, such as the San Diego World Affairs Council, I was nominated for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award. The below article highlights the Award Ceremony and Prayer Breakfast honoring the memory of MLK, and gives an introduction to the historical work I’ve written, including some rare photos discovered during my research.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award for 2023

Above is the Front Cover of the Event Booklet distributed at this Community Prayer Breakfast and Award Event. It contains short bios of the nominees for the award, and includes descriptions of the speakers and honors various organizations that supported this inspiring gathering.

Sponsored by City of Oceanside and North San Diego County NAACP

Award Ceremony took place on MLK Day, January 16th, 2023.

This article was written by Dr. Stan S. Katz, who felt gratitude and was emotionally touched to be one of the nominees.

 

Below is the Back Cover of the Event Booklet – During the weekend prior to the above event, members of the North San Diego County NAACP working in partnership with other community organizations, held a DAY OF SERVICE to honor the memory of Dr. King – Volunteers came together to to help those in need in our community.

 

US Congressman Mike Levin gives a stirring speech, describing how he once personally accompanied US Congressman John Lewis (1940 – 2020) over the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. This was done in commemoration for that important historical event in the movement towards a more inclusive democracy and equal treatment of the races. Levin stated this important moment helped shape his social values to improve the treatment of all of our nation’s citizens. John Lewis  was often called the conscience of the congress.

Uplifting speeches were also given by Senator Catherine Blakespear, District 38, California State Legislature, and Mayor Esther Sanchez of the City of Oceanside.

 

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award is an annual award given to a resident of the City of Oceanside or member of the U.S. Armed Forces stationed at Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Pendleton. The award is given to a resident who exemplifies the ideals and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who worked to advance civil rights, equal education, labor, and voter rights and who fought racial inequality through non-violence and civil disobedience. The Community Service Award began thirty years ago as a way to recognize persons in the community who have given time and energy through volunteerism to improve community life, develop positive relations in the community, and enhance the lives of individuals. The award has no restrictions as to race, ethnicity, gender, or type of service and is open to any resident of Oceanside or MCB Camp Pendleton. The North San Diego County Chapter of the NAACP partners with the City of Oceanside in presenting this Community Award.

All nominees for the 2023 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award receive the following:

– A Certificate of Special Recognition from the City of Oceanside, issued January 16^th, 2023 from Esther Sanchez Mayor

– A Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Mike Levin, Member of the U.S. Congress 49^th District, California, issued January 16^th, 2023

– A Certificate of Recognition on behalf of the California State Senate, from Catherine Blakespear Senator, District 38, issued January 16^th, 2023

 

Upon the stage, behind the podium, in the brown jacket is Inez Williams, Events Chairman for the North San Diego County NAACP – Holding the microphone is Mayor Esther Sanchez of the City of Oceanside – In front of them are four of the five nominees for the 2023 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award. Mrs. Karen Williams Graham was one of the nominees, but is out of the frame of the above photo. The four nominees present in the above photo from left to right: Captain Lakyra Pharms; Eleanor Juanita Evans; Satia O. Austin; and Dr. Stan S. Katz.

 

Satia O. Austin receives the Dr. King Community Service Award.

Then Mayor Esther Sanchez presents the proclamation for Dr. King Day of Service and Community Breakfast Weekend, with special acknowledgement to NSDC NAACP, MiraCosta College Service Learning and Beatriz “Bea” Palmer.

 

 

Satia O. Austin, after winning the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 2023 Community Service Award, gives an acceptance speech describing her passion to help others in our community. A most inspiring woman.

 

All of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award nominees received Certificates of Recognition from US Congressman Mike Levin, California State Senator Catherine Blakespear, and Oceanside Mayor Esther Sanchez.

 

 

Over the past twenty years, I’ve done historical research and written books honor great individuals who promoted peace and democracy, and sought to eliminate racism. Below are books I’ve written linked to these goals. My nomination for the MLK Community Service Award from the City of Oceanside and the NSDC NAACP was based on these books and research, as well as community volunteer service I’ve given over many years.

This historical novel reveals the thrilling adventures of a brilliant US Army Intelligence Agent, Colonel Sidney Mashbir (1891-1973). Mashbir’s fascinating career in espionage began in the American Southwest during the early 1900’s, maintaining stability along the U.S.- Mexico border during the Mexican Revolution.

During the 1920s, Mashbir moved to Japan and became a Japanese linguist. Throughout that decade and through the 1930s, he befriended some of the most influential Japanese leaders. And together, at great personal risk, they heroically resisted militarists pushing towards war. Instead, Mashbir and his Japanese allies creatively supported goodwill between the US and Japan, delaying and almost preventing WWII in the Pacific – However, that conflict could not be avoided.

The novel highlights the great contributions that Japanese Americans gave to their adopted nation during the war, despite the discrimination and injustices they faced in the United States prior to, and then greatly magnified during those war years. When 120,000 mainly Japanese American US citizens were incarcerated in internment camps, when they had done nothing wrong. Often with the loss of their possessions and the major disruption of their personal, educational, vocational lives. It was a dark moment in US History.

As for Colonel Sidney Mashbir, with the outbreak of war, he became General MacArthur’s top military strategy advisor in winning that conflict. And once it was over, he helped guide the US and Japan to once again become strong allies.

Mashbir often worked with his Navy buddy, the future Rear Admiral and Deputy Chief of Naval Intelligence, Ellis Zacharias (1890 – 1961). These good friends were early pioneers in the creation of the CIA.

To learn more, you’re invited to visit: TheEmperorAndTheSpy.com

 

-Colonel Mashbir’s most influential Japanese ally and close friend was Prince Iesato Tokugawa – aka Iyesato Tokugawa (1863-1940). Tokugawa was the leading advocate of Japan’s international peace and democracy movement during the first four decades of the 20^th Century.

For 30 of those years, he served as President of Japan’s upper house of congress, the House of Peers. I felt privileged to have the opportunity to write about this unsung hero and humanitarian, who deserved a biography highlighting his fascinating life and outstanding accomplishments.

During the 1920s and 1930s Prince Tokugawa incorporated Lincoln Essay Contests into all Japanese Public Schools and Colleges to Fight Racism and Honor the Values of President Lincoln. Recognition was given to the students who best described those values.

I created the below sculpture in order to capture and honor the essence of three significant Men of Peace, who promoted Human Dignity and Racial Equality,

President Abraham Lincoln (February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865)

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968)

Prince Iyesato Tokugawa (徳川 家達, August 24, 1863 – June 5, 1940)

 

Tokugawa loved his own Japanese culture. He also came to love the peoples and cultures of the West. This was despite the anti-Asian and anti-Black racism he often saw during his travels across the US. Prince Tokugawa, like Dr. King, recognized the common brotherhood of humanity.

Photo: February 19, 1929 Award Presentation for the student winners of the Third Lincoln Essay Contest which was held at the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo. Prince Tokugawa was the President of the America-Japan Society which sponsored the event.

Prince Tokugawa (front center) and Count Aisuke Kabayama (at far right). This illustration is courtesy of the America-Japan Society. This fine organization, located in Japan, was founded in 1917 and continues to this day to promote amity and mutual understanding between the Japanese and American people. Prince Tokugawa was its 2nd president from 1924 until his passing in 1940. To learn more, here is the internet link to the America-Japan Society:    http://ajstokyo.org/en-home/

 

In 1930, Tokugawa was selected as the Keynote Speaker at the 25th Anniversary Celebration for Rotary International held in Chicago. There, he presented a speech encouraging peaceful international relations to 15,000 fellow Rotarians gathered from around the world.

The New York Times, June 27, 1930, press photo: “Japanese Prince Addresses Rotarian Convention: In an address of international importance, before 15,000 Rotarians assembled in Chicago for their Silver Anniversary Jubilee.” The following are two excerpts his inspiring speech, which was titled ‘National Aspirations.’

“Japan’s foremost aspiration is to cultivate the arts of peace and live at peace with her neighbors, near or distant, great or small.”

“Peace is a continuous process. Like liberty, peace demands “eternal vigilance” as its price. To the goal of peace, there can be no short cut.”

 

Prince Tokugawa was to be the Heir to the last powerful ruling Shogun. However, when that 265 year old dynasty ended in 1868, he instead took to the world stage as an international statesman. As a Renaissance man and adept diplomat, he creatively shared his passion for the arts, music, culture, science, athletic sports, and nature to establish bridges of friendship and understanding between the East and the West, while also promoting mutual respect within Asia. He is a fine role model for our current leaders dealing with the urgent issues of today that require international cooperation to solve.

Tokugawa supported higher education and a greater voice for women in public affairs. And despite his major influence, he maintained his humility. Often working behind the scenes, remaining unrecognized for many of his important achievements. Colonel Mashbir described Tokugawa as the true hidden power behind the Japanese Imperial Throne, and that he was so influential, that it was only after his passing in 1940, that militants were able to push Japan towards war with the Allies.

Two versions of the Prince Tokugawa’s biography were written: The Art of Diplomacy & The Art of Peace.

The Art of Peace book cover displays a 1934 photo of Tokugawa receiving an Honorary Doctor of Law Degree from the President of the University of Southern California for his lifelong philanthropic & academic contributions and for his promotion of respectful East / West relations. Tokugawa’s son is also in the photo, as is the President of USC’s Board of Directors. The following year, USC presented the same honorary award to President FDR.

 

To encourage respect between Japan and China, Prince Tokugawa and his influential Japanese industrialist ally & friend, Baron Shibusawa, incorporated Chinese literature courses into Japan’s colleges with hopes it would encourage better inter-cultural understanding and prevent conflict.

 

However, WWII could be delayed, but not prevented. So as to save innocent civilian lives, Prince Tokugawa, as President of the Red Cross Society of Japan, served as Chairman of the 1934 International Red Cross Conference held in Tokyo – During that significant global gathering, they approved the establishment of demilitarized “safe zones” in war-torn China, which prior to, and during WWII, provided refuge for tens of thousands of European Jews fleeing the Holocaust and also offered safety for hundreds of thousands of Chinese civilians.

• One would hope that recognition of this major Japanese humanitarian achievement might help improve current strained relations between China and Japan, leading to greater regional stability, cooperation, and amity.

 

And to establish an ongoing legacy of U.S. – Japan friendship, Prince Tokugawa guided the Japanese gifting of cherry blossom trees to the U.S. in 1912, into becoming the National Cherry Blossom Festival in 1935. This delightful yearly celebration continues to this day in Washington, D.C., and is one of our nation’s largest and most popular international goodwill events.

 

The Legacy of Prince Tokugawa’s Respect for Human Equality linked to President Abraham Lincoln Lives On

Prince Tokugawa went beyond judging others by their race, creed, or color, as revealed by his sponsorship of Lincoln Essay Contests in all Japanese public schools and universities during the 1920s and ’30s. He would be delighted to know of the continued friendship between the U.S. and Japan, and that future Japanese and U.S. leaders would join together to recognize the importance of President Lincoln’s universal message. Perhaps, someday, Essay Contests will be sponsored in schools of the U.S., Japan, and other nations, honoring the fine values of Iesato Tokugawa.

April 27, 2015: U.S. President Barack Obama and Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe tour the Lincoln Memorial. They are looking towards the Washington Monument on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Prime Minister Abe was in Washington, D.C. for meetings with President Obama. Abe also attended a state dinner in his honor at the White House the following night. A U.S. administration official described the above photo as follows:

“This is an opportunity before the formal events tomorrow to spend time together one-on-one at a place of historical significance for the United States, as this month marks both the 150th anniversary of the Civil War’s end as well as President Lincoln’s passing…”

The above photo and description of the diplomatic meeting between President Obama and Prime Minister Abe, comes from the conclusion of the Prince Tokugawa biography. The goal of my books is that they bring inspiring leaders from the past, back to life, igniting an interest, even a passion for history. To be enjoyed by the general public and shared in academic curriculum.

 

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. EVENT

It was inspiring seeing the 300 attendees to the Dr. King Community Prayer Breakfast. Many of these individuals are active in organizations that work to create a more positive and inclusive community where we look out for one another with friendship and respect. In the below photo, Silent Auction items are on display – Proceeds going to support the many fine services given by the North San Diego County Chapter of the NAACP.

During this gathering:

Two talented high school teenagers were recognized as part of this wonderful event. One sang an emotionally connecting song, another contributed artwork for the Silent Auction Fundraiser for the NSDC NAACP.

There was also an impressive 7 year old girl who expressively danced on the front stage as uplifting music was played, the audience came to their feet in applause.

The breakfast was delicious and the company friendly and welcoming to one another.

Representatives of Mira Costa College, also the Captain and several City of Oceanside police officers were in attendance. Other City of Oceanside officials and other San Diego community groups were also represented.

A Reverend gave a meaningful prayer of appreciation before a delightful breakfast was served.

 

Gary Rossell (shown below), and his wife Carolyn, are founders of the Rossell African-American History Awareness Museum. They regularly travel around the county to bring their beautifully illustrated and inspiring exhibits to public social justice commemorative events, such as this Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. community gathering.

 

Carolyn Rossell (above, her side view to the camera), along with her husband, Gary, created this wonderfully inspiring educational exhibit.

I showed Gary and Carolyn Rossell the rare 1939 photo below. This Photo was discovered and identified while doing historical research that honors the legacy of Thurgood Marshall (Marshall is at far right in photo).

Gary and Carolyn expressed great interest in utilizing this unique piece of history as part of an upcoming exhibit to honor the accomplishments of Thurgood Marshall, our nation’s first Black US Supreme Court Judge.

Marshall took a major role in gaining equal rights for all citizens in our nation and was a driving force in the growth of the NAACP. In the above photo, the 31 year attorney Marshall allies with President FDR to advance the treatment of Black Workers. Marshall was then on the Legal staff of the NAACP. The following year, 1940, he was selected Chief of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, which was created to mount a legal assault against segregation. Marshall became one of our nation’s leading judicial voices. He argued 32 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, winning 29.

June 13^th, 1967: Thurgood Marshall meets in friendship and mutual respect with President Lyndon B. Johnson in the Oval Office of the White House on the day that Marshall was nominated by Johnson to serve on the Supreme Court. Photo courtesy of the LBJ Museum & Library

 

Acknowledgments

• It was a pleasure to meet Joe Farmer, who was seated at my same table. In 2009, he was the recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award. During his 40 years of service at Camp Pendleton, he oversaw upkeep and maintenance. In addition, he served as Commissioner of Housing for the City of Oceanside.
• Also seated at our table was US Marine Captain Lakyra Pharms (shown below), one of the five nominees for the 2023 award.

During the event, I gifted a copy of the illustrated biography, The Art of Diplomacy to Captain Lakyra Pharms. Lakyra suggested we take a photo, and above is results. Lakyra’s significant community achievements, as that of the other nominees are included in the Event booklet shown at the top of this article, which was distributed at the event. Lakyra mentioned the future possibility of going towards a career in the diplomatic service.

Several of the above photos of the MLK Community Service Award nominees were kindly provided by Joseph Farmer, the 2009 Recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award.

Thanks also go to Bea Palmer, an active member of the NAACP, who helped bring about this MLK commemorative event. Bea Palmer is Vice-President – Board of Directors of “Operation HOPE” – North County San Diego, whose mission is to provide a safe environment for both families with children and single women who are experiencing homelessness and to help support them as they rebuild their lives and regain HOPE.” Bea Palmer is also actively involved at MiraCosta College, encouraging bright young students to engage with and improve their community.

Below is a link to learn more about Bea Palmer and the MiraCosta College Service Learning program mentioned above:   https://hub.miracosta.edu/meet/profile.aspx?id=65

I also had the pleasure of meeting Margery Pierce, who took an active part in setting up this MLK event. She was the Director of Neighborhood Services for the City of Oceanside.

Appreciation goes out to the representatives of the North San Diego County NAACP for supporting this community event. “The NAACP’s mission is to achieve equity, political rights, and social inclusion by advancing policies and practices that expand human and civil rights, eliminate discrimination, and accelerate the well-being, education, and economic security of Black people and all persons of color.”

There were many other individuals and organizations who took a significant role in making this wonderful event come to life. Gratitude goes out to all of them! The following illustration was the last page of the booklet that was distributed at this gathering. It highlights many of those who generously supported this event.