Ep. 35 - Talking With Dr. Mitch Maki From The Nonprofit Go For Broke: Honoring Japanese American WWII Veterans and Inspiring Future Generations
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Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Mitch Maki, President of the Go For Broke National Education Center, as we uncover the enduring legacy of Japanese American veterans from World War II. Discover the powerful story behind the phrase "Go For Broke" and how it became the rallying cry for the brave 100th/442nd Regimental Combat Team. These soldiers, who faced fierce battles abroad and prejudice at home, became the most decorated unit of their size in U.S. military history. Dr. Maki shares his lifelong passion for preserving their stories, driven by his own childhood experiences in Los Angeles.
We journey through America's past mistakes, examining the internment of Japanese Americans and its painful legacy. Reflecting on the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, we discuss how acknowledging these injustices can inform our approach to contemporary issues of race and political leadership. There's a yearning for the bipartisan cooperation once exemplified by leaders like Tip O'Neill and Ronald Reagan, and we explore how their spirit of unity can guide us in today's polarized world. By learning from history, we aim to foster a more cohesive society.
This episode also highlights the innovative ways the Go For Broke organization inspires civic engagement among young Americans. Through storytelling initiatives like the Torchbearers program and the Go For Broke Journalism Institute, students connect historical events with modern-day issues, cultivating pride and a commitment to positive change. From fashion collaborations to journalism projects, we showcase the transformative power of these narratives in nurturing a deeper understanding of loyalty, sacrifice, and civic duty across generations.
Chapters
1. "The Legacy of Gopher Broke Veterans" (00:00:00)
2. Lessons From America's Past Mistakes (00:09:44)
3. Inspiring Civic Engagement in Young Americans (00:18:06)
4. Embracing Next Generation Engagement With History (00:28:56)
5. Youth Civic Engagement Through Journalism (00:35:58)
6. Building Gopher Broke Plaza (00:41:32)
7. Ensuring Legacy Through Fundraising and Veterans (00:54:33)
8. Japanese American Veterans (01:07:54)
58 episodes