The lives of Pat and Lily Okura represent Japanese American civil rights leadership in the face of adversity and discrimination. Their life histories give testament to service and dedication for social justice, especially for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. Their papers range from 1912-2009 and contain files that document K. Patrick Okura's professional career, minority health advocacy, appointments, consultancies, community engagement, Lily A. Okura's life, involvement with the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), World War II experience, personal records, correspondence, and resources. Source: "K. Patrick and Lily A. Okura Collection: Registry." UCLA Asian American Studies Center. http://www.aasc.ucla.edu/okura/okura_registry.aspx.

K. Patrick Okura (1911-2005) was born in Los Angeles, California, the eldest son of Japanese immigrants. He attended University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), obtained a Bachelor's degree in Psychology (1933), and became the first Asian American to graduate with a Master's degree in Psychology (1935) at UCLA. He was also the first Japanese American to play on their varsity baseball team. Later he received an honorary Doctorate from the Phillips Graduate Institute (2001). After UCLA, Okura worked in various positions for the City of Los Angeles. From 1939-1942, he worked as Personnel Technician to the Los Angeles City Civil Service, serving as the highest-ranking Japanese American in the city and the first Japanese American to be hired by the city for an administrative position.

90.2 linear feet (184 boxes, 29 flat boxes, 15 shoeboxes, and 1 oversize box)

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