Paul T. Bannai Papers

Paul Takeo Bannai was born on July 4, 1920 in Colorado. His parents were Japanese immigrants who moved throughout the American Southwest before settling in Boyle Heights, CA. Despite being an American citizens, Paul and his family were incarcerated at Manzanar War Relocation Center during WWII due to Executive Order 9066. In order to leave the camp, he worked on a beet farm and later enlisted in the military where he served on the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. During his last visit to Manazanar before leaving for the war he met the woman he would eventually marry, Hideko Matsuno, after his return.

Upon returning to California, Paul took the prejudice he faced and turned it into a platform to build his community. He was very involved in the Japanese American community in Los Angeles and participated in various cultural events as an organizer. He was elected to the Gardena City Council in 1972 where he served for a short time before setting his sights on higher political goals.

In 1973, Bannai was elected as a California Assemblyman (67th district 1973-1974, 53rd district 1974-1980), becoming the first Japanese American legislator in the state. He served as the first director for the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians (CWRIC), and became essential in the redress and reparations process towards Japanese Americans who were incarcerated during WWII. After serving three terms as Assemblyman, he was appointed chief director of the Memorial Affairs Department of the Veterans Administration by President Ronald Reagan (1981-1985).

Upon his return to civilian life, Paul remained active within his various communities. He participated in church service, was active in the Boy Scouts of America, and other civic clubs. He was also integral in the creation of the Japanese American National Museum (JANM), served on the board for other Japanese-American organizations throughout Southern California, and particpated and organized yearly reunions for Nisei veterans until his passing in 2019.