Fred Korematsu

Fred Korematsu was an American Civil Rights activist who challenged the U.S. government's decision during World War II to forcibly intern Japanese Americans, including himself, after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor. Despite the racial prejudice involved, Korematsu defied military orders and was arrested. His case went to the Supreme Court, which initially upheld the internment as constitutional. However, in 1983, new evidence showed that the government had misrepresented facts, leading to Korematsu's conviction being vacated. His stand highlighted issues of civil rights, racial discrimination, and government overreach during wartime.