During World War II Milly and Walt Woodward used their small weekly newspaper–The Bainbridge Review–to oppose the forced incarceration of nearly 300 Bainbridge Island Japanese Americans and to keep the two elements of their community in touch with each other. Throughout the war their editorials spoke of the violation of the Nikkei’s constitutional rights. They also employed high school students–first from Manzanar and later from Minidoka–to send weekly reports from the camps about the news of their exiled neighbors.

As a result, others in the community were more apt to speak up in support of their neighbors, and a greater percentage of Nikkei returned to Bainbridge Island than to most communities.

In honor of their courageous stand, the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community set up a memorial fund in their names to promote constitutional principles. The Walt and Milly Woodward Fund will support activities, such as forums and other community gatherings related to constitutional issues. It will also support individuals who wish to further the principles of sound journalism and community participation the Woodwards personified. Grants from the Fund will be available to all Bainbridge Islanders.

The group hopes to establish an endowment of $100,000. Donations to the Walt and Milly Woodward Fund can be made through BIJAC’s online PayPal account or by mail. See details below.

Donate to the Woodward Fund through PayPal:

Donate by Mail:

Mail a check made payable to BIJAC to the address below. Write “Woodward Fund” in the memo line of your check. Make sure your mailing address is indicated on the check.

Please mail your donation to:

BIJAC, P.O. Box 10449, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

BIJAC is a public non–profit 501(c)(3) corporation. Your donation is tax–deductible.

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