Ralph Lazo: The Teen Who Stood Up for Justice During WWII

Imagine a teenager so committed to justice that he voluntarily joins his friends in an internment camp during World War II! Ralph Lazo, a Mexican-American high school student from Los Angeles, did just that in 1942. When the U.S. government ordered the internment of Japanese Americans, Ralph, who was not of Japanese descent, chose to accompany his friends to the Manzanar War Relocation Center in California. He did this to protest the unfair treatment and to stand in solidarity with his friends, showcasing an extraordinary act of empathy and courage.

Ralph Lazo was born on November 3, 1924, in Los Angeles, California. He was a student at Belmont High School when Executive Order 9066 was issued, leading to the forced relocation and internment of Japanese Americans. Despite not being directly affected by the order, Ralph was deeply troubled by the injustice faced by his friends and classmates. In May 1942, he boarded a train with them to Manzanar, one of the ten internment camps established by the U.S. government.

Ralph's decision to join the internment camp was driven by his strong sense of justice and friendship. He believed that the internment was a violation of civil rights and wanted to support his friends during this difficult time. His presence at Manzanar was not only a testament to his character but also a powerful statement against racial discrimination. Ralph lived in the camp for over two years, participating in camp activities and even graduating from the high school there.

After the war, Ralph Lazo continued to advocate for civil rights and social justice. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and later pursued a career in education and social work. His story remains an inspiring example of standing up for what is right, even when it means making personal sacrifices. Ralph Lazo's actions remind us of the power of solidarity and the impact one individual can have in the fight against injustice.