Janice Munemitsu

The Kindness of Color Janice Munemitsu

The true story of two immigrant families, their struggle against racism, and the kindnesses that helped them toward a brighter future.

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"... a book full to the brim with passion, truth and insight. The lessons you will learn as you turn these pages will help you not only understand the past, but will influence your future."

Bob Goff

New York Times Bestselling Author of Love Does, Everybody Always and Dream Big




"Beautifully written, an American story of the courage, patriotism and resilience of two Orange County families."

Honorable Frederick Aquirre

Judge, Superior Court of Orange County (retired)




"The Kindness of Color is a beautifully crafted true and inspiring story of how the cross-cultural cooperation between two oppressed families and communities of color in Orange County, California, during the World War II era, led to a landmark case of public-school desegregation at the state and national levels."

Dr. Art Hansen

Emeritus Professor of History and Asian American Studies,

California State University, Fullerton




"This captivating story twists and turns like fiction but all is real, factual, and historical. This will be required reading for all students to grasp the impact and importance of our interwoven history, and serendipitous connections all the while, changing hearts towards kindness."

Tommy Dyo

Asian American Pacific Islander Community Advocate




"...the true story of two families behind the Mendez v. Westminster case... Through it all, the unconditional kindness they received from others and returned to others ultimately proved to be a force for healing and change."

Al Mijares, PhD

Orange County Superintendent of Schools




"As an Orange County native and daughter of first-generation Indian immigrants, the intertwined stories of the Munemitsu and Mendez families hold a special place in my heart... I loved this book, and I know you will too!"

Jasmine Chhabria

National History Day Finalist, 2018




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A true story of perseverance, unity, and hope, The Kindness of Color follows two immigrant families facing separate battles with racism in WWII-era Southern California. Unexpectedly, their paths intertwine, ultimately paving the way for the landmark court case Mendez, et. al v. Westminster and the desegregation of California public schools seven years before Brown v. Board of Education.




In the face of tremendous discrimination, the Mendez and Munemitsu families are sustained by the simple yet harrowing acts of kindness extended to them by friends and strangers as they navigate their difficult journeys toward justice. It is this kindness that encourages their hearts, opens paths to solutions, and creates communities of support-all highlighting the beauty and power of The Kindness of Color.