Jerry Enomoto, Civil Rights Violation, California 1960

Grimy Times Investigates: A Life of Service Cut Short

United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner released a statement today on the passing of retired U.S. Marshal Jerry Enomoto, a prominent civil rights leader who dedicated his life to the service of others.

Enomoto, who lived through one of the most shameful times in American history – the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II – defied adversity to become a champion of civil rights and peaceful progress.

He earned many ‘firsts’ throughout his career, including being the first Asian American to receive a presidential appointment to the Office of United States Marshal, a position in which Wagner first worked with him.

Wagner described Enomoto as ‘one of Sacramento’s most honorable citizens,’ whose enduring legacy is in the countless lives he touched and the next generation of civil rights leaders he helped to inspire.

Enomoto’s commitment to social justice continued long after his retirement from the U.S. Marshal’s office in 2002. He served as chairman of the U.S. Attorney’s Greater Sacramento Hate Crimes Task Force and co-chair of the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Event, alongside his wife Dorothy.

Enomoto’s tireless advocacy for equality and his unwavering dedication to peaceful progress have left a lasting impact on the community. His passing is a loss for the region, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of civil rights leaders.

As the nation mourns the loss of Jerry Enomoto, Grimy Times will continue to investigate and report on the stories of those who have dedicated their lives to serving others.

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