News and Events
A Day of Action for the Day of Remembrance
February 18, 2010
February 19th is the Day of Remembrance, on which Executive Order 9066 was signed in 1942 and resulted in the forced removal of 120,000 Japanese Americans to concentration camps. The 100th Battalion Infantry, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and Military Intelligence Service tell a unique American story of patriotism and bravery during World War II. Congress has the opportunity to award these heroes the highest civilian medal in the country called the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor. With the Day of Remembrance around the corner, we ask you to write your Senators and forward this Action Alert onto friends, especially in target states, on or around February 19, 2010.
Click here to read more. Click here to find a Day of Remembrance program near you.
JACL Pleased with Grant from UPS Foundation
January 19, 2010
Washington, D.C.—The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), the nation’s oldest and largest Asian American civil and human rights organization, is pleased to announce that the JACL has been the recipient of a grant of $30,000 from The UPS Foundation, the charitable arm of UPS (NYSE:UPS).
JACL Criticizes Statement by Ohio Lieutenant Governor
January 13, 2010
The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) objected to a statement by Ohio lieutenant governor, Lee Fisher, that criticized Japan for placing barriers on American car sales in a Japanese incentive program similar to the “cash for clunkers” program in the United States.
Click here to read more. Click here to read the letter.
JACL Announces the Minoru Yasui Oratorical Competition
January 12, 2010
JACL chapters are being asked to identify high school students, age 16 years or older, or full time undergraduate college students who will compete at a JACL district council competition with the winner advancing to the finals at the national convention, which will be held on July 2.
Click here for the press release. Click here for more information.
JACL Announces Proposed Date of 2010 JACL Gala
January 13, 2010
Washington, D.C.—The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), the nation’s oldest and largest Asian American civil and human rights organization, announces its proposed date of Thursday, September 16, 2010, for its next Annual National JACL Gala Awards Dinner in Washington, D.C.
Washington D.C. Leadership Summit February 3-4
January 7, 2010
The Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation, the Japanese American National Museum, and the Japanese American Citizens League announces the Washington D.C Leadership Summit, February 3-4, 2010 at the Madison Hotel, 1177 15th St, NW, Washington, D.C. Speakers and topics will focus on an overview and update from the National Park Service, tips on fundraising, goals for Fiscal Year 2011, and presentations from former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta and retired U.S. Senator Alan Simpson.
JACL Responds to Toby Keith Incident
December 23, 2009
At a recent appearance at the Nobel Peace Prize after party in Oslo, American country singer Toby Keith made a racist gesture while on stage during a performance of “Rapper’s Delight.” His behavior has drawn criticism from the Asian American community, yet Mr. Keith still has not acknowledged the offensive nature of his gesture nor issued an apology. The Japanese American Citizens League joins other organizations in condemning Mr. Keith’s actions, and demands that he acknowledge and apologize for his racist behavior.
Wat Misaka Honored by the New York Knicks
December 23, 2009
New York, NY - Wat Misaka, who was drafted by the New York Knicks in 1947, was recently honored by the Knicks basketball franchise at a presentation during a game at Madison Square Garden. Misaka was the first non-white person to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA which was then known as the Basketball Association of America or BAA).
JACL DC Fellows Complete Assignments
December 15, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Two Fellows from California recently completed their assignments with the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL). Scott Sakakihara, the 2009 JACL Masaoka Fellow and a Harvard Law School Graduate, and Shirley Tang, the 2009 JACL Inouye Fellow who graduated from the University of California at Davis, served the JACL during the past year. Scott worked in the office of Congresswoman Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and later in the White House. Shirley worked in the JACL’s Washington D.C. Office.
Southern California Edison Sponsors Fellowship for JACL
December 15, 2009
Los Angeles -- With generous support from Southern California Edison, The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) welcomes a new member to the Pacific Southwest District office. The new 2009-2010 Mike Honda Fellow, Kristin Fukushima, joined JACL in October. The position will continue and expand JACL's efforts to advocate for civil rights and community preservation through empowerment and activism.
JACL Mourns Passing of Art Koga
December 7, 2009
San Francisco - The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), the nation's oldest and largest Asian American civil and human rights organization, mourns the passing of Art Koga, formerly a member of the National JACL Board of Directors. Members of the JACL were saddened to hear of the untimely death of Art Koga on December 4, 2009, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Mr. Koga was ill with what seemed to be a cold, took a turn for the worse, and passed away very suddenly.
JACL Assists Japan Embassy in Doll Presentation
December 2, 2009
Washington, D.C. – The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), the oldest and largest Asian American civil and human rights organization in the United States, assisted the Embassy of Japan in the presentation of a new doll donated to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (L.D.S. or Mormon) Washington, D.C. Temple Visitors Center. The Japanese doll has been placed on one of the Christmas trees adorning the Visitors Center throughout the holiday season.
JACL Applauds Historic Senate Confirmation of Jacqueline Nguyen
December 1, 2009
Washington, D.C. - On Tuesday, December 1, 2009, the U.S. Senate confirmed Judge Jacqueline Nguyen as a federal district judge in the Central District of California by a vote of 97 to 0. The Japanese American Citizens League, the largest and oldest civil and human rights organization in the nation, applauds the U.S. Senate and congratulates Judge Nguyen for this historic confirmation, as she is the first Vietnamese-American woman to serve as a federal district court judge in the United States.
JACL and Healthcare Reform
December 1, 2009
The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) strongly supports comprehensive health care reform and commends Congress on their tireless efforts these past months. Affordability and access to health care for all are main concerns for the JACL. Health care should be a right, not a privilege in America. The JACL looks forward to having historic heath care legislation signed by the President in the near future.
JACL Mourns Passing of Nao Takasugi
November 24, 2009
San Francisco, CA – The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), the nation's oldest and largest Asian American civil and human rights organization, mourns the passing of Nao Takasugi, JACL member and political leader, and offers condolences to his family.
Click here to read more.
JACL Congratulates Kiran Ahuja
November 16, 2009
Washington, D.C. – The Japanese American Citizens League, the largest and oldest civil and human rights organization in the nation, applauds Kiran Ahuja on her appointment by President Barack Obama as Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
Click here to read more.
JACL Condemns Racist Comments of Fox News Guest
November 13, 2009
Bill Yoshino, Midwest Regional Director of the Japanese American Citizens League, has sent a letter to Roger Ailes, CEO of Fox News Channel, condemning the disgraceful behavior of one of the network’s guests, Bo Dietl. As a guest on Don Ismus’ radio show, Bo made disparaging, racist comments against Asian Americans as part of a rant on Katie Couric’s appearance. In the letter, Yoshino writes, “By continually inviting Dietl as a guest, Fox News gives credence to his childish behavior and the racist, hateful views he demonstrates."
Click here to read more. Click here to read the letter.
UPDATE (11/30/09): Kevin Magee, Fox Business Network's Executive Vice President, has responded to the JACL's concerns regarding Dietl's remarks. While maintaining that Dietl was a guest of Imu's show and not an employee of Fox, Magee stated that Dietl "has been spoken to about your concerns and has been asked not to engage in such activity in the future."
JACL Meets with Paramount Pictures Executives
November 12, 2009
Los Angeles, CA – The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), the nation’s oldest and largest Asian American civil and human rights organization, was represented at a meeting with Paramount Pictures by Floyd Mori, National Executive Director, and Craig Ishii, Regional Director of the Pacific Southwest District. Paramount Pictures President and CEO, Adam Goodman had invited Mori to meet to discuss problems of racial stereotyping and racial casting by Paramount. Bill Imada, CEO of the IW Group (formerly Imada Wong Communications Group), and Guy Aoki, co-founder of MAANA (Media Action Network for Asian Americans), also attended the meeting that included Paramount executives, Sharon Keyser and Katie Martinelli. The meeting was a result of a letter Mori wrote to Goodman condemning the negative stereotype portrayed in the Paramount movie, The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard.
Click here to read more.
JACL Expresses Condolences and Sadness on Fort Hood Incident
November 6, 2009
Washington, D.C. -- The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), the oldest and largest Asian American civil and human rights organization in the United States, joins the nation in expressing sincere condolences to the families and colleagues of those slain and injured yesterday at Ft. Hood, Texas. The JACL community is saddened that brave and patriotic soldiers were sacrificed in such a defenseless manner. The JACL strongly condemns this senseless taking of innocent lives regardless of the motivation.
Click here to read more.
Japanese Americans Gather at Ambassador's Residence
November 5, 2009
Washington, D.C. -- The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), the oldest and largest Asian American civil and human rights organization in the nation, was well represented at a recent Japanese American focused event held at the residence of the Ambassador of Japan in Washington, D.C. Although the Honorable Ichiro Fujisaki, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the United States of America, was called away to Japan in preparation for President Barack Obama’s upcoming visit to Japan, guests were greeted by the Ambassador’s wife, Mrs. Yoriko Fujisaki.
Click here to read more.
JACL Announces Success in Camp Preservation Funding
November 3, 2009
Washington, D.C. -- The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) is proud to announce that the fiscal 2010 Department of Interior appropriations bill included funding for several World War II Concentration Camp preservation projects. Preservation of these historic camps in which Japanese Americans were incarcerated without due process has been a top priority of the JACL. The JACL Washington D.C. Office has worked closely with Senators Inouye and Feinstein as well as Congressman Honda in assuring the inclusion of camp preservation elements in the 2010 Fiscal Budget. President Obama signed the bill into law on October 30, 2009.
Click here to read more.
JACL Victory on Hate Crimes Bill
October 22, 2009
Washington, D.C. - Late this afternoon, the Senate approved the FY 2010 Department of Defense Authorization Conference Report, which contains the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, by a vote of 68-28. The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) has vigorously fought for this victory for over ten years and commends the leadership of both chambers of Congress on this momentous triumph.
Click here to read more.
JACL NY/SC Calls for Halt of Power Line through Minidoka
October 14, 2009
Washington, D.C. - The National Youth/Student Council of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL NY/SC), the youth arm of the oldest and largest Asian Pacific American civil and human rights organization in the United States, calls upon Secretary Ken Salazar of the United States Department of Interior and members of Congress to revise plans for a power line which would run through the Minidoka National Historic Site in Idaho.
Click here to read more.
White House Initiative on AAPI's Reestablished
October 14, 2009
Washington, D.C - President Barack Obama, at a special White House Ceremony, signed an Executive Order to reestablish the President’s Advisory Commission and White House Initiative on Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). This was first established by President Bill Clinton ten years ago. The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), the nation’s oldest and largest Asian American civil and human rights organization, joined with other groups from within the AAPI community in praising this action.
Click here to read more. Click here for a video.
JACL Announces New Inouye Fellow
October 2, 2009
Washinton, D.C. -- The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), announces Jean Shiraki as the new JACL Daniel K. Inouye Fellow, named after the esteemed Hawaii Senator. She begins her fellowship, funded by Eli Lilly, at the JACL office in Washington, D.C in September. The position focuses mainly on health care, and she will work with other Asian American organizations to raise more health awareness and work towards closing the disparities.
JACL Praises CSU's Decision to Grant Honorary Degrees
September 25, 2009
San Francisco -- The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) praised the California State University Board of Trustees for its decision to grant honorary bachelor’s degrees to Japanese Americans who were enrolled at CSU campuses, but forced to leave school due to Executive Order 9066.
National JACL Holds Successful Gala
September 18, 2009
Washington, D.C. - The third annual Gala Awards Dinner of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) was held at the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Washington, D.C. The JACL paid special tribute to Japanese American veterans who served in the armed forces during World War II and the Korean War. The organizations recognized were: The Japanese American Veterans Association (JAVA) which was started by World War II veterans, The Japanese American Korean War Veterans (JAKWR) which honors veterans of the Korean War, The Go for Broke National Education Center which keeps alive the history of the Japanese Americans, and The National Japanese American Historical Society (NJAHS) which is heavily involved with honoring the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) with a proposed center at the Presidio in San Francisco.
Paramount Apologizes to the JACL
August 21, 2009
Los Angeles, CA - The JACL welcomed Paramount Pictures' apology for "racially demeaning language" in its recently released film, The Goods. JACL National Director, Floyd Mori, stated: “We are encouraged that Paramount recognized its error in
using a racial slur and violence against Asian Americans as comedy."
Honorees Named for JACL Gala in September
August 5, 2009
Washington, D.C. – JACL will honor Senator Daniel K. Akaka at its third annual National JACL Gala Awards Dinner to be held in Washington, D.C. on September 17, 2009 at the J.W. Marriott Hotel. Other honorees include the Japanese American Veterans Association (JAVA), the Japanese American Korean War Veterans (JAKWV), the Go For Broke National Education Center and the National Japanese American Historical Society (NJAHS).
JACL Announces Completion of Survey
August 4, 2009
San Francisco, CA– The JACL announced the completion of a survey which was funded by a grant from the Annie E. Casey Foundation of Baltimore, Maryland. The survey asked members to respond to a number of questions which will be helpful in planning for the future of the JACL. The project was undertaken by Dana Nakano, a PhD candidate at the University of California at Irvine.
Click here to read more. Click here to download the survey results.
JACLers at JALD Summit Held in San Francisco
July 30, 2009
San Francisco, CA – The JACL had a strong presence at the Japanese American Leadership Delegation (JALD) Summit held July 17-19 in San Francisco. The affair was a reunion of Japanese American leaders who have traveled to Japan to increase their knowledge of and involvement in U.S.-Japan relations. The JALD, funded by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and The Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership, each year selects 10-15 Japanese Americans active in their community for an “insider’s look” of Japan, where they meet with leaders in business, government, culture and education. Nine delegations have made the trip to Japan, with alumni now totaling 122.
National Park Service Announces Grants
July 24, 2009
San Francisco, CA -- The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), the oldest and largest Asian American civil and human rights organization in the nation, congratulates grant recipients which were announced by the National Park Service. The nineteen new grants which total $960,000 are to help preserve and interpret many of the historic locations where more than 110,000 Japanese Americans were incarcerated during World War II. After the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which authorized the forced removal of these men, women and children, most of them American citizens, of Japanese ancestry.
JACL and Volunteers Assist in Service Project at the National Japanese American Memorial
July 14, 2009
Washington, D.C. -- On April 21, 2009 President Obama signed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act into law, ushering in a new era of service and volunteering for our nation. Over the weekend, the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) hosted a service project in collaboration with the National Japanese American Memorial Foundation to inspire summer interns in the Washington, D.C. area to rise to the challenge of community and national service.
JACL and USAN Sign Agreement
July 13, 2009
Washington, D.C. – The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) and U.S. Azeris Network (USAN) have signed a Memorandum on Strategic Cooperation, Promotion and Exchange of links and information between their two organizations and communities in the interests of the entire Azerbaijani-American, as well as Turkic-American, and Japanese-American, as well as Asian-American, communities.
JACL Saddened at Passing of Todd Sato
June 30, 2009
Los Angeles, CA -- Members of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) expressed sadness and dismay at the untimely passing of Todd Sato, a young JACL leader who died this past weekend of heart failure at the age of 29.
Todd suffered from heart problems throughout his life and recently celebrated his 10 year anniversary as a heart transplant survivor.
Click here to read more.
JACL Supports America's Affordable Health Choice Act of 2009
July 15, 2009
Washington, D.C. – On July 14, 2009, the Chairmen of the three committees of the House with jurisdiction over health policy (Energy & Commerce, Education & Labor, and Ways & Means) introduced America’s Affordable Health Choice Act of 2009, an act that would curtail escalating healthcare costs and provide quality and affordable healthcare to all Americans. The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), the nation’s oldest and largest Asian American civil and human rights organization, applauds and supports the introduction of America’s Affordable Health Choice Act of 2009.
Click here to read more.
Sotomayor Gets it Right!
July 15, 2009
Washington, D.C. -- The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) applauds Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor for her comments that the massive incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II was a mistake and that detention solely based on race is wrong. The JACL is the oldest and largest Asian American civil and human rights organization in the nation and is marking its 80th anniversary this year. The JACL has long been a critic of the Executive Order 9066, which authorized military areas from which individuals could be removed leading to the forced removal of Japanese Americans from their homes on the west coast. The JACL was the principal proponent of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, which gave an apology and a redress payment to all surviving internees, which in essence admitted that it was wrong and apologized for that action.
Click here to read more.
JACL Thanks Congressmen Mike Honda and Norman Dicks
July 8, 2009
Washington, D.C. -- Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA) is being recognized and thanked by the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), the nation’s oldest and largest Asian American civil and human rights organization, for his role in increasing the House Budget amount for P.L. 109-441. The JACL also thanks Congressman Norman Dicks (D-WA), Chair of the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies on the House Committee on Appropriations, for his support.
Click here to read more.
JACL Dismayed at U.S. Holocaust Museum Shooting
June 11, 2009
Washington, D.C. -- Members of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) are dismayed and appalled at the shooting at the U.S. Holocaust Museum which resulted in the death of a courageous museum security guard.
Click here to read more.
A Busy Week in Washington, D.C.
June 5, 2009
Washington, D.C. – The National JACL staff in the various offices continues to have much to do in administering the programs of the nation's oldest and largest Asian American civil and human rights organization. Plans are being finalized for the National JACL Youth Conference and the Collegiate Leadership Conference, and plans are underway for the JACL Gala. Fundraising is an ongoing effort.
Click here to read more.
Asian American Studies Scholars Pass Away
May 28, 2009
San Francisco, CA --The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), the oldest and largest Asian American civil and human rights organization in the nation, joins with others in mourning the loss of two scholars who were instrumental in developing Asian American Studies programs, Ronald Takaki and Him Mark Lai. They were pioneers in paving the way for Asian Pacific American inclusion and recognition in college curriculums.
Click here to read more.
JACL Mourns Passing of Nisei Pioneers
May 28, 2009
Washington, D.C. -- The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) mourns the passing of Nisei pioneers who have given much to the Japanese American community. The Nisei (second generation Japanese Americans who were born in the United States) were instrumental in organizing the JACL in 1929. There were three recent deaths in the Washington, D.C. area of Nisei leaders.
Click here to read more.
JACL Names 2009 Masaoka Fellow
May 27, 2009
Washington, D.C. -- The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) has awarded the 2009 JACL Mike M. Masaoka Fellowship to Scott Sakakihara, who has started work in the Washington, D.C. office of Congresswoman Mazie Hirono (D-HI) where he will serve for approximately four months. He was previously an intern in the office of Congressman Pete Stark, his own Congressman from the Bay Area in California. He has also been an intern with the California Governor’s Office of Constituent Affairs, Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS), and the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services.
Click here to read more.
JACL Announces JACL Inouye Fellowship Recipient
May 15, 2009
Washington, D.C. - The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), the nation's oldest and largest Asian American civil and human rights organization, announces that Shirley Tang is the latest recipient of the JACL Daniel K. Inouye Fellow. She began her fellowship in April in the JACL's Washington, D.C. office. Much of her work will be focused in the area of health, and she will work with other Asian American organizations. The fellowship is named in honor of the Senior Senator from Hawaii and is funded by Eli Lilly.
Click here to read more.
JACL Applauds Passage of HR 347, Gold Medal Bill
May 14, 2009
Washington, D.C. -- The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) applauds the passage of HR 347, introduced by Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA), which grants the congressional gold medal, collectively, to the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, United States Army, in recognition of their dedicated military service during World War II.
Click here to read more.
JACL Receives Grant from APIAHF
May 12, 2009
San Francisco, CA – The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), the nation’s oldest and largest Asian American civil and human rights organization, is the recipient of a grant from the Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF/the Health Forum). APIAHF is an advocacy organization whose mission is to enable Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to attain the highest possible level of health and well-being. Health care reform and health disparities are critical civil rights issues of today.
JACL Pleased With Release of Journalist
May 11, 2009
Washington, D.C. - The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) announced that it is pleased at the news that American journalist Roxana Saberi has been released from prison in Iran. She has been held since January 2009 on charges of espionage. The JACL, which is the nation’s oldest and largest Asian American civil and human rights organization, is one of the groups which came out in support of Saberi, an American citizen of Japanese and Iranian descent. The United States government and human rights groups had called for her release and due process.
JACL Opposes Texas Voter Legislation
May 8, 2009
The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) announced its opposition to a bill in the Texas legislature, S.B. 362, that would impose strict identification requirements for voting. In addition to a voter registration certificate, voters would also need identification such as a driver’s license.
JACL Urges Congress To Continue Educational Funding To Benefit Disadvantaged Asian and Pacific Islander Americans
May 2, 2009
Washington, D.C. – The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), the nation’s oldest and largest Asian American civil and human rights organization, joins the National Education Association (NEA) and others in calling upon Congress to continue funding of a program which provides grants to colleges and universities that serve large numbers of low income Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF NATIONAL JACL PROJECT
April 29, 2009
The JACL has received a grant from the Annie E. Casey Foundation in Baltimore, Maryland, for a project and study which is being called: “Japanese Americans: Immigration through Acculturation? Applications for Immigrant Communities.” The project is being handled primarily by Dana Nakano and Tim Koide. Dana is a Ph D candidate at the University of California at Irvine and a former JACL Masaoka Fellow who worked in the Washington, D.C. office of Congressman Mike Honda. Tim is the National JACL Membership Coordinator.
JACL NY/SC Announces Commencement of JACL National Youth Conference This Summer
April 4, 2009
The National Youth/Student Council of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL NY/SC), the youth body of the oldest and largest Asian Pacific American civil and human rights organization in the country, is pleased to announce that all youth and students are invited to attend the 2009 JACL National Youth Conference.
To read more, please click here.
JACL APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF HATE CRIMES BILL
April 29, 2009
Washington, D.C. -- The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), the nation’s oldest and largest Asian American civil and human rights organization, thanks the U.S. House of Representatives for their vote of passage of the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Hate Crimes Prevention Act which was passed with a bipartisan vote of 249-175. The Act enables the Department of Justice to assist the efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement in investigating and prosecuting hate crimes based on race, ethnic background, and religion, and expands the definition of hate crimes to protect gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons.
JACL SUPPORTS INOUYE BILL FOR A FEDERAL STUDY
April 28, 2009
Washington, D.C. -- The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) announces its support of the bill introduced by Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI) to have the Secretary of the Interior conduct a study to determine if internment camp sites in Hawaii are eligible to be listed as historic sites under the National Park System.
Federal Hate Crimes Legislation Needs Your Support
April 27, 2009
On April 2, 2009, H.R. 1913: Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009 (LLEHCPA), sponsored by Democratic Representative John Conyers of Michigan, was introduced and referred to the House Judiciary Committee. The bill has been voted out of committee and is expected for a vote before the House as early as Wednesday, April 29, 2009.
Click here to read more of this action alert.
JACL urges thorough investigation in attack of Asian students at
Franklin & Marshall College
April 24, 2009
The Japanese American Citizens League today urged law enforcement authorities in Lancaster, PA to conduct a thorough investigation that will lead to the arrest of the individuals responsible for a racial attack on three Asian students at Franklin & Marshall College.
Click here to read the letter.
Click here to read the original newspaper article.
JACL Announces Collegiate Leadership Program
April 15, 2009
The JACL is now accepting applications for its new JACL Collegiate Washington, D.C. Leadership Conference to be held on June 19-22, 2009. The program, which is patterned after the JACL/OCA Washington, DC Leadership Conference, is limited to Asian American college students who are in their freshman, sophomore or junior year in school.
APPLICATIONS DUE MAY 15, 2009
Click here for more information.
Click here for an application.
APA Leaders Meeting with White House Staff
April 14, 2009
Washington, D.C. -- The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) was included among the groups within the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community whose leaders met in the West Wing of the White House on April 14, 2009, to discuss with White House Staff the future of the White House Initiative on AAPI’s.
JACL Asks Support For Veterans Commemorative Stamp
April 8, 2009
Washington, D.C. - The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), the nation's oldest and largest Asian American civil and human rights organization, is asking its members and friends to write letters of support for the Japanese American (Nisei) WWII Veterans Commemorative Stamp proposed to the United States Postal Service.
Click here to read more.
National Park Service Announces Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program
April 6, 2009
The National Park Service is pleased to announce that Japanese American Confinement Sites grant applications are now available for the preservation and interpretation of U.S. confinement sites where Japanese Americans were detained during World War II.
2010 Census Needs JACL Participation
April 6, 2009
As members of the largest and oldest Asian American civil rights organization in the United States, many other organizations as well as federal agencies look to the JACL for avenues of outreach to our communities. There are many ways to get involved at the chapter level, local level and state level to ensure that we have as accurate of a count as possible.
The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans Laments Binghamton Tragedy
April 4, 2009
Washington, D.C.-The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life on Friday that took place at a center in Binghamton, N.Y. dedicated to helping to improve the lives of newcomers to America. Our condolences go out to the victims, their families and the community.
JACL Calls For Project: Community San Francisco Participants
April 1, 2009
San Francisco, CA - Project: Community is coming to San Francisco. First held in Los Angeles based on Little Tokyo, Project: Community San Francisco is a high school summer program aimed at educating and empowering the youth voice in San Francisco’s Japantown. Program participants will gain insight and understanding into how and why a community is formed, how it functions, and how it evolves to meet the needs of its ever‐changing landscape. The program will take place from June 30th to August 4th.
Click here for more information.
Click here for an application.
JACL Supports “Redress Now” For Japanese Latin Americans
April 2, 2009
Washington, D.C. - The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), the oldest and largest Asian American civil and human rights organization in the nation, reiterates its support of Redress Now for Japanese Latin Americans who suffered from Wartime Relocation and Internment during World War II. Floyd Mori, National Executive Director of the JACL, said: "Our organization is working with those involved and supporting this effort to bring justice to Japanese Latin Americans."
Click here to read more.
JACL Critical of Iowa School District Action Against Lori Phanachone
April 1, 2009
Washington, D.C. -- Lori Phanachone, an honors student at Storm Lake High School in Iowa was suspended for three days earlier this year and threatened with other disciplinary sanctions because she refused to take an English proficiency test despite ranking seventh in her senior class with a 3.98 GPA. The English Language Development Assessment test is administered annually to students already labeled as English Language Learners (ELL).
Click here to read more.
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