JACL News

JACL Criticizes Statement by Ohio Lieutenant Governor

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:04:30 -0600

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.

AAPI Week of Action for Immigration Reform Starts Today

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:44:25 -0600

January 12, 2010
Fair and comprehensive immigration reform is a battle that the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) fought for decades. As the oldest and largest Asian American civil and human rights organization, it is time for us to stand up for more recent immigrants who are facing the same attitudes we faced in the 1920s and 1930s. For this week's National Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Week of Action, we ask JACL members and allies to take action.

JACL Announces the Minoru Yasui Oratorical Competition

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 10:03:31 -0600

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.

Attend the Washington D.C. Leadership Summit February 3-4

Thu, 7 Jan 2010 10:01:15 -0600

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

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:03:17 -0600

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

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:02:44 -0600

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

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:32:29 -0600

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

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:31:45 -0600

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

Tue, 8 Dec 2009 09:43:11 -0600

December 7, 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 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.

Internship Opportunity

Thu, 3 Dec 2009 16:22:08 -0600

December 3, 2009
San Francisco -- The JACL is seeking an intern to help promote new Blue Shield health plans priced for the student and young professional demographic. In a world of ever increasing health costs, this service is a wonderful opportunity for our community.

JACL Assists in Japan Embassy Doll Presentation

Wed, 2 Dec 2009 12:40:27 -0600

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

Tue, 1 Dec 2009 12:39:26 -0600

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

Tue, 1 Dec 2009 12:38:58 -0600

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.

Update: JACL Condemns Racist Comments of Fox News Guest

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:43:16 -0600

November 30, 2009
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 Mourns Passing of Nao Takasugi

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:42:36 -0600

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.

JACL Congratulages Kiran Ahuja

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:16:10 -0600

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.

JACL Condemns Racist Comments of Fox News Guest

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:39:59 -0600

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."

JACL Meets with Paramount Pictures Executives

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:39:26 -0600

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.

JACL Expresses Condolences and Sadness on Fort Hood Incident

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 08:38:43 -0600

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.

Japanese Americans Gather at Ambassador's Residence

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 08:38:17 -0600

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.

JACL Announces Success in Camp Preservation Funding

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 08:37:38 -0600

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.

President Obama Signs Hate Crime Legislation

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:32:07 -0600

October 28, 2009
Washington, D.C. - The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), the nation’s oldest and largest Asian American civil and human rights organization, was on hand for the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 Conference Report which includes the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. President Barack Obama signed the legislation today.

JACL Victory on Hate Crimes Bill

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:26:03 -0500

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.

JACL NY/SC Calls for Halt of Power Line through Minidoka

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:31:05 -0600

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.

White House Initiative on AAPI's Reestablished

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:25:02 -0500

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.

JACL Announces New Inouye Fellow

Fri, 2 Oct 2009 15:03:29 -0500

October 2, 2009
Washington, 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

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:02:46 -0500

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

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:02:01 -0500

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

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:00:57 -0500

August 21, 2009
Los Angeles - 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

Wed, 5 Aug 2009 15:00:00 -0500

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

Tue, 4 Aug 2009 14:56:17 -0500

August 4, 2009
San Francisco - 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.

JACLers at JALD Summit held in San Francisco

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:58:24 -0500

July 30, 2009
San Francisco - 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

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:23:42 -0500

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 USAN Sign Agreement

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 09:50:49 -0500

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.

ASIAN AMERICAN STUDIES SCHOLARS PASS AWAY

Fri, 29 May 2009 11:25:13 -0500

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.

JACL MOURNS PASSING OF NISEI PIONEERS

Fri, 29 May 2009 11:24:57 -0500

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.

JACL NAMES 2009 MASAOKA FELLOW

Fri, 29 May 2009 11:24:13 -0500

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.

JACL APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF HR 347, GOLD MEDAL BILL

Fri, 15 May 2009 11:02:00 -0500

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.

JACL ANNOUNCES JACL INOUYE FELLOWSHIP RECIPIENT

Fri, 15 May 2009 11:01:30 -0500

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.

JACL RECEIVES GRANT FROM APIAHF

Wed, 13 May 2009 11:38:08 -0500

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

Mon, 11 May 2009 15:54:05 -0500

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 URGES CONGRESS TO CONTINUE EDUCATIONAL FUNDING TO BENEFIT DISADVANTAGED ASIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER AMERICANS

Mon, 4 May 2009 09:55:07 -0500

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.

JACL SUPPORTS INOUYE BILL FOR A FEDERAL STUDY

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 10:50:44 -0500

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.

JACL Website Updates

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:49:25 -0500

SWINE FLU INFORMATION : The latest information regarding the swine flu outbreak is available from the JACL homepage.

ROXANA WATCH: We've added a section called Roxana Watch on our Public Affairs home page that tracks the latest information related to Roxana Saberi's case. Click "News and Events" > "Public Affairs"

GALA DINNER: Information about this year's Gala dinner is now available. Click "News and Events" > "Gala Dinner"

FEDERAL HATE CRIMES LEGISLATION NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:56:09 -0500

ACTION ALERT
April 27, 2009
In our increasing diverse nation, hate crimes are a persistent problem. Each year, Asian Americans are victims of bias-motivated hate crimes. It is imperative that hate crimes be taken seriously because of the crippling effect it exerts on the victim as well as the community as a whole. JACL has been a resilient advocate for hate crime prevention and supports continuing efforts that aspire to put an end to all hate crimes.

JACL urges thorough investigation in attack of Asian students at Franklin & Marshall College

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 15:45:41 -0500

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.

Legislative Updates April 20-24

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 09:47:09 -0500

The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (LLEHCPA) will strengthen any existing federal hate crime laws. This bill will bring uniformity to current federal hate crime laws by strengthening the ability of the federal, state and local governments to investigate and prosecute any hate crimes based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation and disabilities.

APA Leaders Meeting with White House Staff

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:11:02 -0500

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. Tina Tchen, Director of the White House Office of Public Liaison, invited the group for the meeting. They were able to meet Kalpen Suresh Modi, known by his stage name of Kal Penn, who is the designate for the position of Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Liaison. Yosi Sergant, who has been working with the AAPI community on an interim basis, attended the meeting. Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor and Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Liaison, and Dr. Kavita Patel, Director of Policy in the White House Office of Public Liaison, also met with the group.

JACL Announces Collegiate Leadership Program

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 11:16:23 -0500

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.

JACL Calls For Project: Community San Francisco Participants

Wed, 8 Apr 2009 15:17:14 -0500

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. APPLICATIONS ARE DUE May 1st, APPLY TODAY!

JACL Supports "Redress Now" For Japanese Latin Americans

Wed, 8 Apr 2009 15:17:00 -0500

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."

The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans Laments Binghamton Tragedy

Wed, 8 Apr 2009 15:16:47 -0500

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.

National Park Service Announces Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program

Wed, 8 Apr 2009 15:16:33 -0500

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.

JACL NY/SC Announces Commencement of JACL National Youth Conference This Summer

Wed, 8 Apr 2009 15:16:19 -0500

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.

2010 Census Needs JACL Participation

Wed, 8 Apr 2009 15:15:55 -0500

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.

JACL Asks Support For Veterans Commemorative Stamp

Wed, 8 Apr 2009 15:15:27 -0500

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.

JACL Critical of Iowa School District Action Against Lori Phanachone

Thu, 2 Apr 2009 09:33:09 -0500

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).

JACL APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF SERVICE ACT

Wed, 1 Apr 2009 10:47:53 -0500

Washington, D.C. - The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), the nation's oldest and largest Asian American civil and human rights organization, applauds the passage of The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act which is now on its way to President Obama for his signature. The purpose of this bill is to improve national service programs and increase levels of volunteerism which could help to alleviate some of the economic challenges facing the nation. The bi-partisan votes in Congress demonstrate a strong commitment and vision to engage Americans in voluntary service to community and country.

JACL Support Honorary Degrees in California

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:36:43 -0500

San Francisco, CA.- California State Assembly member Warren T. Furutani has introduced a bill which would complete the unfinished business of conferring honorary degrees to Japanese Americans whose college education was disrupted due to their incarceration in concentration camps during World War II. Assembly Bill 37 was heard in the Assembly Higher Education Committee at the California State Capitol this week and passed unanimously out of committee.

JACL NY/SC Expresses Concern Over Racist Graffiti at Twin Cities School

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 11:41:02 -0500

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, expresses its concern over the racist and anti-gay graffiti that was found spray-painted on the Great River School in St. Paul, Minnesota.

JACL THANKS CONGRESS FOR PASSAGE OF OMNIBUS BILL

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 09:29:05 -0500

March 26, 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. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives for the passage of the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2009 (H.R.146), which will help conserve some of the most important historic and natural resources in the country.

JACL/OCA DC Leadership Conference Pictures are now available!

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:23:13 -0500

Participants from both JACL and OCA contributed to these albums.

JACL Pacific Southwest District Unveils New Website

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 12:05:52 -0500

The Pacific Southwest District of the Japanese American Citizens League is pleased to announce the launch of the new interactive website for the district. The site will feature all of the same information of the previous site with new sections on PSW's Public Policy and 2009 PSW Programs.

JACL Launches Program Bridging Japanese and Muslim American Youth

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 12:05:33 -0500

Los Angeles, CA - March 14, 2009 marked the second session of the Bridging Communities Program sponsored by JACL, Nikkei for Civil Rights and Redress (NCRR) and the Council and American-Islamic Relations.

JACL Calls for Release for Japanese American Journalist from Iranian Prison

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 12:04:58 -0500

March 19, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), the nation's oldest and largest Asian American civil and human rights organization, joined calls demanding that journalist Roxana Saberi be released from a prison in Tehran, Iran, where political prisoners are routinely detained.

JACL Responds to Dartmouth College Incident

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 13:02:25 -0500

March 12, 2009
Washington, D.C. The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) sent a letter to President Jim Wright, current president of Dartmouth College, expressing dismay at the disparaging email about Dr. Jim Yong Kim, who is to become the 17th President for Dartmouth College on July 1, 2009. The email, which was sent to a large number of Dartmouth students, portrayed Dr. Kim in racist terms and was dismissed by the Dartmouth administration as "an offensive attempt at humor."

JACL and OCA Hold Successful Leadership Conference

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 13:01:40 -0500

March 11, 2009
Washington, D.C. - The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), the nation’s oldest and largest Asian American civil and human rights organization, and OCA National (OCA) formerly the Organization of Chinese Americans, just completed the eleventh annual joint JACL/OCA DC Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. The JACL held its first DC Leadership Conference in 1983. State Farm is the sponsor for the event, and their representative, Leslie Moe-Kaiser, was on hand to participate in the four-day conference at which she presented a workshop on leadership.

President Obama Launches White House Internship Program

Wed, 4 Mar 2009 10:08:43 -0600

President Obama launched the White House Internship Program for his administration and announced that applications are currently being accepted for the summer of 2009. Those selected to participate in the program will gain valuable job experience and an inside look at the life of White House staff while building leadership skills.

JACL And OCA Host Reception For Tina Tchen

Tue, 3 Mar 2009 10:59:56 -0600

Washington, D.C. - The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) and OCA National (OCA) jointly hosted a reception to welcome Tina Tchen, Director of Public Liaison for the White House, to the nation’s capital. The reception, which was well attended by many representatives of the Asian Pacific American (APA) community, was held at the OCA National Center on March 2, 2009.

JACL Endorses Nomination of Gary Locke

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 14:52:49 -0600

Washington, D.C. - The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), which is the nation’s oldest and largest Asian American civil and human rights organization, is pleased to lend its support to the nomination by President Barack Obama of Gary Locke to become the United States Secretary of Commerce. The JACL urges the Senate to quickly confirm Gary Locke for this position on the President’s Cabinet.

Only the Brave Limited Time Offer

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 10:14:58 -0600

For a limited time, the JACL is honoring donors of $50 or more with a free gift copy of Only the Brave, Lane Nishikawa’s epic portrayal of the legendary 442nd’s campaign in the European theater during WWII. Take advantage of this wonderful offer and help support the efforts of the JACL at the same time. As a donor to the JACL you are helping to ensure that the educational programs and advocacy of the organization can perpetuate through future generations. Donate today and receive your gift copy of Only the Brave!

Nisei VFW Reunion Held in La Mirada

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 10:14:10 -0600

San Francisco, CA. - The 59th Annual Nisei Veterans of Foreign Wars Reunion was held on February 13, 14, and 15, 2009, at the Holiday Inn in La Mirada, California. General Chairman for the reunion was Robert M. Wada of the Kazuo Masuda Memorial VFW Post 3670. Others posts which jointly hosted the reunion were: Gardena Nisei Memorial VFW Post 1961, San Fernando Valley VFW Post 4140, East Los Angeles Nisei Memorial VFW Post 9902, and Los Angeles Memorial VFW Post 9938.

Welcome to the JACL RSS Feed

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 10:38:27 -0800

This RSS Feed will keep you up to date on everything happen on the JACL website.