JACL Announces National Convention
The Japanese American Citizens League will host the 48th Annual National Convention, “Our Story: Resilience, Remembrance, Resolve,” in Washington D.C. from July 6 -9. In remembrance of the 75th anniversary of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s signing of Executive Order 9066, which forced 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry into incarceration camps without due process, the 2017 Convention will feature an Opening Reception with an exclusive viewing of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, “Righting a Wrong,” highlighting the experience of Japanese Americans during World War II. Original pages from the Executive Order 9066 on loan from the National Archives will be displayed during this private reception.
In addition, His Excellency Ambassador Kenichiro Sasae and Mrs. Nobuko Sasae will graciously open their home to Convention attendees when they host the Ambassador’s Residence Reception. The Ambassador’s Residence has hosted a number of high profile and exclusive events including a reception for the 2013 JACL National Convention. During the Reception, the Governor Ralph Carr Award will be awarded.
A former Governor of Colorado, Ralph Carr, advocated for the Constitutional rights of Japanese Americans and encouraged Coloradans to welcome Japanese Americans following Pearl Harbor. The Governor Ralph Carr Award honors outstanding leaders who personify his legacy of working towards racial justice and promotion of civil rights.
Outgoing JACL Interim Executive Director Bill Yoshino states, “The 2017 JACL Convention is a “can’t-miss” opportunity to take part in some extraordinary events. To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the signing of EO9066, JACL will host a reception at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History where EO 9066, on loan from the National Archives, will be on display along with other camp-related artifacts. In addition, the Embassy of Japan will host a reception at the Ambassador’s Residence, a truly unique opportunity where JACL will present the Governor Ralph Carr Award in a splendid setting.”
Convention attendees will also be invited to the elegant Sayonara Banquet, participate in engaging workshops, and attend plenary sessions focusing on key issues currently affecting the nation. Please register for the 2017 JACL Convention today to take part in these historic events. Register by June 4th to receive the Early Bird discount on registration.
For additional information, please visit https://jacl.org/2017convention/.
The 2017 JACL National Convention will convene from July 6 – 9 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel, 2500 Calvert St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20008.
