JACL Concludes its 2024 National Convention in Philadelphia
July 19, 2024
For Immediate Release
Seia Watanabe, VP Public Affairs, swatanabe@jacl.org
Matthew Weisbly, Education & Communications Coordinator, mweisbly@jacl.org
This past week JACL hosted its 54th National Convention themed “Looking Into the Future Together,” in the historic city of Philadelphia. In conjunction with partner organizations, OCA and APIAVote, the Convention was a great success, uniting the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities and celebrating our rich history through educational workshops, socials, and speeches from distinguished guests.
The week opened with our welcome reception at the historic Philadelphia City Hall, with inspiring words from Acting Secretary of Labor, Julie Su and Philadelphia Councilwoman Nina Ahmad. Both welcomed everyone to the city of brotherly love and sisterly affection and encouraged all to continue fighting for representation.
The National Council, JACL’s governing body, adopted two resolutions, and two amendments to JACL’s constitution, and elected a new board for the next biennium. Resolution One adopted by the national board built on earlier work by JACL National and numerous JACL Chapters in calling for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, as well as additional measures to support peace in the region, while addressing antisemitism, islamophobia, and hate at home. Resolution Two was an emergency resolution supporting the Japanese American community in Salt Lake City which now faces threat as proposed expansions to the city threaten historic businesses and community centers, as well as the footprint of what used to be Salt Lake City Japantown.
The changes to the JACL Constitution and Bylaws include a revamp to premium and lifetime membership categories, resulting in new membership tiers and pricing, which the organization hopes will encourage more members to join while simplifying the membership process. The other change includes a return to biennial National Council sessions, with the 2025 National Convention being comprised of workshops and other programming, while also being one day shorter.
This convention had many new faces since many workshops were hosted in conjunction with APIAVote and OCA but each one supported the greater vision of our communities working together towards a greater future. This year’s workshops covered areas such as reparations for African Americans, strategy sessions for this coming election season, challenging dangerous legislation, and taking care of our communities. The highlight of the week for many was the Presidential Town Hall where Vice President Kamala Harris in addition to other Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) members and Tamlyn Tomita spoke to rally AANHPI voters to get to the polls.
The Sayanora Gala took place on the evening of Saturday, July 13, and was emceed by KYM Newsradio Anchor Denise Nakano. The program featured a performance by renowned musical artist Rino Aise who also led attendees in the traditional Japanese dance, Tanko Bushi. The annual Sayonara Gala also provides JACL with the opportunity to honor individuals for their achievements and contributions to the Asian American Community.
This year’s awardees included three recipients of the Japanese American of the Biennium awards and two recipients of the Ruby Pin. These prestigious awards mark years of dedication and public service, and are the most distinguished awards presented by the JACL. This year’s recipients for the Japanese American of the Biennium were Judge Dana M. Sabraw, Dr. Satsuki Ina, and David Ono. Judge Sabraw emphasized the importance of the courts and the media in the ongoing fight for civil rights, while Dr. Ina’s remarks delivered by Stan Shikuma of the Seattle Chapter reminded us of the terrible rift created within our community during the war as a result of the loyalty questionnaire and the need to continue to right these wrongs. David Ono concluded with remarks about the outpouring of support he has received from not only JACL but the broader Japanese American community as he embarked on his journey to share the story of the Nisei Veterans through his show, Defining Courage.
Hometown Philadelphia Chapter member, Teresa Maebori, was recognized with both the JACLer of the Biennium Award for leadership in the past two years as well as the Ruby Pin which recognizes a lifetime's worth of service to JACL at the local, district, and national levels particularly for her work in promoting education on the Japanese American WWII experience. Steven Okamoto received the Ruby Pin for his longtime leadership of the San Mateo Chapter and in promoting legacy giving to the JACL. JACL is especially grateful that Steve continues to serve in this leadership position supporting planned giving to JACL at https://jacl.org/planned-giving.
Congresswoman Jill Tokuda from Hawai’i closed our Sayonara Gala by administering the oath of office to our incoming national board members including Larry Oda, who was re-elected as National President.
JACL is grateful for the support of all of our convention sponsors State Farm Insurance, AT&T, Comcast, AARP, Verizon, the Motion Picture Association, T-Mobile, IW Group, MLB, US Bank, the JACL Credit Union, Caesars Entertainment, Walmart, David and Carol Kawamoto, Sheldon Arakaki, Keiro, the Japanese American National Museum, Compassion and Choices, Toji Law, IACE Travel, and Ito En.
The final versions of the resolutions as well as constitution and bylaw amendments are available on the JACL website. To view these as well as convention photos, please visit https://jacl.org/2024-jacl-national-convention
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The Japanese American Citizens League is a national organization whose ongoing mission is to secure and maintain the civil rights of Japanese Americans and all others who are victimized by injustice and bigotry. The leaders and members of the JACL also work to promote cultural, educational, and social values and preserve the heritage and legacy of the Japanese American community.
