| JACL Weekly Digest June 24, 2025 |
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| | | 2025 JACL National Convention General Registration is Available Now! Prices increase on July 1! |
|  | Join us this Summer in Albuquerque, New Mexico, from July 17th through 20th for an exciting convention as we celebrate local and national communities coming together with "Voices in Unity!" |
| | Join the JACL New Mexico Chapter on July 20th after National Convention to visit the Santa Fe Internment Camp Remembrance Site! If interested in attending, please click below for more information and to sign up. |
| | | Take Action Against the Alien Enemies Act! Learn More at the Alien Enemies Act Landing Page on the JACL Website |
|  | President Trump has now invoked the Alien Enemies Act to target Venezuelan immigrants and already used it to arrest and deport hundreds of people without any due process, only specious accusations based on tattoos and social media posts, but not necessarily actual evidence of criminal activity. The Supreme Court infamously affirmed the right of the government to take actions to preserve the security of our nation in the cases of Hirabayashi, Korematsu, and Yasui, while also affirming the right to due process in the case of ex parte Endo. The Alien Enemies Act deprives people of that constitutional right to due process affirmed by the Supreme Court. Together, we can ensure that "Never Again" is more than a promise. Contact your members of Congress and urge them to oppose the President's use of the Alien Enemies Act and co-sponsor the Neighbors Not Enemies Act to repeal the Alien Enemies Act. |
| | You can also learn more about the Alien Enemies Act, the new JACL Alien Enemies Act Fund, hear stories of people who were subjected to the AEA in WWII, and more at our Alien Enemies Act landing page. Click the button below or visit jacl.org/alien-enemies-act |
| | | 2025-26 Mike Masaoka Fellowship Applications Open Now! |
|  | Priority Deadline: July 7, 2025, at 11:59 PM HST.
Tentative Start Date: Early October 2025. Fellowship term for this cycle will be dependent on the office placement, with an additional month to support the JACL National Convention. |
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| | | If any JACL Chapters would like to submit stories or events to the Weekly Digest, please send inquiries to Education Programs Manager, Matthew Weisbly at mweisbly@jacl.org |
| | Berkeley JACL Launches $30,000 Civil Liberties Protection and Advancement Grant |
|  | The Berkeley Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) is proud to announce the launch of its Civil Liberties Protection and Advancement Grant, an initiative to support nonprofit organizations working to uphold and defend the civil and human rights of all people. The Berkeley JACL established this special grant opportunity in recognition of the historical injustices suffered by Japanese Americans and all devalued communities. With a grant award of up to $30,000, this program aims to fund initiatives that preserve constitutional rights and prevent the repetition of past governmental abuses. “As survivors and descendants of more than 125,000 people incarcerated during WWII without due process, we feel a profound responsibility to uphold democratic ideals,” said Nancy Ukai and Sandra Doi, Co-Presidents of the Berkeley JACL. “This grant program is a tangible way to advance that commitment.” Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply. The grant can support community-wide projects, coalition efforts, and civil liberties work that align with the JACL's mission. Political campaign activities will not be considered. Key Dates: Application Opens: May 29 Application Deadline: June 27 Full application instructions and requirements are available by request or through the Berkeley JACL's website. https://tinyurl.com/BerkeleyJACL |
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| | | | | 2025 Heart Mountain Pilgrimage - July 24th to 26th |
|  | Eighty years ago, the unjust incarceration of over 14,000 Japanese Americans at Heart Mountain finally came to an end. Yet, the lessons of this dark chapter in history are more relevant than ever. Join us at the 2025 Heart Mountain Pilgrimage as we honor the stories of incarceration, uplift the voices of incarcerees and their descendants, and fortify our community’s strength. This year’s Pilgrimage will be a powerful gathering, designed to inspire hope and resilience for future generations. Featured events include the premiere of Hello Maggie!, the stamping of the Ireichō, the debut of a compelling short film exploring cultural connections to Heart Mountain, multigenerational discussion groups, a transformative art healing workshop, and the ever-popular Sayonara Banquet. Come be part of this unforgettable experience—because remembering the past is the key to shaping a just future. |
| | | Crystal City Rising: Neighbors not Enemies - October 9-12th |
|  | The Crystal City Pilgrimage Committee has opened registration for the 2025 pilgrimage taking place October 9-12 in Texas. This year’s Pilgrimage theme is “Crystal City Rising - Neighbors Not Enemies.” In addition to learning about the unique history and stories of survivors of the Crystal City Concentration Camp, this year’s Pilgrimage will frame many of our programs through the lens of present-day attacks on immigrant communities. The event will include a visit to the site of the former prison camp in Crystal City, and a multi-day educational conference taking place in San Antonio. The registration fee costs $395.00 per person, which covers bus transportation from the hotel in San Antonio to Crystal City, pilgrimage-related meals, and other related pilgrimage costs. Registration can be completed using the online form at tinyurl.com/2025CCP. For questions about registration or assistance with the form, please email: info@crystalcitypilgrimage.org Conference programs will be held at the DoubleTree San Antonio Airport Hotel (611 NW Loop 410 San Antonio, TX 78216), which has a special group rate of $119.00 per night plus taxes for both single and double rooms for the duration of the event. Pilgrimage attendees can book online at tinyurl.com/2025CCPhotel using the discount code “CCP.” Hotel bookings can also be made by calling 1-888-728-3031 under the group name “Crystal City Pilgrimage.” |
| | | 2025 Poston Pilgrimage - October 24th and 25th! |
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| | JACL Headquarters
1765 Sutter Street
San Francisco, California 94115
(415) 921-5225 | mbr@jacl.org |
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JACL DC Office
1025 Connecticut Ave NW, Suite 600
Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 223-1240 | policy@jacl.org |
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We'll be showing the "Lantern Song" music video, leading a craft session, and teaching the Bon Odori choreography.
