| JACL Weekly Digest May 13, 2025 Check out our new Pilgrimage Events Section at the bottom of the Weekly Digest! |
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| | | 2025 JACL National Convention General Registration is Available Now! |
|  | 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!" |
| | Announcing our 2025 Workshop Tracks! Stay tuned for more information! |
|  | Exhibitor, Ads, and Sponsorship Forms! Volunteer Forms! |
|  | | | | Shifting Policies, Lasting Harm: A 100-Day Review of the Trump Administration's Impact on AANHPI Communities |
|  | This AANHPI Heritage Month, we are pleased to announce the launch of the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans' new report, Shifting Policies, Lasting Impacts: A 100-Day Review of the Trump Administration’s Impact on AANHPI Communities. We invite you to join us for a briefing this coming Wednesday to learn more:  Date: Wednesday, May 14
 Time: 3:30 PM ET
 Location: Zoom (Register HERE) During this virtual event, NCAPA coalition members will share their insights on how early policy shifts in the Trump Administration have had lasting effects on Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Together, we will explore the importance of documenting these changes and understanding their broader implications. This conversation is a crucial opportunity to reflect, learn, and strengthen our collective response moving forward. |
| | | Take Action Against the Alien Enemies Act! |
|  | 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. |
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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 |
| | 78th Annual Japanese American Graduation Banquet in Portland, OR |
|  | Picture Credit: Curtis Suyematsu On Sunday, May 4, 2025, the greater Portland area held its 78th Annual Japanese American Graduation banquet for 35 local high school seniors. There were 215 people in attendance to celebrate and congratulate the students in the Class of 2025. The banquet was held at the Riverside Golf and Country Club. There were scholarships awarded to the seniors amounting to over $35,000 to help our community youth start their college careers. Pictured above are: 1st Row (L-R): Sayuri Hara, Hanako Duff, Selina Uehara, Mona Brines, Kou Yuasa, Claire Coffey, Lindsay Persaud, Midori Carrollo, Tyler Saito Takasumi 2nd Row: Kiyoshi Kiyokawa, Myles Mathies, Reiko Nitta, Issa Ono, Kai Maeda, Isaac Matsushima, Aiden Yee, Koshi Tamiyagi, Masahiro Nakano, Ichiro Tanada, Lili Baechel 3rd Row: Kenshiro Duff, Dylan Nakaji, Lennon Kalapsa, Trillium Ono, Takumi Schmidt, Mason Birney, Avery Hughes-Davis, Reon Sano-Ochiai, Issai Honda 4th Row: Kegan Egusa, Ren Gregie, Keiden Meyer, Joshua Strege, Thelonius VanDam, Alexander Jiminez This annual banquet is sponsored by Portland JACL, Gresham-Troutdale JACL, the Buddhist Henjyoji Temple, Epworth United Methodist Church, the Japanese Ancestral Society of Portland, the Nikkei Fujinkai, the Nichiren Buddhist Temple, the Oregon Nisei Veterans, the Oregon Buddhist Temple, the Veleda Women’s Group and Shokookai of Portland. In addition to the scholarships, each student received the book Facing the Mountain, A True Story of Japanese American Heroes in World War II by Daniel James Brown that was donated by the Oregon Nisei Veterans. |
| | JACL Chicago Scholarship Luncheon |
|  | Sunday, May 18, 2025
12 – 2 PM
Maggiano’s – Old Orchard
Barolo Room RSVP: https://bit.ly/JACLscholarshipluncheon2025 JACL Chicago’s scholarship program recognizes the accomplishments of students who have demonstrated a commitment to JACL’s mission of advancing social justice and promoting the legacy and cultural heritage of the Japanese American community. Our annual JACL Chicago Scholarship Luncheon is an intergenerational community event that celebrates the accomplishments of our young scholarship winners, allows scholarship donors to honor the memory of their loved ones through their awards, and welcomes our new scholarship awardees to the JACL Chicago community. Please join us to celebrate the achievements of our 2025 scholarship winners: - Sanjay Ganesh, University of Illinois, Chicago
- Sofia Ozaki, Niles West High School
- Jake Rohde, University of Illinois, Chicago
- Sydney Terada, University of Illinois, Chicago
Funding for scholarships and the scholarship program is provided by generous donations from JACL Chicago members and individuals and organizations from the greater Chicago Japanese American community. Please RSVP by May 12th. Questions? Contact Scholarship Chair, Christine Munteanu at scholarships@jaclchicago.org. |
| | 77th Annual Memorial Day Service at Arlington National Cemetery |
|  | | Enduring Democracy: The Monterey Petition on Select PBS Channels in May! |
|  | JACL Monterey's documentary film, Enduring Democracy: The Monterey Petition, has recently been released to every PBS station in the United States and stations are signing up to show it. Here’s where you’ll find it in May: May 17, PBS Hawaii, 9pm May 19, KPJK San Mateo, 8pm May 23, PBS 12, Denver CO., 10pm May 29, PBS Rhode Island, 3:30pm |
| | | San Diego Premiere of League of Dreams |
|  | | | JACL Arizona Essay Challenge with the Chandler Museum - Deadline Extended! |
|  |  The Chandler Museum has partnered with Japanese American Citizens League - Arizona Chapter (JACL-AZ) to invite students to participate in the 2025 Essay Challenge! This contest encourages young writers to explore the history of Japanese American incarceration during World War II and the importance of protecting civil liberties for all.
Eligibility:
Open to students residing in Arizona who meet ONE of the following criteria:
 Are a member (or have relatives who are a member) of JACL-AZ Chapter, Arizona Buddhist Temple, or Phoenix Life Church.
Have visited the 2025 Chandler Museum Exhibit, Gaman: Enduring Japanese American Internment at Gila River.
Essay Topics:
Students should submit a well-organized, thought-provoking essay addressing:
The history and reasons behind Japanese American incarceration during WWII.
The lessons this history teaches us about justice and equality today.
Ways to prevent future injustices through laws, education, and civic engagement.
The significance of this history for all Americans, regardless of background.
Submission Guidelines:
Grades 4-8: 500-800 words
Grades 9-12: 1,000-1,500 words
Typed, double-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman font
Must include a bibliography
Deadline: All entries must be submitted by May 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM.
Details and Submission Link: http://bit.ly/JACLAZ_Essay_Challenge_2025 Or scan the QR code |
| | Screening of "Removed by Force" at International Christian University in Tokyo, Japan |
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| | | | Rooted in Resilience - AAPI Advocacy Through the Generations |
|  | | | Grand Opening of "Far From Home: The Internee Experience at Fort Missoula" |
|  | Please join us as we share the newest exhibit and the next chapter in the internee story at the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula… GRAND OPENING: SATURDAY, MAY 31, 2025 AT 12PM FAR FROM HOME: AN INTERNEE EXPERIENCE AT FORT MISSOULA Displaced from their regular lives, internees faced intense uncertainty-some spent weeks here, others years. Discover how internees survived and created meaningful experiences while incarcerated at Fort Missoula. RIBBON CUTTING & REFRESHMENTS Please RSVP to Matt Lautzenheiser, mlautzenheiser@missoulacounty.us or 406.258.3471 *We appreciate your support and hope those unable to attend the event will contact the Museum for a guided tour at your convenience in the future. |
| | A Conference on Changing Perspectives on Japanese American Incarceration |
|  | | | Films of Remembrance On Demand! |
|  | Illuminating Japanese American Incarceration through powerful storytelling - Nichi Bei Foundation Presents Films of Remembrance On Demand. A groundbreaking digital platform that brings untold stories of the Japanese American incarceration experience directly to your screen. Our carefully curated collection of award-winning documentaries and films ensures these crucial narratives continue to educate, move, and inspire audiences worldwide. Discover films that transform memory into action. The Nichi Bei Foundation’s collection on Japanese American incarceration demonstrates that remembrance is resistance — challenging historical amnesia and erasure. |
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| | | | 50th Amache Pilgrimage - May 16th to 18th! |
|  | This year, the Full Amache Pilgrimage will take place in the Amache area from the evening of Friday May 16 to midday Sunday May 18, with additional events hosted by Amache Alliance, the University of Denver Amache Project, National Parks Conservation Association, Colorado Preservation Inc., and the Sand Creek Massacre Foundation. There will also be events earlier in the week in Denver at the Denver Art Museum and History Colorado Center. PLEASE NOTE: you will need your own transportation to attend these events. |
| | | 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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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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