JACL Weekly Digest

May 27, 2025

Check out our new Pilgrimage Events Section at the bottom of the Weekly Digest!

JACL National News

Why Our Story Must Be Told: 2025 Survey Data on Public Knowledge of the WWII JA Incarceration with JANM and AAPI Data Tomorrow!

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!

Deadline Extended to May 29th!

JACL Shocked by Shooting of Israeli Embassy Staff

JACL Celebrates and Recommits to Reparations Support

May 21, 2025

JACL was honored to join two major reparations events this past week in Washington, D.C. On Thursday, May 15, Representative Summer L. Lee (PA-12) reintroduced the Reparations Now resolution, and on Saturday, JACL, in collaboration with the National Nikkei Reparations Coalition, participated in a National Reparations Rally in honor of Malcolm X’s 100th birthday. 

Introduced on May 15th, Congresswoman Lee’s Reparations Now resolution continues calling on Congress to take action in furthering reparations for descendants of slavery. The bill supports other similar bills like HR 40, in addition to finding ways to support local and state reparations work. JACL praises the work of Congresswoman Lee and her predecessor, Congresswoman Cori Bush, who have continually championed reparations through this bill and in other ways. In addition to JACL, the bill is supported by over 75 organizations. 

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.  

JACL Chapters News

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

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 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

Eden Township 2025 Bazaar

Screening of "Removed by Force" at International Christian University in Tokyo, Japan

Write the Wrongs - Neighbors Not Enemies Learning and Letter Writing Event 

Join Berkeley JACL for an afternoon of tea and homemade dessert while learning about the repeal of the Alien Enemies Act and other social justice advocacy efforts, followed by letter writing and petition signing! Bring your smart phone or laptop! 

SJ JACL Alien Enemies Act Stories Project Summer Internship

From Our Partners

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.

2025 Pilgrimage 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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