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Japanese American Citizens League San Jose Chapter
About Japanese American Citizens League San Jose Chapter
The Japanese American Citizens League is a national organization whose mission is to secure and safeguard the civil and human rights of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans and all communities who are affected by injustice and bigotry. The leaders and members of the JACL also work to promote and preserve the heritage and legacy of the Japanese American Community.
Founded in 1929, the JACL is the oldest and largest Asian American civil rights organization in the United States. The JACL monitors and responds to issues that enhance or threaten the civil and human rights of all Americans and implements strategies to effect positive social change, particularly to the Asian Pacific American community.
The San Jose chapter is the Bay Area's oldest and one of the larger JACL Chapters. Originally organized as the American Loyalty League in 1923, it affiliated with the National JACL in 1930 and ever since has been an active proponent for and contributor to San Jose’s Japantown. The chapter office is located in the heart of Japantown in the historic Issei Memorial Building (IMB), a City of San Jose historical landmark.
Chapter activities span a wide range of topics, including annual events like the Scholarship Luncheon, Community Recognition Dinner, and Nikkei Matsuri, as well as special interest events such as movie screenings and community service activities.