Mile High Japanese American Citizens League
About Mile High Japanese American Citizens League
Since its establishment in 1938, the Mile High JACL has served the Denver, Colorado community as a steadfast advocate for civil rights and cultural preservation. The organization's roots run deep in Colorado history, particularly through the courageous leadership of Governor Ralph L. Carr, who opposed Japanese American internment camps during World War II and welcomed Japanese Americans to Colorado when they faced persecution elsewhere. The Mile High JACL's founding president, Dr. Shimpei Sakaguchi, set a path of principled leadership that has endured and prospered for over eight decades. Originally established as the Denver JACL before being renamed in the early 1950s, this chapter has consistently supported cultural, educational, and community programs that strengthen the fabric of the greater Denver area. As part of the national Japanese American Citizens League, the Mile High chapter shares a vision of promoting a world that honors diversity through values of fairness, equality, and social justice. The organization works to educate the Denver metro community about Japanese American history while fostering cultural awareness and encouraging participation in community initiatives. Beyond serving the Japanese American community, the Mile High JACL is committed to protecting the civil and human rights of all minority groups facing injustice and bigotry. Today, the Denver-based organization continues its legacy of thoughtful, committed citizenship, working to preserve the heritage of Japanese Americans while advancing the cause of civil rights for all people in Colorado and beyond.