Floyd Mori
The National JACL Convention to be held in Salt Lake City is just around the corner. We hope you have registered for the convention in order to be engaged with the JACL in promoting civil rights and continuing the fight for justice. JACL conventions are a good opportunity to make new friends and establish relationships that will have value for years to come.
As we celebrate the 90-year anniversary of the JACL at this year’s convention, we honor those who went before us to organize the JACL in 1929. They were young Nisei leaders who knew that they needed a national presence in order to fight for civil rights, which were being routinely denied to them and their parents.
Most of them were college graduates and professionals such as doctors, lawyers and dentists, who found it difficult to find meaningful work even after they had completed their college degrees. They had the foresight to look to the future to make a better world for all of us who came later. They worked hard for the benefit of the generations who would follow them.
Several historic events for the JACL took place in Salt Lake City. The national headquarters for the JACL was moved to Salt Lake City during the years of World War II. Utah was the home of Mike Masaoka, an early leader in the JACL.
In addition, the National JACL Credit Union was established in Salt Lake City, where it continues to operate today. Other JACL conventions held in Salt Lake City have been the scene of some major civil rights actions within the JACL.
The JACL still has relevance and importance in today’s society. There are issues that people are facing in the United States of America that need to be addressed by organizations like the JACL. It is vital to continue the legacy of the past in the fight for equality and civil rights. Racism and discrimination still exist today.
The work of the JACL continues and will continue into the future. It is necessary to build up the organization and help it grow. The JACL is the oldest and largest Asian American civil and human rights organization in the nation. The JACL needs your help and support. Every member is a valuable asset to the JACL.
Come to Salt Lake City from July 31-Aug. 4 to participate in the 2019 National JACL Convention and celebrate the 90-year anniversary of the JACL.
Everyone is welcome to attend the convention. People especially in the Utah and IDC areas are encouraged to participate in any part of the convention, as this is an opportunity to see the JACL in action upfront and personal. There are many activities open to all.
Hope to see you there!
For up-to-date convention information, visit jacl.org or pacificcitizen.org.
