The Japanese American Citizens League will host its 48th annual National Convention, “Our Story: Resilience, Remembrance, Resolve,” in Washington, D.C., at the Omni Shoreham Hotel from July 6-9.
In remembrance of the 75th anniversary of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s signing of Executive Order 9066, which forced 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry into incarceration camps without due process, the 2017 Convention will feature an Opening Reception with an exclusive viewing of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History’s new exhibit “Righting a Wrong.” The new exhibit highlights the experience of Japanese Americans during World War II. In addition, original pages from Executive Order 9066, on loan from the National Archives, will be displayed during the private Opening Reception.
In addition, His Excellency Ambassador Kenichiro Sasae and Mrs. Nobuko Sasae will graciously open their home to Convention attendees when they host the Ambassador’s Residence Reception.
The Ambassador’s Residence has hosted a number of high-profile and exclusive events, including a reception for the 2013 JACL National Convention. During the reception, the Governor Ralph Carr Award will be awarded.
Former governor of Colorado Ralph Carr advocated for the Constitutional rights of Japanese Americans and encouraged Coloradans to welcome Japanese Americans following Pearl Harbor.
The Governor Ralph Carr Award honors outstanding leaders who personify his legacy of working toward racial justice and promotion of civil rights.
Outgoing JACL Interim Executive Director Bill Yoshino states, “The 2017 JACL Convention is a ‘can’t-miss’ opportunity to take part in some extraordinary events. To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the signing of E.O. 9066, JACL will host a reception at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, where E.O. 9066, on loan from the National Archives, will be on display along with other camp-related artifacts. In addition, the Embassy of Japan will host a reception at the Ambassador’s Residence, a truly unique opportunity where JACL will present the Governor Ralph Carr Award in a splendid setting.”
