Save the Date for the JACL "Never Forget" Gala Saturday October 26th

This year, the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) is celebrating its 95th year! Please come and join us for our 2024 San Diego JACL NEVER FORGET – STRENGTH IN UNITY Gala, as we recognize those who have served and continue to serve our community, the Union of Pan Asian Communities (UPAC) now in its 50th year, the Pacific Arts Movement (PAC ARTS) now in its 25th year, and former San Diego Councilmember Chris Cate (two terms), for their contributions in making our city and our county, a better and safer place for all.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2024

SAN DIEGO MARRIOT MISSION VALLEY

8757 Rio San Diego Drive

San Diego, CA 92108

(Reception: 5:00 pm, Dinner & Program: 6:30 pm)

Since 1929, the Japanese American Citizens League has defended our communities, fighting for the right of citizenship, the right to own land, fighting against anti-interracial marriage laws, and racial discrimination. JACL led the ten year battle for redress and reparations resulting in the signing of H.R. 442, the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, an official apology from the U.S. government for the unjust incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. In 1994, JACL was the first national civil rights organization to stand up for same sex marriage in support of our LBGTQ communities. JACL stood up in support of Arab and Muslim communities after 9/11 and six months ago, passed a resolution calling for a cease fire in the Israel/Hamas war.

For the past four years, the rise of hate and violence against Asian Americans due to the COVID pandemic has plagued our nation. Locally, San Diego JACL’s Stop The Hate – AAPI United Initiative produced an educational documentary film short, AAPI UNITED, and initiated our Monthly Dialogues Series, to keep our communities informed, covering numerous topics, and giving community leaders a virtual platform. Nationally, JACL joined forces with civil rights organizations across the country advocating for the Covid-19 Hate Crimes Bill signed by President Joe Biden in 2021.

It has been a hard four years for non-profit organizations due to the Covid pandemic. It is great to be able to come together as a community again. Proceeds from the San Diego JACL Never Forget Galas help to support our scholarship program, now in its 66th year.

Please help us make our 95th  anniversary gala truly successful. Come celebrate with us!

Sincerely,

Michael J. Kurima                                                                  Robert Ito

President, San Diego JACL Board of Directors                   San Diego Gala Co-Chair