The Japanese American Citizens League is the nation’s oldest and largest Asian American civil rights organization and was established to challenge racism and bigotry directed against Japanese Americans. Discrimination and intolerance remain the focus of the JACL today and extends to the greater Asian American community and others who are victimized by injustice and prejudice.
JACL Honolulu Chapter
The Honolulu Chapter is unique because it draws upon Hawaii’s rich, multi-ethnic society and strong cultural values. The Chapter, a member of the National JACL Northern California, Western Nevada, Pacific District (NWCWNP), was chartered in 1980. It was established under the leadership of the late Earl Nishimura. Over the last 28 years, the Honolulu Chapter has stood out as a leader in civil rights advocacy by supporting for redress for Japanese Americans who were interned unfairly, providing legal and media support for Captain Bruce Yamashita in his fight against the Marine Corps for racial discrimination and harassment, hosting an annual Day of Remembrance to commemorate the anniversary of Executive Order 9066, and supporting Lt. Ehren Watada who refused to be deployed to Iraq for an unlawful war.