The organization convenes in the ‘Land of Enchantment’ for its ‘Voices in Unity’ confab.
By P.C. Staff
Building “upon the need for united voices, especially at a time when our nation is more divided than ever and change is happening quickly,” the Japanese American Citizens League, the nation’s oldest and largest Asian American/Pacific Islander civil rights organization, kicked off its 2025 National Convention in Albuquerque, N.M., on July 17.
JACL VP of General Operations Ryan Yoshikawa welcomes JACLers to New Mexico at this year’s National Convention, taking place at the Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town. (Photo: George Toshio Johnston)
During its opening night festivities at the historic Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town, JACL National President Larry Oda and VP of General Operations Ryan Yoshikawa welcomed attendees to the confab that features a convention first — the exclusion of business sessions, thereby paving the way for the organization to “focus fully on programming meant to help our convention attendees learn, collaborate and build community.”
“This year reflects the power of coming together across generations, backgrounds and experiences to carry forward our shared mission of civil rights, community and cultural preservation,” said Oda. “This reception is our chance to reconnect, build relationships and set the tone for the days ahead.”
Said Yoshikawa, “Whether this is your first convention or your 15th, you are part of something powerful, and we’re so glad all of you are here today.” He also expressed the organization’s appreciation to the New Mexico chapter and the Pacific Southwest District for its warm welcome and support in hosting this year’s event, as well as the hard work and dedication of JACL’s national staff.
Comprehensive JACL National Convention coverage will be featured in the Aug. 8 special issue of the Pacific Citizen.
