JACL recognizes the history-making
national president for his meritorious service.
By Allison Haramoto, P.C. Executive Editor
At its San Francisco headquarters building, newly elected JACL National President Sheldon Arakaki recently bestowed the organization’s Diamond Pin to Larry Oda, the only president to serve a total of eight years in office.
The Diamond Pin is “presented to individuals and organizations in recognition of special meritorious service to National JACL and/or outstanding contributions to the welfare of persons of Japanese ancestry in the United States.” It is given with “approval by the National Awards and Recognitions Committee with approval of the National Board” and is given to the JACL national president “upon completion of term of office.”
Larry Oda (right) receives his Diamond Pin from newly elected JACL National President Sheldon Arakaki at the organization’s San Francisco headquarters
Photo: Susan Yokoyama
Oda’s second-consecutive biennial term ended Aug. 1 at the JACL’s National Convention in Las Vegas upon the election of Arakaki. Oda is the first JACL member to hold the distinction of having served eight years at the helm of the 97-year-old civil rights organization.
“JACL is 97 years old, and Larry Oda was president for eight of those years,” said Arakaki to the Pacific Citizen. “These were not the redress years but just as impactful. His two administrations saw the hiring of two executive directors, guided the organization through the financial fallout of the housing bubble bust, saw the executive director sited in Washington, D.C., and begin the process of building a post-Covid foundation for JACL’s 100th anniversary.”
Oda first served as president from 2006-08 and again from 2008-10. In 2022, he ran from the floor of the organization’s National Convention in a year that saw no candidates running for the position. Despite challenges then, Oda ran again in 2024.
“JACL has been an important part of my life for many years,” Oda told the Pacific Citizen. “Along the way, I have had the privilege of meeting, working with and learning from extraordinary people across the country. I do not view my service as national president as a personal achievement but as a reflection of the collective efforts of the national board members who served alongside me, as well as the many JACL members, leaders, staff and friends who shared in this work. . . . JACL’s strength comes from the people who live its mission and carry out its work every day. . . . Every leadership position brings challenges, but it also brings moments that remind you why the work matters and why the organization is worth preserving.”
As for words of wisdom for Arakaki as he leads JACL toward its centennial, Oda offered, “My advice to Sheldon is simple: Stay focused on the mission and make the presidency your own. Every national president brings a different set of experiences, strengths and perspectives to the role. He does not need to replicate what previous presidents have done. Instead, he should build on the foundation that exists today, look toward the future and lead JACL in the direction he believes is best for the organization. . . . Our responsibility is to leave JACL stronger than we found it and prepare it for those who will lead it in the years ahead.”
As for Oda? His involvement with JACL has not ended, rather it has evolved into a new chapter.
“I plan to remain engaged and contribute wherever I can be helpful,” said Oda. “. . . I have often described JACL as the keeper of the Japanese American legacy flame. The person carrying that flame may change, but the responsibility does not. I look forward to carrying it in a different role and helping the next generation keep it burning for years to come.”