By John Tobe, 2017 Convention Chair
On behalf of the JACL National Convention Committee, we are excited to welcome you, your family, friends and colleagues to the 48th annual JACL National Convention from July 6-9 in Washington, D.C.
This will be a particularly historic convention, as we will be marking the 75th anniversary of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s signing of Executive Order 9066, which led to the unjust incarceration of 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry during World War II.
This year’s convention theme, “Our Story: Resilience, Remembrance, Resolve,” encapsulates JACL’s efforts to honor the past while also looking toward the future.
One of the highlights of the convention will be a private reception at the Smithsonian American History Museum’s acclaimed “Righting a Wrong: Japanese Americans and WWII” exhibit.
This powerful exhibit explores a number of topics, including Japanese immigration, day-to-day life in the internment camps, the contributions of JA soldiers during the war and redress.
Also at the exhibit, one can view the actual Executive Order 9066, historic images and personal items from the camps, including some of which were donated by JACL members and their families.
Another highlight will be an exclusive reception hosted by the Embassy of Japan at Ambassador Kenichiro Sasae’s residence. Guests will experience picturesque views of the glass-walled koi pond and tea ceremony room, as well as will enjoy traditional Japanese food prepared by the ambassador’s personal chefs.
During the convention, there will be a number of compelling workshops and sessions. One workshop will be “AAPI’s in the Media and Arts.” Rob Buscher from the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival will partner with Rick Shiomi, founding director of Theater Mu, to moderate participatory discussion involving the significant strides Asian American Pacific Islanders have made in the entertainment business and examine the many areas that still need improvement.
Another workshop topic is “Building Coalitions Across Intersecting Identities and Communities.” Sarah Baker and Emi Kamemoto of JACL’s National Youth/Student Council will co-facilitate this workshop on self-identification. The NY/SC will also be sponsoring a summit to discuss issues related to the incarceration of Latin Americans of Japanese descent during and after WWII.
Visiting the nation’s Capital also provides opportunities for you to explore the many monuments, museums and sights located within walking distance or easily accessed via public transportation. We have planned several special booster activities, including a private docent-led tour of the National Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism.
One of our favorite things about attending the convention is meeting new people from across the United States, Canada, Japan and internationally. While attendees have widely varied experiences and background, we all come together at the convention to renew our support of civil and human rights, freedom and the promotion of democracy.
Please join us by adding your voice and presence. We look forward to welcoming all of you to Washington, D.C., for a historic and memorable experience.
Yokoso!
For more information and to register for the convention, please visit www.jacl.org/2017convention.
