We are the Portland Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), the oldest and largest Asian American civil rights organization in the United States. A membership-driven national organization whose mission is to promote and uphold human and civil rights, and to promote and preserve the cultural heritage and values of Japanese Americans.
Latest with PDX JACL
Day of Remembrance Rally to Resist ICE
The Day of Remembrance marks President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s signing of Executive Order 9066 which led to the forced, unjust incarceration of over 120,000 Japanese Americans living on the West Coast during WWII.
There will be featured speakers, a performance by Portland Taiko blending the tradition of Japanese taiko drumming with a sense of Asian American identity, creativity and empowerment, as well as a moving remembrance ceremony with survivors and descendants of WWII incarceration.
As a show of solidarity, participants are invited to string tsuru (paper cranes) along the perimeter of the ICE facility. This event educates the fragility of civil liberties in times of crisis and the importance of remaining vigilant in protecting the rights and freedoms of all.
When: Sunday, February 22nd, 2-4 PM
Where: Meet at Elizabeth Caruthers Park, 3508 S Moody Ave Portland, OR 97239
Walk four blocks to ICE Facility, 4310 S Macadam Ave, Portland, OR 97239
Minoru Yasui Day
This year is the 10th anniversary of Oregon designating March 28th as Minoru Yasui Day, honoring the day he stood against unjust government orders.
The Oregon Historical Society is presenting “What Would Min Do” as well as offering free admission to OHS from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm in honor of Minoru’s legacy and Oregon’s Minoru Yasui Day.
When: Saturday, March 28th, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Where: Oregon Historical Society,
1200 SW Park Ave, 97205
Free Event Online or In Person
Congratulations to the 2025 Scholarship Recipients!
From Our Feed
- JACL Condemns Executive Ordersby Seia Watanabe, VP Public Affairs, swatanabe@jacl.org Matthew Weisbly, Education… Read more: JACL Condemns Executive Orders
- JACL Support Reuniting Families Act of 2025Last week, Representative Chu and Senator Hirono reintroduced the Reuniting… Read more: JACL Support Reuniting Families Act of 2025
- Seeking decendants of Issei imprisoned in Department of Justice CampsPeggy Nagae JACL Social Justice Action Committee For several months,… Read more: Seeking decendants of Issei imprisoned in Department of Justice Camps
Looking for Volunteers
Portland JACL is an entirely volunteer run organization and we could always use more help. Just a couple of hours a month could support our mission of community, culture and civil rights. We are looking for help with:
- Web & Social Media
- Newsletter
- Development
- Membership
- Event tabling
- Print calendar
Additionally, members are always welcome to join committees for advocacy and finance. Meetings take place roughly once a month on Zoom.
Volunteering with Portland JACL is a great way to give back or get engaged with the local Nikkei community. Email us at contact@pdxjacl.org or fill out our volunteer interest form.
ありがとうThank you!
Portland Day of Remembrance 2024
The event recording of Threads of Remembrance is now available.
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