The New York
Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) is
based in Manhattan. It sustains an active membership of over
400 local
members
from New York , New Jersey, Connecticut and elsewhere
involved in
social, cultural and community
enrichment.
The JACL was founded in 1929 to fight discrimination against
people of Japanese ancestry. The founders of the JACL
believed that by taking an active role in shaping their
destinies, affirming their citizenship, and claiming their
rights as Americans, they could improve the quality of life
for current and future generations of Japanese
Americans.
The JACL's mission is to advocate for the civil and human
rights of Japanese Americans and others, and to educate
about and preserve the cultural heritage and values of
Japanese Americans.