1929 and 1930s JACL was founded while over 100 statutes discriminated against Japanese Americans and Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

1940s JACL advocated for the 442nd Regimental Combat Team (RTC), 100th Infantry Battalion, and Military Intelligence Service (MIS), defeated alien land laws, and founded the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, the USA’s major civil rights coalition

1950s JACL passed the Walter McCarran Act for naturalization rights for Isei and other immigrants

1960s JACL changed civil rights history by marching with MLK, co-sponsoring the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and leading the passage of the Immigration Act of 1965

1970s JACL launched the Redress Campaign for Japanese Americans calling for restitution at $25,000 per incarcerated individual, a Congressional apology, and the establishment of an educational trust fund.

1980s JACL won the Redress Campaign via the Civil Liberties Act of 1988

1990s JACL fought for broader civil rights for all AAPIs, LGBTQA+ people, women, and other marginalized groups

2000s JACL led as a strong voice against discrimination of Muslim Americans after 9/11

2010s Congressional Gold Medal awarded to 442nd, 100th, and MIS and successfully lobbied over $3M in federal funding for Japanese American confinement sites.

2020s and Beyond We continue the fight for civil rights and our mission for social justice, education, heritage, and youth!