The delegates and convention attendees were welcomed to the city of brotherly love and sisterly affection by Acting Secretary of Labor, Julie Su and Philadelphia Councilwoman Nina Ahmad. Two Resolutions were adopted by the National Council. Resolution One calls for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, as well as additional measures to support peace in the region, while addressing antisemitism, islamophobia, and hate here in the United States.

In preparation and to responsibly vote on this resolution, our chapter hosted several meetings to learn the historical and current context of this conflict. We endeavored to be as informed as possible in order to represent our chapter appropriately. We know the complexities and human anguish cannot be adequately captured in a resolution, and so our chapter is committed to continuing the conversation from convention here at home in our community. Please be on the look out for more on this to come.

This year’s convention was hosted with partner organizations, OCA and APIAVote, and one of the highlights was the Presidential Town Hall where Vice President Kamala Harris (just 8 days before she emerged as the presumptive presidential nominee) rallied AANHPI voters along with the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. Our very own United States Representative Jill Tokuda gave a rousing speech with a distinctly local flair. She also attended the Sayonara Gala and administered the oath of office to our incoming national board members.

The national convention reconfirmed the important role JACL plays in fighting for civil rights and fighting for representation. Our organization’s history and point of view puts in a unique place to merge the past with the future as we endeavor to strive to a more equitable and more justice society.