New Mexico Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League

The New Mexico Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League (NMJACL) serves Albuquerque, NM and the surrounding region as the state affiliate of the national Japanese American Citizens League (JACL). Operating as part of the JACL Pacific Southwest District, which encompasses Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Southern California, NMJACL provides comprehensive advocacy and community engagement services focused on civil and human rights protection.

NMJACL's core mission centers on promoting, protecting, and fighting for the civil and human rights of all people throughout New Mexico and beyond. The organization recognizes the critical importance of cultural education and leverages New Mexico's rich multicultural traditions to advance awareness of Japanese culture within the community. By actively fostering cross-cultural understanding and brotherhood among all communities in Albuquerque and New Mexico, NMJACL works to strengthen the social fabric of the region.

With roots tracing back to 1947 through the formation of the Albuquerque Nisei Club—originally a social organization for Japanese-American families—NMJACL has evolved into a dynamic advocacy organization. The chapter maintains an inclusive membership model open to all individuals and groups, with non-Japanese members actively serving in leadership positions, including the presidency. As part of a nationwide network of over 10,000 committed members spanning more than 100 chapters, NMJACL connects local Albuquerque residents with broader national efforts to advance civil rights and cultural preservation.