Arizona Chapter History

In 1930, property was purchased by the Japanese Association for the purpose of building a comminity hall. The hall served as a social gathering place as well as a classroom for naturalization classes to assist the Issei achieve U.S. citizenship.

The Japanese American Citizens League, Arizona Chapter, was formed from the nucleus in 1934 and has grown into an organization with approximately 400 members.

In the post World War II era, the organization was engaged in combating the injustices that were prevalent. In 1970, a major undertaking was the formation of our credit union. A new community building was dedicated in 1977, located in Glendale. In 1962, the JACL, Arizona Chapter, began its Annual Sara Hutchings Clardy Scholarship Awards. The Chojukai, a social organization for Japanese Americans over the age of 55, is sponsored by our chapter. Other events, including cultural and social activities, are held throughout the year.