Japanese American Citizens League Puyallup Valley Chapter

The Puyallup Valley Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League serves the Kent, WA community and surrounding region with comprehensive educational programs and social justice initiatives. As part of the Pacific Northwest District of the JACL, this chapter combines the efforts of the former White River Valley Chapter to deliver meaningful community engagement and advocacy work. The organization specializes in civil rights education, cultural preservation, and historical awareness programming that addresses systemic injustice and promotes inclusive understanding of Asian and Pacific Islander American experiences. A flagship initiative is the Remembrance Gallery, opened in August 2024 at the Washington State Fairgrounds, which documents the history of the Puyallup Assembly Center—the largest temporary American concentration camp in Washington State during World War II. The Gallery features comprehensive exhibits, personal stories, interactive touchscreens, and detailed information about the wrongful incarceration of 125,000 Japanese and Japanese Americans. Operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization, the Puyallup Valley JACL provides educational resources, hosts community events including the Day of Remembrance, and offers scheduled tours and programming. The chapter works to ensure that wartime incarceration history remains relevant to contemporary civil rights conversations. Through volunteer-driven initiatives and community partnerships, the organization continues its mission to advocate for and safeguard the rights of those affected by injustice and bigotry while preserving the heritage and legacy of the Japanese American community.