Lori Matsukawa's Acceptance Speech

I've heard it said at awards programs like these that Black people thank God, Asian people thank their parents and White people thank their agent. Well, I am thanking God for so many blessings. And I am thanking my parents who always encouraged me to pursue my dreams. And speaking of family, I'd like to thank my KING TV family and Belo for allowing me to pursue the career of my dreams. And while I don't have an agent, I would like to thank the single person who has stood by me and supported me so faithfully, my husband of 23 years, Larry Blackstock.

This award is special to me because AAJA has allowed me to "Think globally, Act locally." Because of work and family obligations, I was never able to serve as a national officer or board rep. But I was able to serve at the chapter level. In the 20 years of the Seattle chapter, we've given over $100,000 in scholarships to scores of students; we've been able to reach out to other minority journalist groups and - way before UNITY - work on common goals; and most of all, we have been able to change the face of journalism in Seattle. Seattle is a much more diverse market now than it was, and I thank AAJA for that.

I am humbled by this award. When I think of the people who have received it before me, I know I stand on the shoulders of giants. Thank you.