AAJA offers resources to journalists affected by recent newsroom cuts


The board of directors and headquarters of the Asian American Journalists Association are deeply disappointed to learn of the mass layoffs at The Washington Post and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and have compiled resources to assist journalists recently affected. We stand in solidarity with the Post’s Guild in opposing the cuts and in supporting the journalists … Continue reading AAJA offers resources to journalists affected by recent newsroom cuts

AAJA condemns threats to press freedom after the arrests of Don Lemon and Georgia Fort


The Asian American Journalists Association joins the National Association of Black Journalists to condemn the arrest of independent journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort in connection with their reporting on the anti-ICE protest in a Minnesota church.  The arrests of Lemon and Fort represent another alarming escalation in threats to press freedom by the government. … Continue reading AAJA condemns threats to press freedom after the arrests of Don Lemon and Georgia Fort

AAJA: Protect Journalists Covering Immigration Raids and Protests


AAJA joins NAHJ and other journalism organizations in standing with journalists who have been physically and verbally attacked by federal immigration agents while providing essential coverage in and near Minneapolis, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Orleans, San Antonio, and other U.S. cities. AAJA and other journalism organizations implore all law enforcement officers and the courts to … Continue reading AAJA: Protect Journalists Covering Immigration Raids and Protests

Grieving the loss of Sophia Akimi Troetel


We are devastated to hear of the passing of Sophia Akimi Troetel, daughter of AAJA member Shannon Troetel. Troetel grew up attending AAJA conventions, often at her mother’s side. Photos courtesy of the Troetel family Troetel was struck and killed on Thursday, October 30, by a reckless driver in Tucson, where she was attending college … Continue reading Grieving the loss of Sophia Akimi Troetel

AAJA and AAJA-LA mourn a founder, a visionary and a friend, Dwight Chuman


AAJA is deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Dwight Chuman, one of our original six founders and a dear friend, respected peer and mentor to many in our AAJA family.  A Sansei, or third-generation Japanese American, Chuman co-founded the Asian American Journalists Association in 1981 with five other Los Angeles-based journalists – Bill … Continue reading AAJA and AAJA-LA mourn a founder, a visionary and a friend, Dwight Chuman

Honoring the legacy of Ken Mochizuki, pioneering author and journalist


With heavy hearts, AAJA extends our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ken Mochizuki, pioneering Seattle author, journalist, educator, actor, and 2025 recipient of our Lifetime Achievement Award. After a fight with esophageal cancer, he passed away on September 20.  Growing up in South Seattle’s Beacon Hill neighborhood, Mochizuki’s path to becoming an … Continue reading Honoring the legacy of Ken Mochizuki, pioneering author and journalist

AAJA book highlights the intersections of AAPI journalists and history


The Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) is proud to announce the publication of “Intersections: A Journalistic History of Asian Pacific America,” in partnership with UCLA’s Asian American Studies Center (AASC).  The book chronicles AAPI history through pivotal events where AAPI journalists and AAJA members played crucial roles, often being the first to speak out. Chapters … Continue reading AAJA book highlights the intersections of AAPI journalists and history

Remembering trailblazing journalist and activist K.W. Lee (1928 – 2025)


The Asian American Journalists Association is deeply saddened by the passing of K.W. Lee, a beloved member of our AAJA family. He died peacefully on March 8, 2025, at the age of 96. Our condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his legacy.  Known as the “Godfather of Asian … Continue reading Remembering trailblazing journalist and activist K.W. Lee (1928 – 2025)

#AAJA25 updates: Submit pitches for Seattle and boost your leadership by joining the Programming Committee!


pitch speakers, programs, Join the Convention Planning Committee  Happy New Year, #AAJAFamily! We’re so excited to gather in Seattle this summer – help make it our best convention yet by submitting your session ideas and joining our Convention Programming Committee.  PITCH speakers and programs We’ll be gathering during a momentous year for our Seattle chapter … Continue reading #AAJA25 updates: Submit pitches for Seattle and boost your leadership by joining the Programming Committee!

AAJA condemns racially-motivated attack on Colorado TV reporter Ja’Ronn Alex


December 30, 2024 – The Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) strongly condemns the harassment and physical assault on television news reporter Ja’Ronn Alex in Grand Junction, Colorado.  Alex, of Pacific Islander descent, was verbally harassed and physically assaulted on December 18 by a man who reportedly said, “Are you even a U.S. citizen? This is … Continue reading AAJA condemns racially-motivated attack on Colorado TV reporter Ja’Ronn Alex