Author: Yi-Shen Loo

“Humbling and motivating” – Ira Gorawara receives AAJA’s 2026 Al Young Sports Journalism Scholarship through Sports Task Force

When Ira Gorawara’s phone buzzed with a number she didn’t recognize, she nearly didn’t answer the call. Gorawara’s grateful not to have followed her original intuition. It was Al Young on the other end of the line, informing the senior student from UCLA that she was the 2026 recipient of the $2,500 Al Young Sports Journalism Scholarship through … Continue reading “Humbling and motivating” – Ira Gorawara receives AAJA’s 2026 Al Young Sports Journalism Scholarship through Sports Task Force

“Incredibly honored” – Gareth Kwok receives AAJA’s 2026 Michael Kim Journalism Fellowship through Sports Task Force

As a 15-year-old, Gareth Kwok attended his first AAJA National Convention with his aunt. He was intrigued with the possibilities of a sports broadcasting career. He took pictures with the likes of Cary Chow, Kevin Negandhi, and Tommy Tran. And he also had a picture taken with the legend known widely throughout the AAJA community as “The Godfather” – … Continue reading “Incredibly honored” – Gareth Kwok receives AAJA’s 2026 Michael Kim Journalism Fellowship through Sports Task Force

AAJA mourns the loss of Abe Kwok, “a true model for a leader”

The Asian American Journalists Association mourns the loss of Abe Kwok, a longtime AAJA leader and journalist at the Arizona Republic, who recently died at age 59. Kwok, who grew up in Tucson, began his career at The Arizona Republic in 1989 after graduating from the University of Arizona. He was a reporter for many … Continue reading AAJA mourns the loss of Abe Kwok, “a true model for a leader”

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