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 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
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
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
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)
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!
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
Dec. 17, 2024 – The Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) and the AAJA-Los Angeles chapter called on iHeartMedia, the largest radio network in the country, to take action amid an apparent management failure at Southern California station KFI-AM 640, which is ignoring complaints about a pattern of anti-Asian rhetoric by longtime morning host Bill Handel. … Continue reading iHeartMedia should take action over LA radio host’s anti-Asian comments
By NAOMI TACUYAN UNDERWOOD “What gets measured gets managed.” Management expert Peter Drucker was referring to corporate strategy, but the same applies to social change. The Asian American Journalists Association has developed a robust research program for that very reason: As we push newsrooms to better reflect the communities they serve, measuring progress is essential. … Continue reading AAJA’s Research: Measuring Progress for Change
A Message from AAJA’s Board of Directors and Executive Director Dear AAJA Community, As the presidential election results came in last week, we know that our members were at the center of the news, helping people worldwide make sense of historic results that will affect so many throughout the country. We see your work, and … Continue reading Upholding Our Voices: AAJA Board of Directors and Executive Director Respond to the 2024 Presidential Election Results
