Asian American journalists convene in Atlanta, Aug. 1-3

From left: George Takei, Rep. John Lewis, and Maria Ressa.

After three days of panels, workshops and networking, the Asian American Journalists 2019 national convention will culminate in its 30th annual Gala Scholarship & Awards Banquet featuring a civil rights leader and politician, an actor known for his civil and equal rights advocacy and a journalist fighting for press freedom.
The AAJA Gala on Saturday, Aug. 3 at the Loews Atlanta Hotel will feature two armchair interviews with Congressman John Lewis and actor George Takei followed by the closing speaker, Maria Ressa, a Filipino American who founded Rappler, an online newsite in the Philippines under attack by the regime of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

The first conversation with Rep. Lewis, moderated by CBSN Anchor Elaine Quijano, will discuss, among other topics: the 50-year anniversary of the death of the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.; the current civil-rights struggles of present day; Congressman Lewis’ experiences in the movement; the role that the media played in the tide of the civil rights movement; and the role of journalists in ensuring fair and accurate portrayals of all communities of color in media coverage.

The second conversation with Takei, moderated by ABC News “Nightline” Co-Anchor Juju Chang, will discuss, among other topics: his family’s experiences in a Japanese American internment camp during WWII and how they shaped his life, his career, and his storytelling; the importance of diverse perspectives in news and history; and his insights for current generations of journalists and storytellers when confronted with difficult and divisive themes.

Veteran journalist and Rappler CEO and Executive Editor Maria Ressa will be the convention's closing speaker, offering perspectives on the challenges to journalism in a time of disinformation. Ressa has been a leading voice in the defense of press freedom in the Philippines and around the world and was among Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People and a recipient of awards from the Committee to Protect Journalists and the Columbia Journalism School.

CONVENTION INFO:

Online registration is now closed. Onsite registrations begin on Wednesday, July 31.

For any convention-related questions, please email support@aaja.org.
Note: All registrations excluding the Day Passes include a ticket to the 2019 Gala Scholarships & Award Banquet on August 3. You may purchase a gala ticket below if you do not wish to attend the full convention.

To buy a standalone ticket to the gala banquet, click here. 

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