United in Action: 40Forward
Hundreds gathered for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) movement as Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) celebrated their 40th Anniversary Gala: 40FORWARD on October 12th at the Vibiana in the heart of Los Angeles.
Nearly 600 guests, including AAPI artists, community leaders, and dedicated allies, celebrated the event’s theme: “United in Action: 40FORWARD,” to uplift four decades of unwavering commitment to the AAPI community and the continued journey of leadership, advocacy, and progress.
Honoring Heroes and Advocates
Setting the tone for the gala was long-time supporter and talented journalist David Ono, AJSOCAL’s emcee for the night.
Highlights from the evening included the presentation of the Joseph Ileto Courage Award, which recognizes individuals for exceptional courage and resilience in the face of adversity, and the Ruby Hero Awards, which were established to celebrate AJSOCAL’s 40th Ruby Anniversary. The awards were presented to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the AAPI community.
Action hero and actor Daniel Wu (American Born Chinese) presented the Joseph Ileto Courage Award and a Ruby Hero Award to Brandon Tsay, the hero who disarmed a mass shooter at his family’s ballroom studio during the Monterey Park Lunar New Year tragedy.
“As an actor, I play heroes on screen but Brandon is a real life hero. We are all familiar with his heroism when he disarmed the Monterey Park shooter who entered his family’s ballroom after killing 11 people earlier that evening. Since that night in January, Brandon has risen to national prominence by speaking out about anti-Asian hatred and violence.”
Daniel Wu, Filmmaker and Community Advocate
Ruby Hero Award and Joseph Ileto Courage Award Presenter
“I wasn’t planning to be any kind of hero in January. It was almost a reflex reaction to protect the people inside my family’s ballroom. I hope that more people will have that same reaction in the face of hate.”
Brandon Tsay, Monterey Park Lunar New Year Hero
2023 Joseph Ileto Courage Award and Ruby Hero Award Honoree
AJSOCAL’s President Emeritus, Stewart Kwoh, honored Walter and Shirley Wang of the Walter & Shirley Wang Foundation with a Ruby Hero Award for their incredible philanthropic efforts, who have raised $40 million to combat anti-Asian hate, support education, prevent drug abuse, provide medical relief, and fund research.
“Anti-Asian hatred must end. We urge all of you here tonight to join us in the fight for social justice, to keep the AAPI movement strong and growing. Get involved and speak out. Your voice matters.”
Walter and Shirley Wang, Walter & Shirley Wang Foundation
2023 Ruby Hero Award Honorees
Kristenne Reidy, a family member of a victim of the Lunar New Year shooting, took the stage to honor U.S. Representative Judy Chu with a Ruby Hero Award for her tireless AAPI leadership spanning over 40 years.
“I’m especially excited to receive this award because my connection to AJSOCAL goes way back. Stewart Kwoh recruited me as one of the founding board members in 1983. 40 years later, AJSOCAL continues to play a critical role in so many important issues, from redistricting, to fighting anti-Asian hate.”
Judy Chu, U.S. Representative
2023 Ruby Hero Award Honoree
Artists, Leaders, and Allies in Attendance
The gala was attended by AAPI talent and activists from all arenas. Among those in attendance were Hip Hop Poet jason chu, Actress Joyce Liu-Countryman (NO RETURNS), Actor & Producer, Yoonj Kim (TAKEPART LIVE), Filmmaker Bao Nguyễn (BeWater), Comedian Joe Wong, Musician Calista Wu, and actor Daniel Wu (American Born Chinese).
Joining AJSOCAL’s board of directors as leaders of the AAPI community were: AJSOCAL CEO Connie Chung Joe, journalist Denise Dador, Former CA State Assembly Member the Honorable Mike Eng, Assembly Member Mike Fong, Philanthropist Krista Kleiner (former Miss Philippines), AJSOCAL Founder and Civil Rights Attorney Stewart Kwoh, Activist Angela Oh, ABC7 Anchor David Ono, United Talent Agency Agent Emily Song, Hero and Advocate Brandon Tsay, Philanthropists Shirley and Walter Wang.
Fund it Forward: The Live Auction, Bid Drop, and Live Ask
As a testament to the night’s success, AJSOCAL raised over $160k to fund important projects and visionary goals to better the AAPI community.
Here are the winners who helped fund AJSOCAL forward:
the Hawaiian Luxury Weekend at Halekulani Hotel went to winner Aileen Louie;
the Vietnam Culinary Tour with Red Boat Fish Sauce PHAMily went to winner #1 Walter Wang, who then graciously donated the package back for re-auction to winner #2 Peter Zhang!
AJSOCAL quickly surpassed the fundraising goal of $100k through generous donations from our gala guests.
The final fundraising effort included a bid drop for $100. Each bid throughout the evening was entered into a random drawing for two, free Delta US48 tickets (RT Continental US). The winners were Jen and Matthew Yu.
With this generosity, AJSOCAL will be able to send lawyers and bilingual advocates to assist an influx of Asian immigrants arriving at the southern border from Mexico. These immigrants, who are facing dire conditions without access to basic needs, require in-language support and legal assistance. With the help of our gracious donors, AJSOCAL is able to make this mission happen.
Reflecting on 40 Years
AJSOCAL’s CEO, Connie Chung Joe, shared a powerful reflection of AJSOCAL’s 40 years and the years to come:
“With some 90 staff who speak more than a dozen languages, AJSOCAL is uniquely positioned as the nation’s largest legal service and civil rights organization for Asian American Pacific Islanders to protect and fight for our communities in times of need. We did that with the El Monte Thai Garment Workers, with the 1992 LA Uprising (Saigu), during Covid with emergency Disaster Relief Assistance to Immigrants and earlier this year after the Monterey Park Lunar New Year shooting. We continue to do so today with the rise in anti-Asian hate. Although our community may be vulnerable, we are NOT WEAK. And although we may be exploited, we are ENTITLED TO JUSTICE. It is because of these 2 principles that AJSOCAL has existed for 40 years and we will continue to carry our fight into the future.”
See All Photos Below:
All photo credits:
Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock for AJSOCAL
Furious Photographers
Click Here to Join Us in Gratitude for Our Sponsors
