FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, OCTOBER 8, 2026, LOS ANGELES, CA – For more than four decades, Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) has stood at the forefront of the fight for civil rights and equity for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. Less than two weeks prior to the midterm elections, AJSOCAL calls on leaders, community members, and changemakers to come together for the 43rd Anniversary United in Action: Charging Forward on Thursday, October 22, 2026 at The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, Los Angeles. The evening unites leaders from law, philanthropy, business, arts, and entertainment to recognize those whose impact uplifts our AAPI community. This event remains one of the largest and most visible convenings of AAPI leaders and allies in Southern California.
Dahni Tsuboi, CEO, AJSOCAL comments, “This event is more than a gala. While it is indeed upbeat and celebratory, its backbone is serious. We are honoring heroes who stepped up to protect the freedom and rights that we have today. During these uncertain times, in tandem with them, we are charging forward.”
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS AND HONOREES
The event will be hosted by David Ono, award-winning journalist and storyteller. Ono has long highlighted issues and voices from the AAPI community.
The evening will feature a very special performance by American folk singer and activist Nobuko Miyamoto who, at 86 years old, remains a luminary in the Asian American movement. Her 1973 album A Grain of Sand: Music for the Struggle by Asians in America is recognized as the first album of Asian American music. In 1987, she founded Great Leap, where she has spent nearly five decades creating art like the FandangObon Festival that uses music, dance, and storytelling to bridge cultures and build community.
The 2026 honorees embody courage, service, and justice. They join an impressive group of changemakers honored by AJSOCAL through its history:
Cecillia Wang, the National Legal Director of the ACLU, will be given the Joseph Ileto Courage Award for her commitment to defending democracy and human rights. The daughter of Taiwanese immigrants, she successfully defended birthright citizenship before the U.S. Supreme Court in 2026. Throughout her career, she has fought for immigrants’ rights and civil liberties, challenging family separation, mandatory minimum sentences, the Muslim ban, and other injustices. Presenting the honor will be Yasmin Cader, Deputy Executive Director for Program, Strategy, and Culture, ACLU.
The Japanese American National Museum along with Ann Burroughs, President and CEO, will be receiving the Legacy in Justice Award. JANM’s work has been crucial in preserving and sharing the Japanese American experience to promote understanding of America’s diversity. An internationally recognized human rights leader, Burroughs has spent more than 25 years advancing racial justice, preserving history, and fostering a culture rooted in dignity and human rights. Presenting the honor will be David Ono, Journalist, JANM Board of Governors.
Peter and Jihee Huh will be receiving the Catalyst for Justice Award for their incredible work in activism and philanthropy. After being inspired by their hardworking immigrant parents, they have devoted their lives to advancing social justice and protecting civil rights in the U.S. Through leadership roles with AJSOCAL, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, Human Rights Watch, and other organizations, their endless work has strengthened civic engagement and improved the lives of underserved communities throughout Southern California. Presenting their honor will be Steve Kang, President & Chief Film Liaison, City of LA Board of Public Works.
Morrison Foerster, the Pro Bono Champion law firm, will be receiving the Justice in Action Award for its tireless work supporting reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and immigrants’ rights. Morrison Foerster has contributed hundreds of hours of pro bono legal support, working alongside community organizations and individuals to address critical legal needs and expand access to justice. Presenting the honor will be the Hon. Bryant Y. Yang, Judge, Los Angeles Superior Court.
AJSOCAL, in collaboration with AmFund, will host a silent auction at the event (in-person only.) Guests will have a chance to bid on and win travel packages to nine destinations: Alaska, Cambodia, Greece, Norway, Scotland, South Africa, Tuscany, Thailand, and Vietnam.
AJSOCAL is accepting sponsorships and opportunities to attend or support at with an individual ticket option at $500. https://ajsocal.org/43rd-anniversary-fundraising-gala/
ADVANCING TOGETHER IN AN EVER-CHANGING LANDSCAPE
AJSOCAL’s 43rd Anniversary Gala is made possible by our generous sponsors. For a full list of sponsors and further information about the 43rd Anniversary Gala and ticketing details, visit AJSOCAL’s website.
RUBY
Capital Group
U.S. Bank
CO-CHAIR
Bird Marella
East West Bank
Edison International
Hon. Mike Eng
Peter Yun Huh & Jihee Kim Huh & Pafco Family
JPMorganChase
UPS
The Walt Disney Company
PLATINUM
Friends of Dahni Tsuboi
Japanese American National Museum
Morrison Foerster
O’Melveny & Meyers LLP
Sidley
Turbo Charitable Foundation
GOLD
Cathay Bank
Esther & Mark Chinapen
Enterprise
Forever Link
Happy Buddha Kitchen
Harmoni
Health Net
IW Group
Jamison Services
Ken Ren & Friends
Kirkland & Ellis
Latham & Watkins
Liang Ly LLP
Mayer Brown
Paul and Dorothy Borenstein Memorial Foundation
Sandy Sakamoto & Nolan Maehara
Gina Shishima & David Sosa
SILVER
Akin Gump
Clark Hill
Connie & Jeremy Chung Joe
Cooley
Crowell & Moring
Don Jue
Gibson Dunn
Grace Hu
Friends of Jade Leung
Loeb & Loeb
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
PNC Bank
Jack & Mary Ellen Kwoh Shu
Steptoe Foundation
Walzer Melcher
WilmerHale
Wilson Sonsini
BRONZE
Arnold & Porter
Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy
Ballard Spahr
Covington & Burling
Hurlen Corporation
KABA of Southern California
Morgan Lewis
Open Stewardship Foundation
Sheppard
Skadden
United Way of Greater Los Angeles
COMMUNITY
Alston & Bird
APABA
Hon. Akemi Arakaki
Asian American Education Project
Cedars-Sinai
Wanda Chan
Mark Chen & Avni Mehta
Creative Air Mechanical
Greenberg Glusker
Holland & Knight
Paul Inafuku
JANM Board of Trustees
KLK Capital Management
Korean American Foundation
Martin Lee
Little Tokyo Service Center
Nikkei Progressives
Nixon Peabody LLP
Orrick
South Asian Network
GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT PARTNERS
Bahala Foundation
Bank of America
J.T. Tai and Co. Foundation
Barry & Evelyn Peterson
SMBC MANUBANK
SoCalGas
IN KIND SPONSORS
ABC7
AmFund
Fanny’s Florals
Furious Photographers
Global Production Group
Innovate Marketing Group
La Design Boutique
Luminara
Stephanie’s Linens
MEDIA SPONSOR
Los Angeles Blade
*Partial list as of 10/06/26
ABOUT ASIAN AMERICANS ADVANCING JUSTICE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Founded in 1983 in the wake of the Vincent Chin case, AJSOCAL has grown into the nation’s largest AAPI legal and civil rights organization. For over 43 years, the organization has remained committed to adapting to the challenges of each era while keeping its focus on equity and opportunity. In 2026, AJSOCAL’s work has only grown more urgent. At this critical moment, AJSOCAL’s leadership on immigrant rights and key AAPI issues carries broad impact, shaping protections and opportunities that uplift us all as a community. Today, AJSOCAL serves more than 15,000 low-income clients annually in multiple Asian languages, providing free legal services on immigration, eviction protection, family law, and healthcare access. The organization is among the immigration rapid response community partners protecting AAPI immigrants. It also leads advocacy efforts across California, from protections against ICE activity, data disaggregation and language access, housing, and protections against discrimination. Offices are located in downtown Los Angeles and Orange County, with a presence in Sacramento.
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
ENGLISH:
Nerissa Silao, nerissa@nrspublicrelations.com, 310.874.9230
Liza Ameen, lameen@ajsocal.org, 213.241.0258
ETHNIC:
Esther Kim, ekim@ajsocal.org, 213.241.0203
