AJSOCAL Celebrates 41 Years of Social Justice

On October 10, 2024, hundreds of guests gathered at the historic Vibiana in downtown Los Angeles for Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California’s (AJSOCAL) 41st Anniversary Gala: United in Action. This year’s gala honored the 25th anniversary of the murder of Joseph Ileto, a Filipino American postal worker who was tragically killed in an attack by a white supremacist and commemorated over four decades of AJSOCAL’s relentless commitment to justice, advocacy, and coalition-building within the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.  In attendance were leaders such as U.S. Representative Judy Chu, actor Lou Diamond Phillips, and AJSOCAL President Emeritus Stewart Kwoh.

The event kicked off with an outdoor reception, during which Representative Chu bestowed certificates to the presenters and honorees of the night—and segued into an awards dinner emceed by ABC7 journalist David Ono. AJSOCAL’s CEO Connie Chung Joe reflected on the accomplishments and highlights of the past year, emphasizing the importance of AAPI civic engagement in anticipation of the federal election season. 

“Where we are today is that we are again being called to vote,” Chung Joe said, “but this time, it’s not in a reactive way. This time, we are driven to be heard. Not because we are afraid, but because we are empowered.”    

Honoring Courage and Representation 

In commemoration of Joseph Ileto’s passing and of his family’s continued advocacy, the 2024 Ileto Courage Award was presented  to mental health professional and LGBTQIA+ activist, Eddy M. Gana by Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) Executive Director, Kimmy Maniquis and Filipino American community leader and wife of the Inaugural Ileto Award honoree John Eric Swing, Ellen Rodriquez-Swing.  

In their thank you speech, Gana called for increased legislative protections for LGBTQIA+ folks. “I appreciate sharing space with you all tonight, and I’ll end with this,” Gana said, “it is never, ever too late to be who you are, and I love each and every one of you.” 

Gana and their partner Stephanie Sajor then performed an original spoken word poem “Isang Bagsak”, reflecting on the legacy of foreign interference in the Philippines and spotlighting hope for Filipino American futures.  

The 2024 Public Image Award, given to an individual in the AAPI community for their commitment to AAPI representation, was presented to trailblazing entertainment executive Fritz Friedman for his long-standing efforts to promote AAPI representation in the media and entertainment industry. Award-winning actor Lou Diamond Phillips presented Friedman with this well-deserved honor.Throughout his career, Friedman cultivated a long list of achievements in the fields of philanthropy, civil rights and entertainment.  Actor/singer and friend, Tia Carrere congratulated Friedman with a personal video greeting. 

Friedman accepted his award by saying, “I am humbled, thankful and proud since this recognition comes from an extraordinary organization known for its crucial work ensuring equal justice for all AAPIs and other underrepresented groups.” 

A Night of Reflection and Commemoration 

The night commemorated the life and legacy of Joseph Ileto. His family’s continued advocacy against anti-Asian hate was honored with a heartfelt tribute to the late Lillian Ileto, Joseph’s mother. The tribute culminated in a moving performance of “The Prayer” by Jennifer Paz and Anthony Fedorov, accompanied by a candlelit procession led by AJSOCAL staff. 

The gala was a vibrant celebration of the AAPI community’s strength, with distinguished guests in attendance, including notable AAPI artists and leaders like jason chu, Alex Reid, and Audrey Chan. The evening’s performances, speeches, and tributes highlighted the resilience and power of the community. 

In celebrating the lives, activism and legacy of the Ileto family, this year’s gala reflected on the history of coalition-building and spirit of advocacy that has driven AJSOCAL’s work over the past 41 years. Through their speeches, the honorees and presenters continually underscored the importance of building and maintaining community—serving as a powerful reminder of the crucial role that these connections play in a continued fight for justice.  

See All Photos Below: 

Shutterstock Photos 
Furious Photographer Photos 
Digital Photo Booth Prints 

All photo credits: 
Shutterstock for AJSOCAL  
Furious Photographers 

MANY THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

Title Sponsor 

Bank of America 

Presenting Sponsors 

Cadillac    | Island Pacific Supermarket   |     Sunset Magazine 

Co-Chairs 

Platinum 

Gold 

Silver 

Bronze 

Community 

General Operating Support Partners 

In-Kind