Pictured L to R: Mina Kimes, Howard Chen accepting for Adela Uchida, Frederick Katayama, Heidi Chang and Nancy Matsumoto | Photo © Lia Chang
Congratulations to all the Asian American Journalists Association 2013 National Award Winners! I’m so honored and humbled to be in such great company. My NPR story on Soundtracking ‘The Descendants’ With ‘Real’ Hawaiian Music was recognized in the mix at the AAJA Awards Gala at its national convention in New York City on August 24, 2013.
You can meet the awardees and see their stories introduced in this video in the following order: Mina Kimes, Frederick Katayama, Nancy Matsumoto, Heidi Chang (me) and Adela Uchida.
Watch AAJA 2013 National Award Winners Video: 5 minutes
NBC News Correspondent and Anchor, Ann Curry, was the keynote speaker. During a Q and A session, she reminded us to “give voice to the voiceless” and “to shine a light where no one is looking.” Then, after getting a standing ovation, she dashed off to report from the edge of Syria on the growing Syrian refugee crisis.
Ann Curry and Heidi Chang
In 2000, I was honored with an AAJA national award for my NPR story on Nona Beamer, a Native Hawaiian storyteller, teacher, activist, songwriter, and a master of chant and hula. but wasn’t able to make it to the Awards Gala in New York. Fortunately, this time I was able to accept the award in person. Many thanks to NPR and the AAJA Hawaii Chapter and also to my family and friends for their support of my journey.
Related
Heidi Chang Wins National Award For Soundtracking ‘The Descendants With ‘Real’ Hawaiian Music On NPR
(short version of the awards video: 54 seconds)
Journalisms: @AnnCurry Inspires Asian American Journalists. @AAJA – Randall Yip
Ann Curry on America’s Struggling Journalism Industry – “There is no possibility of a democracy without good journalism” – Suzanne Kai
Our most sincere CONGRATULATIONS Heidi! Ann Curry’s mandate to “shine a light where no one is looking” is EXACTLY what you seem to do in the stories you develop and produce. To do this in the radio medium raises the stakes b/c listeners have only the writer and their ears to paint the picture. Artistry through journalism. Thanks for the consistency of your work.
Frank and Cathy Parrino
Moloka’i, HI