Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC Announces Honorees for 30th American Courage Awards

Contact

Sofia Costas scostas@advancingjustice-aajc.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On October 8, Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC (Advancing Justice – AAJC) will host its 30th annual American Courage Awards, honoring individuals and organizations whose leadership and commitment have strengthened Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities and advanced civil rights. 

The annual celebration will take place in Washington, D.C., bringing together civil rights leaders, advocates, community partners, and supporters to recognize those whose work exemplifies courage, leadership, and a commitment to building a more just and equitable society. The 2026 American Courage Awards also come as Advancing Justice – AAJC celebrates 35 years of advancing civil and human rights. 

 This year’s honorees are the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), Sony Corporation of America, American Community Media (ACoM), and Mina Fedor, founder of AAPI Youth Rising. 

The American Courage Award will be presented to the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, recognizing more than three decades of leadership and commitment to advancing the civil and constitutional rights of AANHPI communities. Founded in 1994 by Congressman Norman Y. Mineta, CAPAC works across issues including civil rights, immigration, education, health care, economic opportunity, housing, and language access. Advancing Justice – AAJC has worked alongside CAPAC over the years to bring the experiences and concerns of Asian American communities into the federal policymaking process.  

The Bridge Builder Award, which honors organizations that have developed an innovative approach to community empowerment, working to overcome challenges faced by Asian American and other minority communities, will be presented to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Sony Corporation of America. RWJF has been a longtime partner in advancing health equity and supporting community-led solutions, including investments in Advancing Justice – AAJC’s narrative change, research, and data disaggregation work. Sony Corporation of America is being recognized for using storytelling and representation to connect audiences across cultures and for its broader investments in creators and community-focused initiatives. 

The Changemaker Award will be presented to American Community Media  for its decades-long work strengthening ethnic and community media. Formerly known as Ethnic Media Services, American Community Media has spent decades supporting and collaborating with ethnic media and helping put the sector on the national radar through reporting projects, public awareness campaigns, an ethnic media newswire and weekly news briefings. Their work helps ensure historically underrepresented communities have access to accurate, trusted, and community-centered information. We are honored to recognize  ACoM for its leadership in ensuring that historically underrepresented communities have access to the trusted information they need to fully participate in our democracy. 

Finally, Mina Fedor, founder of AAPI Youth Rising, will receive the Norman Y. Mineta Spirit Award, which recognizes a youth advocate whose community-centered leadership has exemplified dedication, compassion, and resilience. The award was established in honor of the trailblazing legacy of former Secretary of Transportation, Norman Y. Mineta. Fedor founded AAPI Youth Rising as a national youth-led organization focused on combating hate and advancing belonging through education, advocacy, civic engagement, and the arts. The organization now has more than 280 chapters across 40 states, reaching 54,000 schools and 300,000+ educators. 

 Those interested in attending in-person and supporting Advancing Justice – AAJC's ongoing work can visit the American Courage Awards' event page to learn more.