AT&T, Carol Lam and Peggy Saika to Receive Awards Tonight at AAJC’s American Courage Awards Event; Yul Kwon to Emcee Ceremony

Washington, D.C. – Today, at 6:30 p.m. at the National Press Club, the Asian American Justice Center (AAJC) will honor AT&T, former U.S. Attorney Carol Lam and community activist Peggy Saika at its annual American Courage Awards reception, which honors Americans who exemplify community service to Asian American and other minority communities. Survivor: Cook Islands winner Yul Kwon will emcee the event.

“This year’s awardees highlight what Americans are doing to protect and advance the civil and human rights of Asian Americans and other minorities,” said Karen K. Narasaki, president and executive director of AAJC. “Their hard work and success are a testament to what community activism is contributing to our great nation.”

During the ceremony, AAJC will pay tribute to the Honorable Robert Takeo Matsui for his tireless work in Congress on behalf of all Americans, especially children and seniors. Sadly Congressman Matsui passed away New Year’s Day 2005, leaving behind a 26-year legacy that included helping to pass legislation that expanded the Earned Income Tax Credit for working families and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. Congresswoman Doris Matsui, Matsui’s wife, and their son, Brian, will be on hand to receive the special acknowledgement.

Accepting the Bridge Builder Award will be AT&T Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Randall Stephenson for the company’s leading diversity and inclusion initiatives. “At AT&T, diversity and inclusion are essential components of a successful business strategy,” said Stephenson. “By respecting and including different viewpoints, we are better able to serve our customers, employees, business partners and communities.”

Each year, AAJC honors an individual who has displayed courage in championing a cause for civil and human rights with the American Courage Award. This year, former U.S. Attorney Carol Lam will receive the award for her commitment to the ideals of integrity, fairness and justice. Lam, is the second Asian American woman to serve as a U.S. Attorney. Appointed by President Bush, she oversaw the prosecution of former Congressman Randy “Duke” Cunningham and pursued a health care institution for fraud.

Community leader Peggy Saika will accept this year’s Distinguished Service Award. Saika, now the executive director of Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy, has begun and led many local and national organizations – all seeking social justice with a particular focus on grass roots empowerment.

To schedule interviews, contact Leonie Campbell at 202/296-2300 ext. 135 or 202/492-4591.

The Asian American Justice Center, formerly known as NAPALC, is a national organization dedicated to defending and advancing the civil and human rights of Asian Americans. It works closely with three affiliates – the Asian American Institute of Chicago, the Asian Law Caucus in San Francisco, and the Asian Pacific American Legal Center in Los Angeles – and nearly 100 community partners in 49 cities, 23 states and Washington, D.C.