2022 American Courage Awards

It is time to get ready for the 26th annual American Courage Awards! Join us as we celebrate incredible leaders within the Asian American community who have shown an extraordinary commitment to advancing civil and human rights.

This year, Advancing Justice - AAJC's annual signature event is returning in person on Friday, October 21 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

Meet the 2022 American Courage Award Recipient

Senator Mazie K. Hirono has served as a United States senator for Hawaii since 2013 and made history as the first Asian American woman elected to the Senate, first woman senator from Hawaii, and remains the only immigrant serving in the Senate.

She was born in Fukushima, Japan but left at 8 years old for Honolulu, where her mother hoped to build a better life. Whether she was working in the Hawaii House of Representatives or as the Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii, Sen. Hirono bravely fought against attempts to undermine our civil and human rights.

Sen. Hirono’s attentiveness to amplifying AAPI voices is recognized through her tireless work both in Congress and on behalf of her communities. Her visionary leadership has led to the historic passage of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, a critical step to addressing the rise in anti-Asian hate and violence, and at the same time she is a fierce advocate for diversity among judicial nominees across the country as a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. We are eternally grateful for Sen. Hirono’s devotion to public service and advocacy, dedication to representing the people of Hawaii, and long-standing commitment to serving the broader AAPI communities.