Since 1981, The Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) has advocated on behalf of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) in the newsroom on the front lines for stronger representation and more inclusion. We are proud to stand on the shoulders of our fearless founders.

Our Mission

The Asian American Journalists Association is a national nonprofit educational and professional organization serving the areas of print, broadcast and digital media. AAJA is a membership nonprofit advancing diversity in newsrooms and ensuring fair and accurate coverage of communities of color. AAJA has more than 1,500 members across the United States and Asia.

The Michigan chapter's mission is to offer support, provide resources, bring awareness and instill a sense of integrity and fairness in media coverage.

AAJA, and its volunteer-based board members, have been at the forefront of change in the journalism industry, working towards the visibility and inclusion of AAPI journalists in newsroom leadership, and towards equitable and accurate coverage of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and AAPI issues.

National Geographic lists the following countries in Asia: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar (Burma), Nepal, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Russia (parts in Europe and Asia), Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste (East Timor), Turkey (parts in Europe and Asia), Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Yemen.

Nearly one-third of AAJA’s members are students, attesting to the organization’s emphasis on bringing young people into the news business. AAJA is proud to include among its members some of the top journalists in the country, from network news anchors and reporters to Pulitzer Prize-winning writers, editors and photographers, to national radio show producers and major magazine editors.

Please consider joining our chapter. One membership applies to both national and while registering here, select Michigan as your local chapter!