WASHINGTON, D.C.— On Saturday, September 29, 2012 Rep. Michael Honda (CA-15) will be honored at the 7th annual Who’s Who in Asian American Communities (WWAAC) Awards gala in Atlanta, GA. The WWAAC Awards, in partnership with the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS), will recognize Rep. Honda with the Asian Leaders & Legend (ALL) Award. 

“I am honored to be receiving the APAICS ALL Award,” said Rep. Honda, Chair Emeritus of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. “I am grateful to WWAAC, and especially Sachi Koto, for their leadership in bringing together our AAPI family from all corners of this country. I am also very grateful to APAICS for their commitment to building a pipeline for Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) and strengthening their representation at all levels of the political process.”

“It is my distinct privilege to be counted among this year’s esteemed honorees,” continued Honda, “individuals who each exemplify the best of, and serve as mentors for, our community. Whether it’s in entertainment, public service, community service, education, or military service, we support an impactful and meaningful participation of our AAPI community. In order for us to enact change for the betterment of our community, we must have a seat at the table.”   

As the only televised Asian American awards show in the U.S., the WWAAC Awards honors its best and most distinguished Asian American in one of five categories and presents him/her with the Organization’s ALL Award.  Partnering with five of the most prominent Asian organizations across the country -- the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies; the Pan Pacific American Leaders & Mentors; the Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics, Inc. ; the Coalition of Asian Pacifics Entertainment; and the Center for Asian Pacific American Women -- the 7th annual WWAAC Awards recognize the top Asian Americans in Government, Military, Leadership, and Entertainment, as well as the most prominent Asian American Woman. 

The 2012 WWAAC Leaders & Legends Awards will be held from 4:00-6:00 pm on Saturday, September 29th at the Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University in Atlanta. Rep. Honda will be introduced by Norm Mineta, Former US Secretary of Commerce and Transportation and recipient of the 2009 ALL Award. Rep. Honda will be joined by fellow honorees: Margaret Chon, Associate Dean for Research at Seattle University School of Law; Archie Kao, CSI actor; RADM Melvin H. Chiogioji; and Harry Gee, of Harry Gee, Jr. & Associates. 

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