Journalism Award

New York, NY–Asia Society recently held its award ceremony to celebrate this year’s winner of The Osborn Elliott Prize for Excellence in Journalism on Asia. Beijing-based journalist April Rabkin of Fast Company won the award for her three-part series of stories illuminating how Chinese society is changing. Award finalists honored at the ceremony included reporters from the Washington Post, Thomson Reuters, Agence-France Presse, Tehelka, and Newsweek/The Daily Beast.

‘Oldest Galaxy’

Hawaii–Japanese astronomers using telescopes on Mauna Kea say they have seen the oldest galaxy yet discovered, according to an AP report last month. They calculated that the galaxy is 12.91 billion light years away, and their research will be published in the Astrophysical Journal, the report added.

Film Festival

Houston, TX–OCA-Greater Houston held the 8th Annual Houston Asian Pacific American Film Festival on June 22-23 and June 29-30. The festival featured films about Asian Pacific Islander Americans. This year’s feature film was “Salad Days.” The movie offered “a funny and unique perspective on the identities people create to protect themselves from the frustration and heartbreak of relationships in the real world.” Two of the film’s co-producers, David Chien and Hiram Chan, flew in from L.A. to discuss the movie.

$20K Grant

Seattle, WA–According to the InterIm Community Development Association, the City of Seattle’s Department of Neighborhoods has awarded InterIm CDA a grant of $20,000 for critical repairs in the Danny Woo Community Garden. This includes repairs to a wall and set of stairs that will improve access for those with physical limitations. Americorp volunteers will assist in making these improvements.

JACL President

San Francisco, CA–Leaders and members of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) were saddened by the passing of James Murakami, past JACL National President, on April 28. JACL National Executive Director Floyd Mori said, “Jim was a great friend who served the JACL well. He will be greatly missed.” National JACL President David Kawamoto added, “We are grateful for the service that Jim gave to the JACL and his support of redress. We will miss his presence at JACL functions.”

NAPAW

Washington, D.C.–The National Association of Professional Asian American Women (NAPAW) held its 20th National Training and Small Business Conference at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). This year’s theme was “Striving for Excellence in Leadership.” Kaye Nitta was the Conference Chair. Vivian C. Kim is the NAPAW Chair.

Lectures

Lanham, Maryland–Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat-Radha Madhav Dham presented Lectures in English by Sushree Diwakari Devi on “Secrets of Spiritual Sadhana” last month. Diwakari Deviji is a senior desciple of Shri Jagadguru Kripalu Ji Maharaj, and also the vice president of Radha Madhav Dham in Austin, Texas.