Paolo Montalban Serves as Master of Ceremonies at Advancing Justice – AAJC’s American Courage Awards Event This Month
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Washington, D.C. — Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC (Advancing Justice – AAJC) announces today that Paolo Montalban, a Filipino-American actor best known for his role as Prince Christopher in Disney’s multi-cultural version of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, will emcee its annual American Courage Awards on October 21. Montalban – is also known for roles as Kung Lao in Mortal Kombat: Conquest; Broadway performances in Pacific Overtures, The King & I, and Breakfast at Tiffany's; and in guest and recurring roles on Madam Secretary, The Blacklist, and Law & Order: SVU.
“I have had the privilege of working directly with Advancing Justice – AAJC through its bystander intervention trainings with Right To Be that help teach Asian Americans and AAPI allies how to respond to and de-escalate anti-Asian hate incidents,” said Paolo Montalban. “It is a thrill for me to be in community as we honor living legends like Senator Mazie Hirono, people like Kathleen Kim who are leading the way for Asian American media representation, and stalwart legal giants like Parkin Lee.”
For more than thirty years, Advancing Justice – AAJC has honored pioneers in the Asian American community who break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and elevate the culture and history of Asian Americans in this country. This year, Senator Mazie Hirono tops the list of honorees as the 2022 American Courage Award recipient. This award honors an individual, company, or organization that has shown extraordinary courage or commitment to civil rights.
Kathleen Kim, who is co-creator of the Woori Show and puppeteer for Ji-Young, Sesame Street’s first Asian American puppet, will receive the Changemaker Award. The Changemaker Award honors an individual, company or organization that is a catalyst for change and whose leadership has inspired action that has led to change on a local or national level that benefits Asian American communities.
The final honor of the event is the President’s Award, which is a special honor given to individuals and organizations that have been longtime supporters of Advancing Justice | AAJC's mission to advance civil and human rights for Asian Americans and to build and promote a fair and equitable society for all. Outgoing Chair of the Board of Directors, Parkin Lee, will receive the honor in recognition of his more than 30-year career as a legal professional, philanthropist, and champion of Asian American civil rights.
The event will be held at the National Press Club and streamed live at americancourageawards.org on October 21.