Griffith Park – What’s the largest gathering of journalists every four years without a local event to kick-off the convention?

Members of the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA), the California Chicano News Media Association (CCNMA) and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) gathered at Griffith Park on Saturday, July 19 for a Pre-Unity networking luau.

In conjunction the four alliance partner associations, (AAJA, NAHJ, NABJ, NAJA), the Unity Journalists of Color Convention occurs every four years. This year, it was held in Chicago.

AAJA Board Member Suzie Suh organized the Hawaiian-themed event and included Hawaiian food catered from Ono’s, some Hawaiian punch, leis, islander music and even a Hula dance competition.

Attendees got the chance to meet other Los Angeles-area journalists attending the convention as well as network with others skipping the event.

The only snag?

The guests were attacked by swarms of bees that hovered over the honeyed chicken and pork.

Attendees had to take turns eating in their cars, and the food had to be stored in Suzie’s trunk.

“Happy to report, no one got stung!!” said AAJA-LA President Jinah Kim.