Guatemalan journalist José Rubén Zamora has been beaten, kidnapped, attacked with grenades, and had his home invaded and family held at gunpoint for hours -- all as a result of his reporting on government corruption, drug trafficking and human rights violations within his country.

Zamora started in journalism at the age of 17 and has founded three newspapers over the course of his career: Siglo Veintiuno (1990), El Periódico (launched in 1996 with donations from 125 citizens committed to the freedom of the press), and Nuestro Diario (1998).

Zamora's commitment to exposing the truth has earned him recognition by Columbia University, the Committee To Protect Journalists, and the International Press Institute. AAN is excited that he will address the attendees of the Free Speech Lunch at the Annual Convention on July 23.

Tickets for the Free Speech Lunch are available for $25 per person and may be purchased in advance.