Yuri Kochiyama ♀️

A photo of Yuri Kochiyama
May 19, 1921 - June 1, 2014 (aged 93)
japanese
activist
Yuri Kochiyama was a Japanese American political activist. She was born on May 19, 1921, in San Pedro, California. During World War II, Kochiyama and her family were forcibly relocated to a Japanese internment camp in Arkansas. This experience shaped her activism and commitment to social justice. Kochiyama became an active member of various civil rights and social justice movements. She dedicated her life to advocating for the rights of marginalized communities, including African Americans, Asian Americans, and Puerto Ricans. Kochiyama was deeply influenced by Malcolm X, whom she developed a close friendship with. Kochiyama is best known for her role in the Asian American movement and for her tireless activism against racism and imperialism. She fought for redress and reparations for Japanese Americans who were interned during World War II and campaigned for the rights of political prisoners. Kochiyama's impact on the Asian American community is significant, as she helped raise awareness about the struggles and experiences of Asian Americans and inspired a new generation of activists.