Yuri Kochiyama, born on May 19,1921 in Los Angeles, was a Japanese American civil rights activist. She was the foundation for social, political, and cultural movements across many generations to come. Being born and raised as a Japanese American in Los Angeles around the bombing of Pearl Harbor, she faced many hardships regarding racism along with her family. After the tragic death of her father due to doctors refusing to treat him because he was the only Japanese man in the hospital after the Pearl Harbor attack, in 1943 Kochiyama and her family were sent to a concentration camp for two years. It was because of this that Kochiyama became heavily involved in governmental abuses, racial affairs, and began her journey in activism. In her chase to build more political movements for Asian Americans, she founded the Asian American Action (AAA) which was one of the earliest Asian American activist groups. This political organization played an important role in advocating for the community by raising awareness primarily through engaging others in protests. Kochiyama did not only base her movements on Asian American civil and human rights, but she also saw common grounds between the struggles for justice and equality across racial, ethnic, and cultural differences, and made sure she put her efforts towards the rights of African Native, and Latin Americans. During the 1960’s in Harlem, Kochiyama participated in Asian American, Black, and Third world movements for civil and human rights, ethnic studies, and against war in Vietnam. Kochiyama’s hunt for racial and political justice has left an impact through social, political, cultural and civil rights movements that has and will not be forgotten.
Yuri Kochiyama
In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, every school day The Cardinal will feature a prominent and historical Asian American or Pacific Islander, living or dead, who has worked toward change, advancement, and/or world peace. Some of them are heroes, and some are unsung heroes, who deserve recognition, and have made a contribution to society.
May 9, 2024
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About the Contributor
Alejandra Ramirez, Editor-in-Chief
Alejandra Ramirez is a senior in the former ALMA academy, VAPA, here at Hoover High School.
Depending on where she is and who she’s with, Alejandra has two sides. She can be energetic and loud but she can also be quiet and kept in her own bubble.
Born in January, Alejandra was born as the middle child of her seven siblings. As the eldest daughter, responsibility is one of her strongest attributes. She doesn’t usually look for leadership roles, but they somehow find her. Consequently, she has become a dedicated yearbook editor-in-chief, being a part of the class since her sophomore year.
Her yearbook duties can be demanding as she has lots of pressure and expectations when it comes to ensuring a successful book but in the end, she never fails to get things done eventually. Despite the struggles she faces in the process of the book or the constant yelling and back and forth “disputes” with Mr. Heu, she enjoys yearbook for the laughs and memories that were shared and friends that she made throughout the years, issues and all. Regardless of any obstacles she may face, she knows how to put them aside or overcome them to ensure she stays on track.
Outside of school, Alejandra loves to go out with her friends to fun places and of course buy a sweet treat to share. Though she likes going out and having fun with her friends, she is most excited to walk home in silence listening to music, specifically Kali Uchis, Daniel Caesar, Tyler the Creator, and Mac Miller. She loves days where she is busy running up and down whether that’d be because of friends or yearbook duties and get to end the day with a warm shower and lay in the comfort of her bed to recharge.