Date of Birth: May 19, 1921
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Date of Death: June 1, 2014
Biography
Yuri Kochiyama was a prominent Japanese American civil rights activist known for her lifelong dedication to social justice, racial equality, and political activism. Born Mary Yuriko Nakahara, she was raised in San Pedro, California. Her life took a dramatic turn when she and her family were interned in a Japanese American internment camp during World War II. This experience had a profound impact on her, igniting her passion for civil rights. In the 1960s, she moved to Harlem, New York, where she became deeply involved in the African American civil rights movement. She was a close friend and ally of Malcolm X and was present at the Audubon Ballroom when he was assassinated in 1965. Yuri Kochiyama’s activism extended beyond civil rights; she also fought for Asian American rights, Puerto Rican independence, and various other social justice causes. Kochiyama’s dedication to activism continued throughout her life, and she was recognized for her contributions with numerous awards and honors. She passed away on June 1, 2014, leaving behind a legacy of tireless advocacy for justice and equality.
5 Interesting Facts about Yuri Kochiyama
1. Yuri Kochiyama was interned at the Jerome War Relocation Center in Arkansas during World War II.
2. She was a close friend of Malcolm X and was present at his assassination.
3. Yuri Kochiyama was an advocate for reparations for Japanese American internment camp survivors.
4. She was arrested multiple times for her participation in various protests and demonstrations.
5. In 2005, she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize as part of the “1,000 Women for the Nobel Peace Prize” project.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Yuri Kochiyama
1. “The movement is contagious, and the people in it are the ones who pass on the spirit.”
2. “Remember that consciousness is power. Tomorrow’s world is yours to build.”
3. “I didn’t wake up and decide to become an activist. But you couldn’t help notice the wrongs.”
4. “Life is not what you alone make it. Life is the input of everyone who touched your life and every experience that entered it.”
5. “To me, it’s about putting humanity before politics. It’s about people. When you see people suffering, it’s up to you to speak out.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Yuri Kochiyama’s activism was not financially motivated, and there is no public record of her achieving a notable net worth.
Children
Yuri Kochiyama had six children with her husband, Bill Kochiyama. Their names are Billy, Aichi, Audee, Eddie, Jimmy, and Tommy Kochiyama.
Relevant Links
1. [Wikipedia – Yuri Kochiyama](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuri_Kochiyama
2. [Densho Encyclopedia – Yuri Kochiyama](https://encyclopedia.densho.org/Yuri_Kochiyama/
