Honoring Richard Aoki, 1938-2009

I received news that Richard Aoki passed away on Sunday, March 15th.

An uncompromising leader in social justice activism, Aoki was a member of the Black Panther Party in the 1960's. During WWII, his family, along with 120,000 other Japanese and Japanese Americans, were placed in U.S. internment camps. He was only 4 years old when his family was forced to relocate.

For more info about Aoki and his work as an activist, please see the following links: "The Struggle Wasn't Just Black and White" from the OAKLAND TRIBUNE (scroll down to find the article) and "Back in the Day . . ." from AsianWeek.

Here's the announcement about Aoki's passing that's being circulated.

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Richard Masato Aoki, 1938-2009.
Fearless Leader and Servant of the People

It is with deep sadness that we inform you that Richard Aoki, due to complications from longstanding medical problems, passed away on March 15, 2009.

Born on November 20, 1938, Richard was a righteous fighter and a warrior in the truest sense – he dedicated his life to his beliefs and the struggle for human rights. He was a field marshal in the Black Panther Party, a founding member of the Asian American Political Alliance, a leader in the Third World Liberation Front Strike at UC Berkeley, co-ordinator for the first Asian American Studies program at UC Berkeley, an advisor for Asians for Job Opportunities, a counselor, instructor and administrator at Merritt and Alameda Colleges.

We will remember him for the personal impact he made on our lives and the social impact he made on the community movements of people of all colors:

“…Based on my experience, I’ve seen where unity amongst the races has yielded positive results. I don’t see any other way for people to gain freedom, justice, and equality here except by being internationalist.” – Richard Aoki

Memorial arrangements are pending and information will be available at a later date.

Sincerely,
Harvey Dong

Richard Aoki Commemorative Committee.
Email: RAMemorial@gmail.com

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The photo above of Aoki being arrested on the University pf Berkeley campus was taken off the internet and originally published in the OAKLAND TRIBUNE in 1969.

Peace and Blessings,
Michelle