boston progress radio

Today, May 19, is the birthday of Malcolm X and Yuri Kochiyama. If you’re reading this blog, you’re probably familiar with both names, though Yuri is unknown in popular culture. Growing up, I learned more about Malcolm X from Spike Lee than I did in my history classes. Seeing how Yuri hasn’t had a blockbuster film made about her yet, I’m assuming she remains a relative unknown. Just to be sure, I’ll do a quick survey with my non-activist friends on Gchat and…

…after asking 9 people, none of them had heard of her, let alone who she was.

It makes sense, that someone who dedicated her life to pointing out the injustice of your government would not get much shine in your textbooks. In activist circles however, Yuri is a celebrity, who continues to pour her heart into the causes of others, even in her old age. Today, Yuri turns 87.

Malcolm X was born in 1924. He would’ve turned 84 today. Malcolm was assassinated in 1965, on February 21st, at age 39. Yuri is also well known for being at the Audubon Ballroom, where Malcolm was assassinated, and holding his head in her arms after he was shot.

I couldn’t write about a life as full as Yuri’s enough to do her justice. Modelminority.com has a wonderful article about her life that you can read here. On the anniversary of their birth, we remember and reflect on how some lives burn brightly for others, and the impact one can have on so many.

Last 5 posts by ash

• Ed Lin's Super Awesome Reading - July 25th, 2008
• Continuing to deconstruct the Model Minority myth - June 16th, 2008
• Competitive video fun - May 24th, 2008
• The Dorchester Vietnam Veterans Memorial - May 16th, 2008
• YM Blog-a-thon: Learning about Money - April 28th, 2008