To all:
While some of you may have received this email or heard the sad news about Richard Aoki, just wanted to pass on this short article written by Harvey Dong. We are deeply saddened to lose someone as dedicated and visionary as Richard. He was someone who dedicated his life to the movement. Richard will be greatly missed by all of us.
Below is a link to an interview I did with Richard Aoki back in September of 2006. The Interview is about halfway into the show.
http://kpfa.org/archive/id/22949 -------------
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