Season 3 Episode 01: A Revolutionary Friendship between Yuri Kochiyama and Malcolm X

The relationship between the Asian & African American communities has often been tenuous and seemingly at odds. However, the relationship between Yuri Kochiyama and Malcolm X came at a time when the fight for Civil Rights was at its peak for many minority communities.  In this special episode of Let’s Talk About Race, Lanita Duke is joined by Radio Producer and Artist Jenna Yokoyama, as we celebrate the shared birthday and unlikely friendship of the pair. 

Having endured both the death of her father and internment during WWII, she and her husband made a new life for themselves in Harlem's housing projects. During their time, she became involved in grassroots activism through the Harlem Parent's Committee, advocating for equal access to resources for inner-city children. Her chance meeting with Malcolm came in October 1963, while he was speaking in support of Black workers protesting against unfair hiring practices in Brooklyn. 

Shortly after, in June  1964, she invited Malcolm to her home to speak with atomic bomb survivors and other activists and journalists. Their friendship continued to flourish through a tumultuous time in both of their lives. As she continued to advocate stateside and Malcolm traveled to Mecca and other Islamic countries, their friendship never faltered. He continued to communicate with her, sending her postcards throughout his journey. They continued their friendship until his death on February 21, 1965. She was one of the few people seen at his side after his assassination at the Audubon Ballroom, cradling him as he died. Devastated but undeterred, she continued to advocate for equality until her death in 2014.