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

Richard Aoki 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


Friday, April 3, 2009

Community Altar Built

Rest In Power

Richard Masato Aoki

Community Altar

We invite you to remember and celebrate our friend, comrade, and hero Richard Masato Aoki by giving an offering to a community altar at EastSide Arts Alliance (2277 International Blvd, Oakland CA, 94606).

There are a couple ways you can contribute:

  • Introduce and educate people in your circles and organizations on who Richard is and was (See attached writings on Richard for background information.).
  • The altar will be up from April 7th through April 27th outside of EastSide and will be accessible to anyone who wants to leave writing, prayers, flowers, or other items.
  • On April 13, 15, 20, and 22, from 4 – 6 p.m., Peps (an EastSide staff) and volunteers will be available to assist youth and community members in adding to the altar through collages or origami.
  • We hope to collectively make 1000 cranes as a prayer for justice and self determination as well as a wish for his legacy to be carried on for many generations to come. You can make a number of cranes and deliver them to EastSide. Volunteers will string them up for the commemoration on May 2nd and 3rd.
Brought to you by EastSide Arts Alliance, Serve the People, and Black August Organizing Committee.
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