The Yuri Kochiyama Multiculture Lounge Curriculum
Thank you for your interest in continuing to learn about the remarkable life of Yuri Kochiyama, the contributions of Asian Americans to social movements, and the power of coalition building through this curriculum.
We hope you are inspired to play your own part in building a more socially just world.
Welcome to the Yuri Kochiyama Multicultural Lounge Curriculum!
Last Updated: Fall 2023
This curriculum expands upon the information and stories included in the Yuri Kochiyama Storytelling Elements page, delving into the historical events during Yuri Kochiyama’s lifetime and the movements and coalitions of which she played a part. In this document, you can also explore the impact other Asian and Asian American people have had on activism of many kinds, as well as the familial and societal legacy of Yuri Kochiyama.
We encourage you to explore this curriculum on your own, with a group, or even a classroom setting. Included in each section are multiple reflection questions which provide opportunities for you to reflect on your own or in groups.

Table of Contents
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History of Yuri Kochiyama Multicultural Lounge
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Yuri Kochiyama Early Life Story
- Japanese Concentration/Internment Camps
- World War II and Anti-Japanese Activity
- FDR’s Executive Order 9066
- Life in the Internment Camps
- Assembly Centers
- Relocation Centers
- Appeals from Citizens
- Camp Jerome
- Reflection Questions: Early Life
- Japanese Concentration/Internment Camps
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Yuri Kochiyama’s Family Life
- Harlem
- Harlem Freedom School
- US Prison Industrial Complex
- Free Mumia
- Youth Organizing
- Reflection Questions: Family Life
- Harlem
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Yuri Kochiyama Roots of Activism
- Yuri Kochiyama’s Early Activism
- Congress of Racial Equality
- Asian Americans for Action
- Redress and Reparations Movement for Japanese Americans
- 1988 Civil Liberties Act
- Yuri Kochiyama’s Early Activism
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Yuri Kochiyama’s Lasting Legacy
- Growing Up Kochiyama
- Akemi Kochiyama
- Maya Kochiyama
- Kai Naima Williams
- Poem by Kai Naima Williams
- Reflection Questions: Lasting Legacy
- Growing Up Kochiyama
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Coalition Building
- Partnership with Malcolm X
- Malcolm X Liberation University
- Organization of Afro-American Unity
- Partnership with Grace Lee Boggs
- Reflection Questions: Coalition Building
- Partnership with Malcolm X
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Shared Vision for a More Equitable Society
- Puerto Rican Independence
- Anti-Vietnam War Effort
- War on Terror and Rise of Islamophobia
- US Embargo of Cuba
- Nuclear Disarmament
- United Farm Workers
- Claiming Native Land: Occupation of Alcatraz Island by Native Peoples
- Other Asian American Coalitions
- Increasing Access to Higher Education
- Reflection Questions: Shared Vision
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Artist Information
- Piper Adonya
- Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya
- Douglas White
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Influential Leaders
- Piper Adonya
- Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya
- Maya Lin (1959 – )
- Corky Lee (1947 – 2021)
- Bhairavi Desai (1973 – )
- Larry Itliong (1913 – 1977)
- Haleema Bharoocha (1999 – )
- Thuc Doan Nguyen
- Youa Vang Lee (1979 – )
- Ibrahim Chowdry
- Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay (1903-1988)
- Reflection Questions: Influential Leaders
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Multicultural Lounges and Activism at Michigan
- United Asian American Organizations (UAAO)
- UAAO Mission
- UAAO Purpose and Values
- Student and Faculty Involvement
- Visit from Yuri Kochiyama and Her Family
- Digital Archives Project
- United Asian American Organizations (UAAO)
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Additional Resources