RIP Richard Aoki

March 20, 2009 12:18 PM

Former Black Panther and civil rights activist Richard Aoki passed away Sunday from medical complications.

One of six Asian Americans among the official members of the Black Panther Party, Aoki remained incognito until the early 1990s when he came out as a Field Marshal and founding member of the party. He also played an important role in the UC Berkeley's Third World Liberation Front Strike.

A documentary film about him will premiere in 2009.

posted by lunit (9 comments total)

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Aside from Yuri Kochiyama, I wasn't aware of any other Asian Americans who were part of that movement. Thanks for the post.
posted by cazoo at 12:36 PM on March 20, 2009

The documentary looks fascinating -- thanks!
posted by scody at 12:52 PM on March 20, 2009

The 'remained incognito' link is dead.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 1:15 PM on March 20, 2009

Hmm. It's working okay for me, but the article - "The struggle wasn't just black and white" - is also available here. [You have to scroll down to the third article.]
posted by lunit at 1:19 PM on March 20, 2009

Thanks for posting this.
posted by serazin at 3:11 PM on March 20, 2009

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posted by yeloson at 3:41 PM on March 20, 2009

.-. .. .--.
posted by found missing at 3:59 PM on March 20, 2009

Thank you sir.
posted by cashman at 6:36 PM on March 20, 2009

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posted by adamvasco at 11:33 AM on March 21, 2009