Today, Yuri Kochiyama joins the exalted ranks of Google Doodles, where millions of people will learn a bit about her extraordinary life fighting for all forms of justice.
She had revolutionary aspirations, railing against all the systems and behaviors that oppress people around the world. In her open-minded and relentless pursuit of equality for all people, she was a true global citizen.
As Google wrote:
Kochiyama left a legacy of advocacy: for peace, U.S. political prisoners, nuclear disarmament, and reparations for Japanese Americans interned during the war. She was known for her tireless intensity and compassion, and remained committed to speaking out, consciousness-raising, and taking action until her death in 2014.
To get a sense of how inspiring and wise Kochiyama was, here are some of her quotes (and more fantastic illustrations of her):
1/ "Life is not what you alone make it. Life is the input of everyone who touched your life and every experience that entered it. We are all part of one another."
2/ "Don't become too narrow. Live fully. Meet all kinds of people. You'll learn something from everyone. Follow what you feel in your heart."
3/ "Our ultimate objective in learning about anything is to try to create and develop a more just society."
4/ "We are all part of one another."
5/ "Remember that consciousness is power. Consciousness is education and knowledge. Consciousness is becoming aware. It is the perfect vehicle for students. Consciousness-raising is pertinent for power, and be sure that power will not be abusively used, but used for building trust and goodwill domestically and internationally. Tomorrow's world is yours to build."
6/ "I don't think there will ever be a time when people will stop wanting to bring about change."
7/ So, transform yourself first… Because you are young and have dreams and want to do something meaningful, that in itself, makes you our future and our hope. Keep expanding your horizon, decolonize your mind, and cross borders.