About
American civil rights activist who was influenced by her Japanese-American family's experience in an American internment camp during World War II. She fought for causes including reparations for Japanese-American internees, black separatism, the anti-war movement and the rights of political prisoners.
Before Fame
She attended Compton College, where she studied English, journalism and art.
Trivia
She was a prominent member of the Nation of Islam and was present at Malcolm X's assassination in 1965. She held him as he lay dying, and a famous photo appeared in Life capturing that moment.
Family Life
She was born and raised in San Pedro, California. In 1946, she married Bill Kochiyama, a Japanese-American who fought for the United States. They had six children.
Associated With
She admired Mao Zedong and Ho Chi Minh.
