LTAR Special
A Revolutionary Friendship between Yuri Kochiyama and Malcolm X
A Life magazine photographer quickly captured the now-iconic photo of Kochiyama cradling Malcolm's head as people struggled to save his life, and as she urged him, "Please, Malcolm, please, Malcolm, stay alive". Kochiyama would make an annual pilgrimage to Malcolm's upstate grave every May, in honor of their shared May 19 birthdate.
Malcom X visited the Kochiyama's Harlem apartment, where he met with a group of Japanese survivors of the American bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki who were part of an international group of peace advocates. He spoke of the devastating effects of both racism and American imperialism around the world, noting, "You were bombed and have physical scars. We too have been bombed and you saw some of the scars in our neighborhood. We are constantly hit by the bombs of racism"
Lanita Duke is joined by Radio Producer and Artist Jenna Yokoyama to celebrate the birthdays and friendship of Yuri Kochiyama and Malcolm X
Originally aired on 05-16-2021
- KBOO