Hyphen magazine - Asian American arts, culture, and politics

It has been about a year since the passing of Richard Aoki, a student leader in the Ethnic Studies strike at UC Berkeley and field marshal of the Black Panther Party (one of the few Japanese/Asian Americans, at that). 

I recently learned of new details about his passing. Richard died almost a year ago on March 15, 2010. I wrote his news obituary in the local paper, the Oakland Tribune. At the time, the people I interviewed said he died of complications from dialysis, which is what I reported in the story.

The truth, I have learned, is that Richard died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The details of his death were apparently not known except for his close circle of friends until now. On his blog/memorial website, you will find a statement released by the Richard Aoki Memorial Committee, former Asian American Political Alliance members, Serve The People and friends of Richard Aoki explaining more about what led to his death. 

Truly, I was surprised and shocked to learn that he took his own life; but in many ways, it doesn't matter how he died. If you read the statement on the website, or if you met Richard Aoki later on in his life after his stroke and other debilitating health problems, you will know that he probably suffered a lot. The statement posted on the website and dated March 15, 2010 gives a pretty detailed account of his health problems and what likely led to his decision. Though no one knows for sure what he was thinking at the time, his close friends probably have a better idea than an outsider.

What's most important, I think, is to remember the things that Richard did do during his life. I encourage you to learn more about this man, if you have the chance. Mike Cheng and Ben Wang's film, AOKI, is about Richard Aoki and is playing at the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival this month. To learn and read more about Richard Aoki, you can also visit his memorial website at RAMemorial.blogspot.com.