Aki Kurose (February 11, 1925 - May 24, 1998) was a Japanese-American teacher and social activist. She devoted her life to fighting for social justice, peace, and equality ineducation .
Aki Kurose was born in Seattle, Washington, USA. As a child, she suffered severe discrimination because she was Japanese American.
In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066, forcing Japanese Americans on the West Coast into internment camps during World War II, and her life changed from there.
Social activist Aki Kurose
After being sent to the Minidoka Resettlement Center in Idaho, despite the harsh living conditions and loss of civil liberties, Aki found inspiration in the volunteers working in the camps. They instilled in the young girl a deep love for peace .
Young Aki Kurose
After the war, Aki attended the University of Washington, where she studied education and became involved in the civil rights movement. During this time, she became active in the movements for racial equality, nuclear disarmament, and workers' rights.
Mrs. Aki Kurose at Friends College in Kansas, USA, 1946-1947
She became a teacher in the Seattle Public Schools system in the 1970s—a time when issues of racial integration and educational inequality were becoming more apparent. Her classroom was known for being welcoming to all students, regardless of background or circumstance.
Minidoka Resettlement Center – where Aki Kurose and her family were taken during World War II
She uses innovative teaching methods to encourage critical thinking and social responsibility, and is involved in initiatives that support students of color, low-income families, and immigrant communities.
Aki Kurose (center) with the Hiroshima Peace Prize
She believes in creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment, and emphasizes the importance of multicultural education, empathy, and pacifism.
Aki Kurose High School in Seattle, USA.
In addition to her contributions to education, Aki was also a passionate peace activist. She actively participated in movements opposing the Vietnam War and the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
She worked with peace organizations and encouraged young people to participate in social activities, with the desire to achieve change through compassion and collective action. Aki Kurose died in 1998.
Aki Kurose and her students start the day with songs in multiple languages and holding hands in a circle.
Her legacy continues to inspire educators and activists today. In recognition of her contributions, Seattle named a high school after her – Aki Kurose High School.
Her story is a reminder that every individual can make a difference in their community by standing up for justice, promoting inclusion and empowering future generations.
Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/nguoi-phu-nu-tron-doi-dau-tranh-vi-binh-dang-trong-giao-duc-2025021216161086.htm
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