The relationship between the Asian & African American communities has often been tenuous and seemingly at odds. However, the relationship between Yuri Kochiyama and Malcolm X came at a time when the fight for Civil Rights was at its peak for many minority communities. In this special episode of Fighting The Power, Lanita Duke is joined by Radio Producer and Artist Jenna Yokoyama, as we celebrate the shared birthday and unlikely friendship of the pair.
Having endured both the death of her father and internment during WWII, she and her husband made a new life for themselves in Harlem's housing projects. During their time, she became involved in grassroots activism through the Harlem Parent's Committee, advocating for equal access to resources for inner-city children. Her chance meeting with Malcolm came in October 1963, while he spoke in support of Black workers protesting against unfair hiring practices in Brooklyn.
Shortly after, in June 1964, she invited Malcolm to her home to speak with atomic bomb survivors and other activists and journalists. Their friendship continued to flourish through a tumultuous time in both of their lives. As she continued to advocate stateside and Malcolm traveled to Mecca and other Islamic countries, their friendship never faltered. He continued to communicate with her, sending her postcards throughout his journey. They continued their friendship until his death on February 21, 1965. She was one of the few people seen at his side after his assassination at the Audubon Ballroom, cradling him as he died. Devastated but undeterred, she continued to advocate for equality until she died in 2014

A Revolutionary Friendship of May 19 between Yuri Kochiyama and Malcolm X

Fighting The Power is a radio/Podcast featuring independent journalists resisting Trump's authoritarian rule. We highlight efforts to restore democracy and confront Project 2025, which aims to reduce civil liberties.

Our panelists include:

· LaNita Duke: Award-winning multimedia producer for Grassroots News Northwest.

· Dianne Johnson: Professor and journalist specializing in political journalism and the Arts.

· Althea Billings: Journalist and radio producer covering Politics and National News.

· Rev. Cecil Prescod: Talk show host focusing on social and political issues.

· Nia Gray: Civil rights advocate from Pittsburgh.

· Mary Li: Pacific Northwest bureaucrat focused on public policy and governance.

Stay strong, hopeful, and empowered. Stand together and support independent journalism. Tune in to Fighting The Power and make a difference

On this edition of fighting the power , Democracy dies when you comply; do not comply in advance.

As we watch the government being dismantled, due process being abused, and the safety net removed, our democracy is being undermined. America is becoming a government of and for the few now. This is not what we voted for, and our democracy is in recession. But this is the bully's playbook. Do something drastic and watch for the reaction. Fascists need to determine what you will stand for and what you will fight for.

Are we willing to give up before the fight begins? If it looks too tough to win? Listen, our panel deconstructs and educates on the topic. Fighting the power, democracy dies when you comply. Do not comply in advance.

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Timothy Snyder wrote one of the books that explains why we should not obey in advance.

Rep Green sings America

And all across America, citizens are protesting. I too sing America sends a shutout to the
50,50, 1 movement -50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement-

Well, that's our show for this Month. Please, do not comply in advance. You have nothing to gain

And our democracy to lose

It’s easy to fall prey to the idea that you can’t make a dent, can’t make a difference, so why even try. But that’s not even close to the truth

Fighting The Power is a radio/Podcast featuring independent journalists resisting Trump's authoritarian rule. We highlight efforts to restore democracy and confront Project 2025, which aims to reduce civil liberties.

Our panelists include:

· LaNita Duke: Award-winning multimedia producer for Grassroots News Northwest.

· Dianne Johnson: Professor and journalist specializing in political journalism and the Arts.

· Althea Billings: Journalist and radio producer covering Politics and National News.

· Rev. Cecil Prescod: Talk show host focusing on social and political issues.

· Nia Gray: Civil rights advocate from Pittsburgh.

· Mary Li: Pacific Northwest bureaucrat focused on public policy and governance.

Stay strong, hopeful, and empowered. Stand together and support independent journalism. Tune in to Fighting The Power and make a difference.

Democracy dies when the Fourth Estate complies

· These are the voices on this edition of Fighting the Power:

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· Democracy suffers when the media complies with anti-democratic forces. Legacy media is failing to fact-check Trump's power grab and his dismantling of the Federal Government for billionaire tax breaks. Reliable news sources are more important than ever for accurate reporting. Fighting the Power explores these issues.

· These shifts in media consumption reflect a broader trend of disillusionment with traditional sources of information. As trust in legacy media wanes, people are seeking out alternative narratives that resonate with their experiences and values. This grassroots movement is redefining the landscape of news and information, emphasizing authenticity, accountability, and community engagement.

· Resistance Radio exemplifies this shift, providing a platform for diverse voices and perspectives that are often marginalized in mainstream discourse. By leveraging the power of social media and digital tools, these new media pioneers are fostering a more inclusive and participatory form of journalism. They are challenging the status quo and holding those in power accountable, all while empowering individuals to take an active role in shaping the narratives that define their world.

· In this evolving media ecosystem, the role of the consumer is more crucial than ever. Supporting independent and grassroots journalism is not just a passive act of consumption but a deliberate choice to uphold the principles of truth and justice. As more people tune in to these new voices, the collective power of informed and engaged citizens can drive meaningful change and counteract the forces that seek to undermine democracy.

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