Yuri Kochiyama: Civil Rights, Courage & Cross-Cultural Solidarity

Introduce students to the inspiring life of Yuri Kochiyama, a Japanese American civil rights activist who stood alongside leaders like Malcolm X and fought for justice, unity, and equality. This printable resource includes a student-friendly reading passage, comprehension questions, answer key, and a worksheet illustration—perfect for Black History Month, Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Women's History Month, or civil rights lessons.

Teachers can also enhance this lesson by showing the YouTube visual mini-documentary “LA Made: Yuri Kochiyama” and "Yuri and Malcolm" an age-appropriate videos (linked for easy access).

What’s Included:

• 📄 Reading Comprehension Passage (Grades 3–6 level)
• 🎨 Printable Worksheet with illustration of Yuri Kochiyama
• ✏️ 5 Comprehension Questions + Answer Lines
• ✅ Teacher Answer Key (Printable Visual)
• 🎥 Optional Video Supplement: “LA Made: Yuri Kochiyama” (YouTube)
• 🧠 Encourages discussion about activism, allyship, unity, and civil rights

Estimated Lesson Time:

Activity Time Intro & Background Discussion 5–7 minutes

Student Reading (Independent or Group) 7–10 minutes

Comprehension Questions & Writing 10–15 minutes

Optional Videos: “LA Made: Yuri Kochiyama” (58:54)

-Yuri and Malcolm (3:00)

Class Discussion & Reflection 5–8 minutes

⏱ Total Estimated Time: 30–45 minutes

Learning Standards (Common Core Aligned):

Reading Informational Text (RI.3–RI.6):

• RI.3.1 / RI.4.1 / RI.5.1: Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text.
• RI.3.3 / RI.4.3 / RI.5.3: Describe historical figures and explain relationships or interactions between individuals and events.
• RI.3.6 / RI.4.6 / RI.5.6: Distinguish different points of view or perspectives in historical texts.

Writing (W.3–W.6):

• W.3.2–W.6.2: Write informative responses using details from the text.
• W.3.4–W.6.4: Produce clear and organized writing appropriate to task and purpose.

Speaking & Listening (SL.3–SL.6):

• Participate in collaborative conversations about historical topics.
• Summarize text and multimedia presentations (video documentary).

Social Studies/Civics (C3 Standards):

• D2.His.2.3–5: Compare life in different historical times.
• D2.His.14.3–5: Explain how people’s beliefs and actions shaped movements for civil rights and equality.