Evelyn Yoshimura, like many progressive Asian American activists, sought to dismantle the "model minority" stereotype. A founding member and longstanding editor at Gidra, the first news magazine dedicated to communicating the viewpoints, issues, and goals of Asian Americans, Yoshimura’s fearless activism and commentary played an essential role in the paper’s advocacy. Yoshimura was born in Denver, Colorado, where her family took up residence after their release from a Japanese internment camp in Poston, Arizona. Exposed to the ideas and techniques of the Civil Rights movement after moving to Los Angeles, as a student at California State University Long Beach Yoshimura mobilized the Asian American community as an editor and contributor to Gidra. Her writings expressed opposition to the war in Vietnam, called out racism, and deconstructed prevalent beliefs about Asian Americans, particularly Asian American women. Even after Gidra ceased publication, Yoshimura's work set a precedent for Asian American activism and journalism. In 1992, she was honored with the Tatsukawa Award, given to individuals who combine dedication to community service with achievement in the media.A founding member and longstanding editor at Gidra, the first news magazine dedicated to communicating the viewpoints, issues, and goals of Asian Americans, Yoshimura’s fearless activism and commentary played an essential role in the paper’s advocacy.
