Aki Kurose was a passionate educator and lifelong advocate for peace, social justice, and equity. Born in 1925 in Seattle, Washington, to Japanese immigrant parents, Kurose and her family were forcibly relocated to an internment camp during World War II — an experience that deeply shaped her commitment to civil rights.
After the war, she returned to Seattle and became a public school teacher, dedicating her career to uplifting marginalized students, particularly those from immigrant and low-income families. Kurose championed multicultural education and fought for inclusive teaching practices that honored students’ diverse identities and experiences.
Beyond the classroom, she was deeply involved in anti-war activism, affordable housing efforts, and the fight against racial discrimination. She worked with peace organizations, participated in fair housing campaigns, and helped bridge communities across cultural and economic divides. Her approach to activism was always grounded in empathy, education, and action.
Kurose received many honors for her work, including the United Nations Human Rights Award and induction into the Washington State Women’s Hall of Fame. In 1999, Seattle Public Schools renamed one of its middle schools in her honor — a lasting tribute to her legacy as both a teacher and a changemaker.
