Gary Okihiro

Gary Okihiro is a renowned historian and professor who has made significant contributions to the field of Asian American studies, African American studies, and American studies. His work has been influenced by scholars such as W.E.B. Du Bois, C.L.R. James, and Eric Williams. Okihiro's research focuses on the intersection of race, class, and gender in the context of United States history, Hawaii history, and Pacific Islander American experiences. He has taught at various institutions, including Columbia University, New York University, and University of California, Santa Barbara.

● Early Life and Education

Gary Okihiro was born in Honolulu, Hawaii and grew up in a Japanese American community. He attended Punahou School and later enrolled in Dartmouth College, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History. Okihiro then pursued his graduate studies at University of California, Los Angeles, earning his Master of Arts and Ph.D. in History under the guidance of professors such as Yuji Ichioka and Arthur Schlesinger Jr.. His academic background has been shaped by the works of historians like Herbert Aptheker, John Hope Franklin, and Nell Irvin Painter.

● Career

Okihiro's academic career has spanned over four decades, with appointments at institutions such as San Francisco State University, University of California, Santa Cruz, and Columbia University. He has taught courses on American history, Asian American history, and Pacific Islander American studies, and has supervised numerous students, including those who have gone on to become prominent scholars in their own right, such as Vijay Prashad and Catherine Ceniza Choy. Okihiro's research has been supported by grants from organizations like the National Endowment for the Humanities, Ford Foundation, and Rockefeller Foundation. He has also been involved in various professional organizations, including the Association for Asian American Studies, American Historical Association, and Organization of American Historians.

● Published Works

Gary Okihiro has published numerous books and articles on topics related to Asian American history, African American history, and American studies. Some of his notable works include Cane Fires: The Anti-Japanese Movement in Hawaii, 1865-1945, Margins and Mainstreams: Asians in American History and Culture, and Island World: A History of Hawaii and the United States. His books have been reviewed in publications such as The New York Times, The Nation, and Journal of American History, and have been praised by scholars like Ronald Takaki, Shirley Hune, and Michael Omi. Okihiro's writing has also been influenced by the works of authors like James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, and Maxine Hong Kingston.

● Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Gary Okihiro has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the field of Asian American studies and American history. He has been recognized with awards from organizations like the Association for Asian American Studies, American Historical Association, and National Association for Ethnic Studies. Okihiro has also been awarded fellowships from institutions like the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences and Institute for Advanced Study. His work has been acknowledged by scholars like Angela Davis, Cornel West, and Lisa Lowe, and has been cited in publications such as The Journal of Asian American Studies and American Quarterly.

● Academic Contributions

Gary Okihiro's academic contributions have had a significant impact on the field of Asian American studies and American history. His work has challenged traditional narratives of American history and has highlighted the importance of considering race, class, and gender in historical analysis. Okihiro's research has also been influential in shaping the field of Pacific Islander American studies, and has been recognized by scholars like Haunani-Kay Trask and Noelani Goodyear-Kaopua. His academic contributions have been acknowledged by institutions like University of Hawaii at Manoa, University of California, Berkeley, and Yale University, and have been cited in publications such as The American Historical Review and Journal of American Ethnic History.