Japanese American professor who lectures on racism is targeted in racist attack

A 71-year-old Japanese American professor who teaches about racism was deliberately struck by a vehicle while cycling in Montebello, California, in what authorities are investigating as a potential hate crime.

Racist assault: Aki Maehara, a Vietnam War veteran, was riding his electric bicycle near his home at around 10 p.m. on April 29 when a sedan approached rapidly from behind. The driver allegedly shouted racial slurs before striking him. “I heard someone yell, ‘F’g chink!’ as I got hit, then I heard, ‘Go back to chink-land,’” Maehara recalled. The driver then fled the scene, leaving him with a concussion, facial fractures, an elbow “torn open” and extensive bruising and swelling across his upper body. Since being released from the hospital, the senior has struggled to prepare meals, bathe himself and change his bandages and bed sheets.

What the victim is saying: Maehara has expressed skepticism about the attack being random, pointing out that he was wearing a helmet with a visor. “No one can see my face. So how the hell did he know I’m Asian?” Maehara told the Los Angeles Times. The professor, who teaches Asian American history — with his own family being incarcerated during World War II — believes the incident may be connected to previous harassment he has faced at work. He specifically recalled being targeted by extremist groups, including the KKK, while teaching at East Los Angeles Community College and Cal State Long Beach.

What’s being done: The case is under investigation. Montebello police are seeking security footage from neighborhood residents to locate and identify the driver. Meanwhile, a GoFundMe page organized by Maehara’s friend, Glorya Cabrera, aims to raise funds for a professional home health aide who can help him with daily tasks as he recovers. Additionally, advocates have launched a Change.org petition demanding a thorough hate crime investigation, potential federal involvement and public condemnation from officials.