JaNaé Bates Imari

Overview

JaNaé Bates Imari is a Minnesota minister and activist who works at the intersection of faith, racial and economic justice, and political organizing. She serves in leadership roles in interfaith coalitions like ISAIAH and Faith in Minnesota, actively mobilizes communities for justice causes, and has recently been a key voice in protests and collective actions responding to federal immigration enforcement and violence.

Quotations

“We’re Minnesotans. We care for one another. And dagnabbit we’re going to show the rest of this country how to care for one another!” (Instagram, Jan. 9, 2026; photo convergencemag.com/authors/janae-bates/)

Keiko Itokazu

Overview

Keiko Itokazu born Yomitan, Okinawa, Japan October 11, 1947. “Peace Guide.” Independent member of Japanese House of Councilors. Co-Chair, Okinawa Women Against Military Violence.

Quotations

“We should spend our tax money on welfare, not war. Military bases don’t protect the human rights of women and children. They destroy the natural environment, and tear Okinawan peoples’ hearts apart.” (Women for Genuine Security, Jul. 2014; photo sangin.go.jp)

Fusae Ichikawa

Overview

Fusae Ichikawa born Aichi, Japan May 15, 1893 (d. 1981). Pioneering Japanese suffragist; founded first women's suffrage organization 1924; postwar member of Diet 25 years.

Quotations

"[N]o equality without peace, no peace without equality." (photo Wikipedia)