Sherry Hirota, Legacy Leader of Asian Health Services Honored with Street Renaming 

Photo Credit: Francis O’Keefe

On Wednesday, October 25, 2023 Sherry Hirota, legacy leader of Asian Health Services was celebrated with a historic street renaming event to reveal Sherry Hirota Way in Oakland’s Chinatown.

This street naming in tribute to an Asian American marks a momentous occasion in Oakland’s history. Aptly, the neighborhood is not only centered in Chinatown and adjacent to several of Asian Health Services’ clinics, but it also highlights the spot that was once Oakland’s Japantown, before Japanese Americans were unjustly imprisoned by the US government during World War II.

Helen Zia, journalist, activist, author and longtime Oakland resident conveyed the importance of the street naming, “as founding Chief Executive Officer of our beloved Asian Health Services, Sherry’s mark is felt daily by the 50,000 patients who rely on AHS. Sherry also shines as a nationally renowned leader for language and cultural access, and immigrant rights. She embodies the positive history of Oakland and Alameda County as a courageous voice for multi racial unity,” said Ms. Zia.

Sherry Hirota Way, the one block stretch of Alice Street between 9th and 10th street is a tribute to Sherry and Asian Health Services’ over 50 years of dedicated service and commitment to their patients and communities.

Watch this video to learn more about Sherry’s legacy:

You can read more HERE.

Learn more about Asian Health Services HERE.

Click to view images from the event: