Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee: A Life of Resilience and Purpose
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Sharon Lee was a Korean-American author, poet, and human rights activist whose works continue to inspire readers around the world. She is commonly known by her pen name, Sharon Leong, which she used for many of her literary endeavors.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on April 17, 1952, in Seoul, South Korea, Lee immigrated to the United States with her family at a young age. Her passing occurred on June 8, 2011, but her legacy lives on through her writing and advocacy.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Lee held dual Korean-American citizenship and was a writer by profession. She wrote extensively on social justice issues, including human rights, racism, and feminism. Her works are characterized by their emotional depth, lyrical prose, and unflinching exploration of the human condition.
Early Life and Background
Lee's early life was marked by displacement and struggle. As a child, she witnessed the devastation of war firsthand in Korea and later faced racism and xenophobia in her adopted country. These experiences would shape her writing and activism for years to come. Despite these challenges, Lee's family instilled in her a love of learning and literature that would serve as a foundation for her future endeavors.
Major Accomplishments
Lee's literary accomplishments are numerous and notable. She published several collections of poetry and short stories, including the critically acclaimed "The Name of Silence" (1996) and "Firefly" (2002). Her writing often explored themes of identity, belonging, and social justice. In addition to her literary achievements, Lee was a vocal advocate for human rights and social change. She worked tirelessly with various organizations to promote education, healthcare, and economic empowerment for marginalized communities.
Notable Works or Actions
Lee's most notable work is arguably "The Name of Silence," which explores the experiences of Korean immigrants in America. The collection received widespread critical acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of cultural identity and social justice issues. Lee was also a vocal advocate for the rights of women, minorities, and other marginalized groups. Her activism took her to the streets, where she organized protests, rallies, and community events aimed at promoting social change.
Impact and Legacy
Lee's impact on literature and social justice is undeniable. Her writing continues to inspire new generations of readers and writers, while her advocacy has helped shape policy and public discourse around issues of human rights and social inequality. Lee's legacy extends beyond her own lifetime; she paved the way for future generations of women and minorities in literature and activism.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Lee is widely quoted and remembered for her unflinching honesty, lyrical prose, and unwavering commitment to social justice. Her writing continues to resonate with readers today because it speaks to fundamental human experiences: identity, belonging, and the quest for a more just world. Lee's advocacy has inspired countless individuals to take action on behalf of marginalized communities, and her legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of literature and activism.
In conclusion, Sharon Lee was a remarkable individual whose life and work continue to inspire readers and activists around the world. Her writing and advocacy have left an indelible mark on literature and social justice, ensuring that her legacy will endure for generations to come.
Quotes by Sharon Lee

Especially given Bechimo’s feelings about Uncle, who, as it happened, was on the Disallowed List, the Double-Plus Disallowed List and, Theo guessed, the Don’t Send a Mother’s Day Card List.

If you gotta leave before I come back, I want to thank you for sharing the music. Remember that you’re not alone, ever; that there’s always the music, connecting all of us, and the whole world, too.

If I’d talked to anybody, instead of just passing judgment on myself, knowing that I was evil, because I was heir to every evil thing that had been visited upon me.

You will have to be on your guard, and when your guard slips, you must recover.” My fencing master used to say something eerily similar to that. And then she’d add that making a recover was much more difficult than simply doing the thing right the first time.

Freely given, freely shared, between true companions and friends.” That was an old phrase, but Gran had made sure I knew all the old phrases. JoAnn looked – and according to the land, felt – startled. For a long moment, she didn’t move, then she smiled again – a little less firmly – and took the bag from me. “The feast increases, with the goodwill of all.

The instinct for profit, thought Jela – personal profit. That instinct was maybe not a long-term survival trait.

The words “brilliant,” “radical,” “original” were more often than not the descriptors applied to Scholar Kiladi’s work. There was of course a leavening of “popinjay,” “recluse,” and “dangerous madman” from his detractors, but those served more to relieve than alarm her. A scholar who did not make collegial enemies was a scholar who was not exercising his intellect to its fullest extent.


