In the Civil Rights Movement, music was vital to fueling the activism and lifting the spirits of African-Americans fighting for racial justice and social change. In this class, rock and soul music author and historian Richie Unterberger highlights the role music played in reflecting and inspiring the movement. Filmed and recorded performances by the likes of Curtis Mayfield, Nina Simone, Abbey Lincoln, and Marvin Gaye will be featured in this journey through Civil Rights soul (and some jazz and gospel) of the 1960s and 1970s.
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Award-winning reporter and author John Markoff explores how libertarianism took root in Silicon Valley — despite deep ties to U.S. government funding. In conversation with Peter Richardson, he traces key moments from Apple’s 1984 ad to today’s Big Tech battles over regulation, alongside shifting public perceptions of the industry.
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Let's roll up our sleeves to support the incredible restoration work of Save The Bay. Together, we'll work at the MLK Regional Shoreline Nursery — watering, weeding and tending seedlings that will soon revitalize our local shoreline. We may do a little shoreline tidying up, too. No experience necessary! Just the desire to have fun and make a difference.
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Time flies! Join us for an End-of-Academic-Year Happy Hour on Monday, June 29, 3:30–5:30 PM, at Zino (2086 Allston Way, Berkeley) in the Hotel Shattuck. Come solo or bring a friend. New members and longtime members who've never attended a Happy Hour are encouraged to attend. The welcome will be warm! This is a no-host (but yes-fun) gathering. No need to RSVP. Hope to see you there. Organized by OLLI's Member Engagement Committee.
Step aboard the USS Potomac — once the floating White House of Franklin D. Roosevelt — on a fascinating guided dockside tour that brings its remarkable story to life. Originally built in 1934 as the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Electra and transformed just two years later into a presidential yacht, the Potomac served FDR until his death in April 1945. Discover how this historic vessel journeyed through decades of change before finding its home in Jack London Square.
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Join us on July 14 for a guided tour of the San Francisco Embarcadero's outdoor gallery of giant, joyful public artworks, led by OLLI member and SFMOMA docent Laurie Sanchez. Along the way, you'll discover the stories behind these shimmering, awe-inspiring forms — works that celebrate movement, resilience and imagination.
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Join us for a guided tour of the places where the pivotal events of the 1960s unfolded. The Free Speech Movement was one of that decade's first major protests — and a spark for student activism across the U.S. and around the world. What led to it, and why here? Led by guide Rodney Paul, we'll explore key locations on and near Telegraph Ave, and the Berkeley institutions that played quiet but important roles in shaping this remarkable legacy.
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Join us as we explore the rich, enduring spirit of Oakland’s Chinatown on a guided 2.5-hour walking tour. For 175 years, Chinatown has been a hub for immigrants and communities across the Asian diaspora, shaped by stories of perseverance and the search for belonging that began during California’s Gold Rush. We’ll visit sites central to the neighborhood’s often untold history, meet local leaders, and savor the flavors that make Chinatown so beloved.
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Let's dish it up! 🍉 Join us for our 2nd annual Midsummer Potluck — an evening packed with good food, great company and lively conversation. Bring your favorite dish to share (homemade or store-bought — no judgment, we love it all!). New to OLLI? Even better — this is the perfect time to meet and mingle, one delicious bite at a time.
[For members only • Learn more and let us know you're coming]
Join us for a guided tour of Oakland's Paramount Theatre, a beautifully restored 1931 National Historic Landmark and one of the finest examples of Art Deco design in the country. Explore the remarkable architecture, intricate design details and rich history behind one of the city's most iconic venues — a rare opportunity to experience a local classic up close.
[For members only • Learn more and register]