Abraham Lincoln Brigade Archives Programs
The following are videos from San Francisco Bay Area annual Abraham Lincoln Brigade Archives programs hosted by Richard Bermack. They include presentations by winners of the ALBA/Puffin Human Rights Award. For a complete listing of other ALBA programs go to their website, ALBA-VALB.org/
2025
Aug 3
Surviving Repressive Times
Stories of Trauma, Resilience and Resistance
Film screening followed by presentations by the children of the Lincoln Brigade vets and how their families survived the repression of the 1950s.
The Truth Be Told: Irving Norman and the Human Predicament, a film by Ray Day based on Lincoln Vet Irving Norman’s social surreal nightmare paintings of the 1950s
To view the film by Ray Day (65 minutes) https://vimeo.com/904965078
The 1950s were a dark time. Hear from children of the Lincoln Brigade whose families were harassed, blacklisted, and jailed. Parents slammed doors on FBI agents, children were chased by agents and threatened with abduction, books disappeared from coffee tables during the time of “the hush,” when you never knew who might be an informant. Some parents were afraid to even tell their children about Spain. But the progressive community came to their aid. Their beliefs in the spirit of activism and fighting for a better world carried them through and children continued the resistance and activism of their parents.
Panelists include: Paul Harris, Martha Olsen-Jaroki, Margo Feinberg, Marci Rubin, and Cecilia London.
2023
An Injury to One is an Injury to All:
A Tribute to Archie Brown and the Vets in the ILWU
2022
Life After Hate
ALBA/Puffin Human Rights Award winner Life After Hate is an organization whose mission is to help people leave the violent far-right and to connect with humanity and lead compassionate lives. They envision a world that allows people to change and contribute to a society without violence. The work of LAH will help ensure that the horrendous events of January 6 are never repeated.
The event also includes a tribute to Chinese American volunteers in the Spanish Civil War.
2021
Musicians Barbara Dane and Bruce Barthol talk about Spanish Civil War music and the Lincoln vets’ legacy of activism.
A tribute to the ALBA/Puffin Human Rights Award winner My Brothers Keeper, which provides healthcare to those in need in Jackson, Mississippi, including people in the African American and LGBTQ communities.
2020
The San Francisco Lincoln Brigade Monument
Includes keynote presentation by Isabel Allende, the history of the San Francisco Lincoln Brigade monument, its relation to San Francisco labor history, and readings from the monument. The event also honors ALBA/Puffin award winner No More Deaths.