Description
The Berkeley Barb was an influential underground newspaper published in Berkeley, California, from 1965 to 1980. Founded by Max Scherr, it became a voice for the counterculture movement, covering radical politics, civil rights, anti-war protests, and free speech advocacy.
Known for its provocative tone, “the ‘Barb” also featured coverage of the sexual revolution, drug culture, and underground art scenes. It played a significant role in shaping the cultural and political discourse of the 1960s and 1970s, particularly during the Free Speech Movement and Vietnam War protests. The Barb was a symbol of rebellion and a hub for progressive ideas.
This issue’s top story concerns the July 31, 1968 incident centered around “People’s Park,” an area that activists and community members had transformed into a public space after the University of California had left the land unused and fenced off. Homeless individuals’ presence and the park’s grassroots nature clashed with city authorities and property interests. On this day, law enforcement conducted aggressive sweeps, often targeting homeless individuals, clearing camps, and dismantling community-built facilities. This enforcement was part of broader efforts to suppress activism and assert institutional control.
Reports of police brutality surfaced, with officers accused of excessive force during evictions and arrests. The crackdown symbolized the era’s growing divide between authorities and marginalized communities. It galvanized activists to defend the homeless and People’s Park, intensifying the fight for justice, equity, and public spaces in Berkeley.
As with all these old newspapers, the back ads are worth the price of admission.
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