Jack Hirschman l 87

In loving memory of Jack Hirschman, who died in his home on August 22, 2021. We are so fortunate to have his voice as part of this project.

Jack was a world renowned writer, antiwar activist, translator, and proud resident of North Beach. Jack moved to San Francisco in 1972. He’d been fired from his role as a professor at UCLA for leading his students against the war in Vietnam. Until his death, he advocated for broad social change –ranging from issues like homelessness in San Francisco to the “corporatism” he observed in Washington, DC. Before the pandemic, he frequented North Beach’s litany of bars and cafes with a special fondness for Specs’, the famed bar and meeting place for activists and artists, particularly writers. At Specs’, Jack has made countless memories over the years. “That’s where I’ve spent many nights –I’ve laughed, I’ve cried, shared joys and also for those who’ve passed on, many tears at Specs’.”

Interview date: 2/19/21

Referred and interviewed by: Marina Lazzara