Description
Approximately a third of this collection consists of the papers from these two groups: publicity, minutes, organizational
records, correspondence, and more. A second significant segment of these papers concerns Shapiro's involvements in the 1960s
and 1970s, particularly those in support of the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense, and his work around prison issues, particularly
the San Quentin Six. He also did work on medical aid for Vietnam, involvement in the Mobilization to End the War in Vietnam,
and the rebuilding of Bach Mai hospital.
Background
We've been told since out first childhood disappointment that life isn't fair. Dr. Philip Shapiro, a prominent Bay Area Psychiatrist
and Human Rights activist for over a quarter of a century, lived his life as if to say "not if I have anything to do with
it." Through his involvement with groups such as the Medial Committee for Human Rights, Physicians for Social Responsibility,
the California Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects, and the Black Panther Party (among others) Dr. Shapiro fought
for the common man, and for those who could not fight themselves. Beginning in the Late 60's with the MCHR's outspoken protests
of America's involvement in Vietnam, it was apparent that Dr. Shapiro was a man who acted on what he believed. On top of his
daytime employment as a respected psychiatrist at San Francisco's Mt. Zion hospital, Dr. Shapiro was a tireless worker who
organized meetings, speeches, protest marches, and charity functions to raise public awareness of what he felt was an extremely
inhumane course of action be taken by our Government. Through his connections in the MCHR, Dr. Shapiro was attracted to other
causes which he felt could use his assistance- everything from subsidized hospitals in the ghettos of Oakland (in collaboration
with the Black Panther Party) to anti-nuclear proliferation to the rights of those in prison. He struggled to ensure that
every man, regardless of race, financial status or beliefs, was treated as a man. Dr. Shapiro passed away in 1995, leaving
behind him lifetime of accomplishments, friends, and admirers.
Restrictions
Property rights reside with the repository. Literary rights reside with the creators of the documents or their heirs. To obtain
permission to publish or reproduce, please contact the Public Services Librarian of the Dept. of Special Collections.