On March 8, 2025–International Working Women’s Day, some 300 people gathered in Berkeley to celebrate in words, music, and film, the life and work of MECA co-founder and longtime director Barbara Lubin. She died in December 2025 surrounded by her children, her grandchildren, and her husband, MECA co-founder Howard Levine.

Soon, news articles and social media posts proliferated. Barbara’s dear friend, one of the LA 8, and former MECA Board President Michel Shehadeh wrote, “Barbara showed us what it means to choose humanity over comfort, justice over silence, and love over fear. She taught us that solidarity is not an idea, but a lifelong practice.”  Former MECA Communications  Coordinator Leena Al-Arian remembered how, “She personally inspected clothing donations to ensure that the children who received them were given only new or like-new items that were beautiful and could be worn with pride and dignity.” Another staff member wrote, “Barbara Lubin pulled no punches, suffered no fools, put up with no bullshit, and tolerated no sentimentality. But what a giant, soft heart she had and what a life she lived.” A group of children and adults in Gaza held a vigil for her in a tent. Her son Alex commented, “I can’t begin to explain how moving it is that people living through hell in Gaza are taking the time to recognize my mother.” Children at one of MECA’s Gaza partner organizations did a dance performance to honor Barbara.

The first speaker at the memorial service was the great scholar and activist Angela Davis, followed by her family members, including her niece who knew Barbara longer than anyone who attended, MECA Board members, and other friends and activists.  Several speakers acknowledged Barbara’s son Charlie, now a middle-aged man with Down Syndrome and the greatest motivation for her commitment to justice and care for all children.  Some recalled her work before MECA: as a draft counselor during the Vietnam War, as a disability justice activist, a high school dropout who became President of the Berkeley School Board, and a fiercely loyal and hilarious friend.

Below we share some writing and video about this remarkable woman who will be forever missed.

For more about Barbara’s life:

A short video about Barbara created for the service:

A video the entire memorial service:

Tributes by MECA staff and Michel Shehadeh