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Comparing 1960s Protests To Today's, And New Revelations About Leonardo Da Vinci

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During the Vietnam War, military conflict in Southeast Asia aggravated flaring social issues back home. Today, we discuss how activism during the war advanced the fight for civil rights on many fronts, and how mass protests then compare to today's resistance movements. Then, renowned biographer Walter Issacson takes us into the mind of Leonardo da Vinci. Learn about the original Renaissance man, who painted Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, and laid groundwork for centuries of scientific progress.

As part of Big Read KC, UMKC history professors Sandra Enríquez and Rebecca Davis will discuss Vietnam War-era protests at the Kansas City Public Library's Central Library at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 25. For more information, visit KCLibrary.org.

Walter Isaacson presents his new biography, 'Leonardo da Vinci,' at the Unity Temple on the Plaza at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 27. For ticketing and more information, visit RainyDayBooks.com.

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.
As culture editor, I help you embrace what makes Kansas City fun and vibrant, whether it’s a championship sports franchise or a little-known wonder. I work with reporters to ensure KCUR stories on art, culture, and race fully reflect our diverse home so readers and listeners can take full advantage of what the metro has to offer. Email me at luke@kcur.org.