Nibbles & Knowledge is our new signature lecture series that pairs thought-provoking talks from leading experts with delightful refreshments, offering a perfect blend of intellectual stimulation and social connection.


OLLI at FIU celebrates 65 years of To Kill a Mockingbird—a groundbreaking novel that reshaped American literature while boldly confronting the social challenges of its era.

 
Lauren Radick  explores many aspects of its legacy, including how the book influenced the civil rights movement and why its themes remain relevant today.

Lauren's lecture offers an immersive look behind the novel—tracing Harper Lee’s personal journey, her storytelling craft, the history of the Jim Crow South, and the rich symbolism woven throughout the book—to deepen our understanding of this enduring classic.

Through dynamic discussions, text exploration, and interactive activities, we will engage with the novel’s courageous characters and the complex ethical dilemmas they face—revealing how To Kill a Mockingbird continues to spark powerful conversations about courage, compassion, and justice.