Bill Ayers

Date of Birth: December 26, 1944

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Biography

William Charles “Bill” Ayers is an American activist, educator, and former member of the radical left-wing organization Weather Underground. Born in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, Ayers became known in the 1960s and 1970s for his involvement in anti-Vietnam War activities. He co-founded the Weather Underground, which was responsible for a series of bombings, including the U.S. Capitol, the Pentagon, and the New York City Police Headquarters, as a form of protest against U.S. government policies. After the dissolution of the Weather Underground, Ayers turned his focus to education, earning a doctorate in Education from Columbia University. He has since become a prominent figure in educational reform and a professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he has written extensively on social justice and educational theory.

5 Interesting Facts about Bill Ayers

1. Bill Ayers was a co-founder of the Weather Underground, a radical left-wing organization active in the 1960s and 1970s.

2. Ayers turned himself in to authorities in 1980 after years of living underground; however, due to procedural issues, most charges against him were dropped.

3. He has authored several books on education, including “Teaching the Taboo” and “To Teach: The Journey, in Comics.”

4. Ayers is married to Bernardine Dohrn, a fellow former member of the Weather Underground.

5. In 2008, Ayers gained national attention during Barack Obama’s presidential campaign due to their past acquaintanceship, leading to media scrutiny.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Bill Ayers

1. “Every revolution seems impossible at the beginning, and after it happens, it was inevitable.”

2. “Teaching is an act of love, an act of courage, an act of hope amidst the darkness.”

3. “You don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.”

4. “Education is the point at which we decide whether we love the world enough to assume responsibility for it.”

5. “The only choice we have as educators is whether we will be honest or dishonest about the world we are preparing young people to enter.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Estimated highest net worth: $1 million

Children

Bill Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn have two children, Zayd Dohrn and Malik Dohrn. Zayd is a playwright and professor, while Malik has generally stayed out of the public eye.