Son of radicals, Zayd Ayers Dohrn details a childhood underground and on the run
Zayd Ayers Dohrn reflects on his unconventional childhood spent underground due to his parents' radical activism. His mother, Bernardine Dohrn, was a prominent figure in the Weather Underground, which sought to overthrow the U.S. government. In his memoir, he explores the complexities of growing up in a family committed to revolutionary ideals while also navigating the challenges of normal life.
- ▪Zayd Ayers Dohrn's parents were leaders of radical groups opposing the Vietnam War and racism.
- ▪The Weather Underground, co-founded by his parents, engaged in bombings to protest government actions.
- ▪Bernardine Dohrn was on the FBI's 10 Most Wanted list before turning herself in and later becoming a lawyer.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Author Interviews Son of radicals, Zayd Ayers Dohrn details a childhood underground and on the run May 18, 20261:51 PM ET Terry Gross Zayd Ayers Dohrn walks with his parents Bill Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn outside the Federal Court Building in New York, May 17, 1982. David Handschuh/Associated Press hide caption toggle caption David Handschuh/Associated Press Zayd Ayers Dohrn spent much of his childhood underground and on the run. His mother, Bernardine Dohrn, was a leader of the '60s radical student group Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), which opposed the war in Vietnam and racism. Along with Dohrn's father, Bill Ayers, she helped found the Weather Underground, a group committed to armed resistance against the government.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at NPR — News.