Former Member of the 'Weather Underground' Discusses Turbulent '60s at SMC
MORAGA, CA (Nov. 6, 2003) – Saint Mary's College of California's History Department will offer a free screening of the documentary film "The Weather Underground," followed by an insider's perspective on the radical group by former member Rick Ayers on Wednesday, Nov. 19.
The documentary, directed by Sam Green and Bill Siegel, examines the rise and fall of a group of student activists committed to stopping the Vietnam War and responsible for the bombing of many buildings they called "symbols of American injustice." Originally named the Weathermen, a radical offshoot of the Students for a Democratic Society, they renamed themselves the Weather Underground when they became fugitives in 1970.
Following the screening of the film, Ayers will discuss the politically explosive period of the late '60s and early '70s, and the ethical and moral issues it raised. Ayers is a longtime social justice activist who currently teaches English at Berkeley High School.
Ayers' brother and sister-in-law, Bill Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn, are the primary figures in "The Weather Underground," which alternates between archival footage of the group's revolutionary activities and the activists' current reflections on the forces that drove their resistance movement. The film won the Golden Gate Award for best documentary at the San Francisco International Film Festival.
When: Wednesday, Nov. 19, 7-10 p.m.
Where: Soda Activity Center, Saint Mary's College of California, 1928 St. Mary's Road, Moraga, CA.
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Saint Mary's College of California is one of the most distinguished colleges in the West. The College's reputation for excellence, innovation and responsiveness comes from its heritage as a Catholic, Lasallian Christian Brothers, Liberal Arts institution. This heritage creates a unique, personalized, student-centered learning community. An outstanding, committed faculty that values teaching and student interaction brings these traditions to life. Saint Mary's offers undergraduate and graduate programs integrating liberal arts and professional education. The College is located in the Moraga foothills, just 20 miles east of San Francisco.