33.047 - Diving In: Bill Ayers and the Art of Writing Into the Contradiction

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

This symposium celebrates the life and work of Bill Ayers, and is particularly inspired by his exhortation, familiar to anyone who has been his student, to “write into the contradiction.” Three of Bill’s closest colleagues have been invited to present papers examining Bill’s influence as a teacher, a scholar and a friend. One paper is historical, another dramatic, and the third narrative in style—the texts themselves are a testament to Bill’s multiplicity. Their unique writings will serve to spark discussion with Bill himself, his brother, one of his students, and the audience.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Biographical and Documentary Research

Chairs

• William C. Ayers, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Crystal T. Laura, Chicago State University

Papers

• What Doctoral Studies and Dissertations Can Be - William (Bill) H. Schubert, University of Illinois at Chicago

• "It's a Strange World—Some Get Rich and Others Eat Shit and Die": Bill Ayers and the Art of Entering Our Contradictions - David O. Stovall, University of Illinois at Chicago

Discussants

• Richard Ayers, University of San Francisco

• Isabel Nunez, Concordia University - Chicago