4-03. Political Work: Time in Weather Underground, Part 1
Title
4-03. Political Work: Time in Weather Underground, Part 1
Subject
Description
In this recording, part of a larger video memoir project, lifetime activist and educator Suzanne Ross speaks about her time as part of the Weather Underground.
From Suzanne: "I was glad to be in a structure of accountability and collectivity (despite the top-down leadership) in being underground with the WUO. It was different from being a supporter overground as there was more time for study and dialogue. The bombing actions, the core of what the WUO became infamous for, were the most exciting times. Our purpose seemed clear and our power heightened. The impact on the real world was palpable as the media covered these actions and people talked about them, the targets and the impact of the bombings. Though no major damage was inflicted on the enemy, the State, these actions were educational, the significance of the targets and the timing of these attacks. Perhaps most important, was the demonstration of the vulnerability of the State, with a group of young dissidents being able to penetrate the heart of the powerful institutions of the greatest Empire on earth.
On the negative side, I found the relationship to Black and Puerto Rican organizations and key activists too indirect for me, unlike my previous daily work with Black, Puerto Rican and Vietnamese comrades. I was not able to discern what their strategies were from the indirect communications of those in the WUO who were engaged in these meetings. And structurally the overly centralized and commandist style of leadership led to stultification, lack of creativity, and errors.
The breakup of the organization was upsetting and required reevaluation politically and personally. In the final analysis both the leadership and the general membership were responsible for many of the errors and had to evaluate their own and the organization’s incorrect choices."
From Suzanne: "I was glad to be in a structure of accountability and collectivity (despite the top-down leadership) in being underground with the WUO. It was different from being a supporter overground as there was more time for study and dialogue. The bombing actions, the core of what the WUO became infamous for, were the most exciting times. Our purpose seemed clear and our power heightened. The impact on the real world was palpable as the media covered these actions and people talked about them, the targets and the impact of the bombings. Though no major damage was inflicted on the enemy, the State, these actions were educational, the significance of the targets and the timing of these attacks. Perhaps most important, was the demonstration of the vulnerability of the State, with a group of young dissidents being able to penetrate the heart of the powerful institutions of the greatest Empire on earth.
On the negative side, I found the relationship to Black and Puerto Rican organizations and key activists too indirect for me, unlike my previous daily work with Black, Puerto Rican and Vietnamese comrades. I was not able to discern what their strategies were from the indirect communications of those in the WUO who were engaged in these meetings. And structurally the overly centralized and commandist style of leadership led to stultification, lack of creativity, and errors.
The breakup of the organization was upsetting and required reevaluation politically and personally. In the final analysis both the leadership and the general membership were responsible for many of the errors and had to evaluate their own and the organization’s incorrect choices."
Creator
Date
2022
Contributor
Rights
You can, without permission, copy, modify, distribute, display, or perform the Item, for non-commercial uses. For any other permissible uses, please review the terms and conditions with the organization that has made the Item available.
Format
MP4
Language
English
Type
Video memoir
Identifier
AV-ROSS.033
Original Format
MP4
Duration
00:17:49
Media
Collection
Citation
Ross, Suzanne, “4-03. Political Work: Time in Weather Underground, Part 1,” Bronx History Online, accessed August 22, 2025, https://digital.bronxhistoricalsociety.org/AV-ROSS/AV-ROSS.033.
Position: 202 (2 views)