Abbie Hoffman was born on November 30, 1936 in Worcester, Massachusetts. He grew up in a middle-class Jewish family and attended public schools in Worcester. He later studied psychology at Brandeis University, where he became involved in student activism and social justice issues.
After graduating from Brandeis, Hoffman became a political activist and co-founded the Youth International Party, also known as the Yippies. The Yippies were known for their theatrical protests and use of humor to draw attention to social and political issues.
Hoffman gained national attention as a member of the Chicago Seven, a group of anti-Vietnam War activists who were charged with conspiracy and inciting to riot during the 1968 Democratic National Convention. Despite being sentenced to five years in prison, Hoffman's conviction was later overturned.
Throughout his life, Hoffman continued to be a vocal advocate for civil rights, anti-war activism, and environmental causes. He organized and led various protests and demonstrations, including the March on the Pentagon in 1967 and the No Nukes Concert in 1979.
Hoffman was married twice, with his second wife being Anita Kushner. Their relationship ended in 1980. He had two children, Andrew and Amy, from his first marriage to Sheila Karklin.
Abbie Hoffman's legacy as a civil rights leader and political activist continues to inspire people to speak out against injustice and fight for social change. His use of humor and creativity in protest tactics set a precedent for future generations of activists.