HEROS OF THE SIXTIES COUNTER CULTURE
Michael Bowen-Artist Michael Bowen was instrumental in many of the key developments in the Haight-Ashbury. He helped Allan Cohen turn his dream of a "rainbow-colored newspaper" into reality, contributing art, obtaining funding, and even turning his apartment over to The Oracle for office use. Michael, along with the Oracle, organized the "Love Pageant Rally", which was held to protest the outlawing of LSD on October 6, 1966. Surprised at the larger than expected turnout, he and others envisioned a much larger gathering, a "Human Be-In", which would publicize this breaking "new dawn" on the cultural landscape. Using his connections, Michael arranged for Timothy Leary, Allen Ginsberg, and others to appear, and organized publicity for this seminal event.Allen Cohen-Allen Cohen was a young poet from New York, drawn to the Haight-Ashbury by the prevailing bohemian spirit. One night, he dreamed of a psychedelic "rainbow-colored" newspaper, which would be seen throughout the world. With the support and funding of interested locals, the first issue of "The Oracle" appeared on the streets of the Haight-Ashbury in September, 1966. With its stunning split-fountain printing and psychedelic artwork, The Oracle was one of the most beautiful n
Tony Seldin- better known as The Vagabond Poet, is the poet lauret of today's Haight-Ashbury in both deed and spirit. Ken Kesey has called him "The last living underground legend in America." He has performed his acclaimed poetry on stage for many years, but may be even better known for the numerous literary events and benefits he has organized for, among others, Amnesty International. He organized a two-evening literary fundraiser for the late Jan Kerouac. Tony has been especially active in events relating to the Haight-Ashbury, having helped organize multi-media shows such as "The rise and fall of the Haight-Ashbury in the 60's" and "Summer of Love" anniversary shows. Perhaps Ron Kovic said it best: "Tony Seldin is a truth teller like Whitman, like Thoreau. He is a gift, an American treasure, a poet of all the people." Wavy Gravy-was a beat poet, comedian, one-time Merry Prankster, and, by unanimous acclaim, the "clown prince of the counterculture". Using comedy as a vehicle for social change, Wavy Gravy and his fellow "Hog Farmers", so-called because they shared a commune with numerous hogs, traveled the country during the sixties to protest the war and focus attention on poverty. The hog farmers pulled into Woodstock in August 1969, running the kitchen and providing medical aid while Wavy served as master of ceremonies for the historic event. Today, Wavy is active in Seva, which provides medical aid to those in need here and abroad, and in Camp Winnarainbow, which teaches circus and performance arts to children of all backgrounds.
Some common words found in the essay are:
Diggers- Haight-Ashbury, Timothy Leary-, Ken Kesey, San Francisco, Ginsberg-Allen Ginsberg, Cohen-Allen Cohen, Avalon Ballroom, Haight-Ashbury September, Gary Snyder, Woodstock August, human be-in, san francisco, acid test, ken kesey, beat poet, hog farmers, rainbow-colored newspaper, social agenda, magic bus, haight street,
Approximate Word count = 1618
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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