East Third Street Named for Founding Poet, Rev. Pedro Pietri
On April 1, 2006, the City of New York officially named East Third Street "Rev. Pedro Pietri Way", and Nuyoricans from all over the city turned out to celebrate the life and work of our beloved Pedro.
Piñero
The film Piñero was released in 2001, starring Benjamin Bratt and Talisa Soto, directed by Leon Ichaso, tells the story of Nuyorican founding poet, Miguel Piñero.
The Nuyorican Poets Cafe celebrated its 30 year Anniversary (2003) and its 35 year Anniversary (2008) at The Town Hall in NYC.

The 30 year Anniversary presented "Mikey" awards (named in honor of Miguel Piñero) for lifetime achievement in the community to Ray Barretto, Benjamin Bratt, John Leguizamo, Rosie Perez and Russell Simmons' Def Poetry Jam.
The 35th Anniversary, hosted by Rosie Perez and Flaco Navaja, was a huge success and gave poets, musicians and performers, including Yuerbabuena, La Bruja, Sandra Maria Esteves, Mariposa, Ishmael Reed and so many others, an amazing opportunity to celebrate their history and love for the Nuyorican.

History

Founded circa 1973, The Nuyorican Poets Cafe began as a living room salon in the East Village apartment of writer and poet, Miguel Algarin. Algarin, a college professor at the center of this blossoming arts community, was dedicated to bringing new work into the public eye. By 1975 it became clear that there were many poets and too much energy for Algarin's living room. William Morrow Inc. had just published an anthology titled ?Nuyorican Poetry?. Miguel Piñero's ?Short Eyes? had just won two awards as best play of the 1974 season. Poetry, the vital sign of a new culture, needed to be heard live. So Algarin rented an Irish bar, the Sunshine Cafe on East 6th Street, which was christened The Nuyorican Poets Cafe. By 1980, the overflow of audiences led the Cafe to purchase an ?in rem? building at 236 East 3rd Street to expand its activities and programs.

A non-profit organization, the Cafe has emerged as one of the country's most highly respected arts organizations and has become an acclaimed forum for innovative poetry, music, hip hop, video, visual arts, comedy and theatre.

The mission of the Cafe is to create a multi-cultural venue that both nurtures artists and exhibits a variety of artistic works. Without limitation, we are dedicated to providing a stage for the arts with access for the widest public.

The Cafe's purpose has always been to provide a stage for the artists traditionally under-represented in the mainstream media and culture; promoting their work while building an audience and providing an ongoing support system for them as they grow. Our organization provides cultural programming to the whole of our community. Our programming includes poetry and prose readings, theatrical and musical performances, and visual art exhibits. The weekly Poetry Slams are a hugely successful popularization of poetry conducted in mock epic contest judged by people selected at random from the audience. Our Theater Program has been awarded over 30 Audelco Awards and was honored with an OBIE Grant for excellence in theater. Theater events are held early evening from Thursday through Saturday with frequent Sunday matinees. Our Latin Jazz Jam Session on Thursday nights fills the Cafe with its own special flavor and has been a weekly ?Critics Choice? at New York Press for six consecutive years. Our Fifth Night Series has produced over 40 films from screenplay readings since its inception in January '94. Our Hip Hop events include an open mic and competitions for poets, freestylers and emcees, as well as collaborations for story tellers and jazz musicians. We are proud that our ongoing efforts to provide support for the creative life of hundreds of artists has given us a crucial role in the artistic life of New York City.

Founding Poets of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe:

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

  • Roland Legiardi-Laura
  • Sonia Lopez
  • Rome Neal
  • Daniel Gallant, Executive Director

FOR PROGRAMMING OR RENTAL INQUIRIES:

Contact Daniel Gallant or call 212-780-9386

Contact Jason Quinones or call 212-780-9386

STAFF, CURATORS AND CONSULTANTS:

  • Jason Quinones
    General Manager

    • Contact Jason Quinones

  • Mahogany Browne
    Poetry Director
  • Nilo Mota
    Finance

    • Volunteer lawyers for the arts

    The Nuyorican Poets Cafe would like to thank Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts for their invaluable legal assistance.