A time of REMEMBRANCE 2020-2021
Tribute to artists who have passed during the Pandemic
We reflect on the legacy of our organization's founder, Miguel Algarín, who passed on November 30 after a decades-long career as a poet, activist, educator, leader and advocate for the literary and performing arts.
In his Lower East Side apartment, the Nuyorican Poets Cafe was born as an outspoken and passionate collective of poets, musicians, theater artists and activists.
Miguel was a brilliant poet, an influential professor and leader, and a supportive mentor who inspired and guided generations of artists.
He edited popular anthologies of poetry and theater, including Aloud: Voices from the Nuyorican Poets Cafe and Action; he helped launch the Nuyorican Literary movement; and he played an instrumental role in popularizing spoken word and performance poetry across the United States and around the world.
Miguel and the Cafe's co-founders amplified the voices and championed the work of Latinx, Black, LGBTQ+ and immigrant artists who were not accepted by the academic, entertainment or publishing industries.
Thanks to their pioneering work, and thanks to our community of friends and supporters, the Cafe has remained a vibrant home for creative expression since 1973. The literary world owes Miguel a debt of gratitude. He will be greatly missed.
Craig “muMs” Grant
Brilliant and beloved poet, actor, and playwright, and a kind and generous friend and mentor to many artists. muMs was a member of our slam team in 1996, and he graced the stage here many times since. He was the eloquent playwright and performer of A Sucker Emcee, a longtime member of LAByrinth Theater Company, and an accomplished actor, known for memorable roles in Oz, Luke Cage, Bamboozled and dozens of other productions. He inspired all of us, and he will be greatly missed.
Adál Maldonado
Adál Maldonado was a photographer and performance artist whose wide-ranging works, including portraits of notable Puerto Rican artists and intellectuals, received international acclaim and were exhibited at MoMA, the Met, and Museo del Barrio. With poet Pedro Pietri, he create El Puerto Rican Embassy, a multidisciplinary project of passports images and an accompanying manifesto.
MF Doom
Daniel Dumile adopted the persona MF DOOM after a hiatus from his earlier music career. He re-emered at our open mics in the late 90's, wearing a stocking over his face which would evolve into his iconic metal mask. As a rapper and producer, his distinctive style has left an indelible mark on hip hop.
