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Founded circa 1973, The Nuyorican Poets Cafe began as a living room salon in the East Village apartment of writer and poet, Miguel Algarin. 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.

Contents 1 Leadership 2 Mission 3 Founding Poets of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe 4 BOARD OF DIRECTORS: 5 CURATORS AND ADVISORS: 6 STAFF:

Leadership

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.

Mission

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.

Founding Poets of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe

   * Miguel Algarin
* Richard August
* Shorty Bon Bon
* Jorge Brandon
* Diane Burns
* Americo Casiano
* Lucky Cienfuegos
* Sandra Maria Esteves
* Eddie Figueroa
* Meredith Genin aka Belle Starr
* Lois Elaine Griffith
* Tato Laviera
* Miguel Loperena
* Jesus Papoleto Melendez
* Jose Parreño
* Rev. Pedro Pietri
* Miguel Piñero
* Bimbo Rivas
* Raul Santiago Sebazco
* Ntozake Shange

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

   * Miguel Algarin, Founder
Professor of English, Rutgers University (retired)
* Lois Elaine Griffith, Treasurer
Professor of English, Borough of Manhattan Community College
Curator, Music Programming
* Roland Legiardi-Laura, Board Member
Poet & Filmmaker
* Sonia Lopez, Secretary Ex Oficio
* Rome Neal, Board Member
Director of the Theater Program
* Carlton Spiller, Board Chair
Attorney, Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith, Ravin, Davis & Himmel, LLP
* Daniel Gallant, Executive Director

CURATORS AND ADVISORS:

   * Willie Correa
Technical Advisor
* Clare Ultimo
Design Director
Website Designer & Editor
Nuyorican Poetry Slam Archivist
* Jonathan Georgeff
WebMaster
* Mahogany Browne
Host and Curator of weekly Poetry Slam
* Luis Carle
Curator of Visual Art Program

STAFF:

   * Sam Diaz
Administrative Director
* Corrie Zaccaria
Office Manager
* Julio Dalmau
House Manager
* Carmen Pietri Diaz
Administrative/Executive Director Emeritus