Heros of the sixties counter c
Heros of the sixties counter cMichael 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 newspapers ever printed. At its peak, over 100,000 copies a month were printed, and true to Allen�s dream, it was indeed seen around the world.
Neil Cassidy-As the model for the non-stop Dean Moriarity in Jack Kerouac�s, �On the Road�, the free-spirited Neil Cassady was already a legend by the time he met a young novelist named Ken Kesey in 1963. With his incredible energy and abilities, Neil demonstrated to the Pranksters just what �Furthur� really meant. Neil�s feats as the driver of the Magic Bus defied belief, as did his ability to carry on multiple conversations simultaneously. To those who knew him, Neil was �The fastest man alive�, a model of �being�, versus doing. Neil, Jerry Garcia once said,..�was unbelievable. He was a true inspiration. There really hasn�t been anything like him since.�
The Diggers- were a Haight-Ashbury group which mixed much needed social services with a fiery social agenda. Taking the name of a 17th century English commune and promoting their vision of a socialist utopia, they fed hundreds daily in the nearby park, while badgering Haight-Ashbury businesses to distribute their profits to the community. To promote their ideas, they set up a �free� store on Haight street, held a funeral for the �death of money�, and engaged in daily street theater. Though their activist style contrasted sharply with the more laid back hippie lifestyle, they were respected for their passionate dedication to what they believed was the greater good, and their ability to get things done. Many of their members were talented artists, poets, and street actors, among them Peter Coyote.
Allen Ginsberg-Allen Ginsberg was a charter member of the 1950�s beat movement and it�s best known poet. Ginsberg�s earthy poetry, exploration of eastern spirituality, and support for the use of...
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