Ras Baraka

Ras Baraka has been called “one of the most consistent, courageous, and insightful activists of his generation.” The son of revered poet-activists Amina and Imamu Amiri Baraka, Ras inherited their proud tradition of artistic excellence and community activism. A native of Newark, New Jersey and from a family who has lived in that city for over 70 years, His entire life’s work is a commitment to the empowerment of people.

While a Student at Howard University, Ras (sounds like ‘jazz’) formed Black Nia F.O.R.C.E. (Freedom Organization for Racial and Cultural Enlightenment) – a student youth at the forefront of campus political and social activism. Through the organization, Ras helped organize and participated in food/clothing drives, neighborhood street clean-ups, and tutorials. During his summer breaks, Ras served as Assistant Youth Coordinator for the Commission for Racial Justice. With Sister Souljah and Benjamin Chavis, he helped organize camps for children on welfare.

He also traveled with G.E.T. B.U.S.Y. – a tour of rappers and political activists who lectured at jails and schools around the country. In his junior year at Howard, Ras successfully led the 1989 historic student protest to remove Lee Atwater, Chairman of the Republican National Committee, from the University’s Board of Trustees. The students challenged the school to support a number of key issues including improved student housing and a graduate program in African/African American studies. The following year, Ras was elected as Vice President of the Howard University Student Government. In 1991, he graduated with a degree in political science and history.

As an artist, Ras independently released his debut spoken word CD entitled Shorty for Mayor in 1998. He is re-launching the project in 1999 with plans for national and internet distribution. The underground classic features powerful pensive poetry set to music, and one of its highlights is the never released single Hot Beverage in the Winter. The single features Grammy award winning phenomena Lauryn Hill. The CD has received hot reviews from The Source, XXL, and other publications worldwide. He also made an appearance on The Fugees multi-platinum CD “The Score,” and on Lauryn Hill’s Debut Solo album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.” The multi-talented Ras also edited In the Tradition (with Kevin Powell) – an anthology of young Black poets (1991). He is currently working on his second book of essays and poems. He appeared on Russell Simmons’ Def Poetry on HBO Television. Ras also published his first book of Poetry, “Black Girls Learn Love Hard,” dedicated to his sister Shani Baraka.

Currently, Ras is the principal at Central High School in Newark. He formerly taught elementary school for ten years and coached girl’s basketball. Before serving as the principal of Hawthorne Avenue School, Ras was the vice principal at Burnett Street School and Weequahic High School in Newark. Baraka’s love for teaching and education is matched only by his passion for political equality. Baraka ran for Newark’s Mayoral position in 1994, garnering nine percent of the vote – a significant task for the then 24 year old. In 1998, he ran for Newark Councilman-at-Large and won the general election, but missed in the run off election. In 2002, once again he ran for Councilman-at-Large impressingly marshalling over 13,000 votes but again missing in the run-off. His political leverage did not go unnoticed. On September 27, 2002, Ras was sworn in to serve as Deputy Mayor for Newark Mayor, The Honorable Sharpe James until October 31, 2005. On, November 2, Ras was voted by Newark’s Municipal Council to serve out the remaining Councilman-at-large seat vacated by the death of Councilman Donald K. Tucker.

One issue that Ras is passionate about is Gang Intervention and Prevention. Ras served as one of the key organizers and mediators of the Newark Cease Fire/Peace Initiative that took place on May 21, 2004. One if his Ras Baraka was a founding member and served as the Chairman for the Historic 1st National Hip-Hop Political Convention held in Newark, NJ in June 2004. Having traveled the world lecturing at conferences, appearing in countless documentaries, performing and organizing poetry shows, organizing in Newark’s communities, one wonders how this generation’s closet example of Paul Robeson finds time to accomplish what he has. For Baraka, politics is art is education and his life work represents a principle and passion that is rare among us.