The Welfare Poets are a collective of activists, educators, and artists together since 1990. Through teaching residencies and workshops, through activism around community struggles and through sharp-edged performances of music that incorporates Hip Hop, Bomba y Plena, Latin Jazz and other rhythms, the Welfare Poets bring information and inspiration to those facing oppression and those fighting for liberation.

Ray Ramirez (vocals, congas) - Ray is a third generation Puerto Rican, born in El Barrio, New York.  He is the cofounder of the Welfare Poets and has worked as an educator in various Comminuty-based centers.  For the past 3 years he has consulted as a Writer-in-Residence at over 25 schools through out the city, working through Teachers and Writers Collaborative, The Carribean Cultural Center and The Frederick Douglass Creative Arts Center.   He has published dozens of student anthologies and spoken word Cds.  He was an Assistant Engineer on the Project Blues album and is a plaintiff in a class action suit against NYC Street Crimes Unit, for racial profiling. His work has been published in various antholgies including A Gathering of the Tribes, and the award winning publication, Aloud: Voices from the Nuyorican Cafe

Hector Luis Rivera Jr. (vocals, congas)  Hector has been writing and performing poetry for the past 12 years. His poetry was commissioned for "Blind Alley," a Puerto Rican travellig theater production written by Nancy Nuevez. His poetry was also included in Taller Boricua (NYC) 30th. Anniversary exhibition. As an activist Hector has participated, organized and led many community struggles around housing, environmental justice, police brutality, political prisoners, and most recently, Vieques. Hector has participated in two acts of civil disobedience against the immoral presence of the US Navy in Vieques. Hector is also an educator at many New York city-based schools.

Dahu Ala (vocals, trumpet)  Papa-hu is a mentor to many youth in East Harlem where he lives and grew up.  Dahu is a poet and heads the horn section in the Welfare Poets.

Djibril Toure (bass guitar) Producer and Electric Bass player, Djibril has performed with and alongside a wide array of artists including Dizzy Gillespie, Roy Ayers, The Roots, Fat Joe, Common, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Slick Rick, Q-Tip and Jeru the Damaja. His work can be heard on several recordings by Wu-Tang Clan, Hedrush, Rise & Shine, Rha-Goddess, and the Welfare Poets. He is also a committed grassroots activist and has been involved in organizing efforts around police brutality, political prisoners, and Vieques PR.

Jorge "Georgie" Vázques (timbales, congas, beats)  Jorge is a percussionist of diverse genres and instrumentation. He also plays timbales, barriles, bongo, and a variety of Afro-Caribbean drums. Georgie was a member of Los Amigos de la Plena, and is a founder of YerbaBuena. He has played with Viento de Agua Unplugged, Los Instantáneos de la Plena (of El Rincón Criollo), Los Bomberos de Brooklyn, and Taíno.

Georgie has performed at prestigious venues throughout the country and Puerto Rico, as well as on radio and television. For his dedication to Puerto Rican musical traditions he was bestowed a Masters’ honor by the folkloric institution Los Pleneros de la 21. His mentors include masters Alberto “Tito” Cepeda and Giovanni Hidalgo, and he has performed alongside legends Tito Puente and Yomo Toro. Along with the Welfare Poets, Georgie is a member of Ya Está and recently recorded on their debut album Afro Latino Soul.

Emi (keyboards, trumpet)  ME plays keyboards and is also a teacher in NYC public

Visit the Welfare Poets Website: http://welfarepoets.com/