Art Kunkin (1928-2019) was the founder of the Los Angeles Free Press, a pioneering alternative newspaper that revolutionized journalism in the 1960s with its bold coverage of counterculture and social issues.

Walter Robinson (1950-2025), an influential American artist and art critic, co-founded Art-Rite magazine and led Artnet Magazine. Known for his pop culture-inspired paintings, Robinson's work has made a significant impact on contemporary art and criticism.

Alan Bell is a pioneering gay publisher and activist, known for founding Gaysweek, New York’s first weekly LGBT newspaper. His work significantly contributed to LGBT visibility and rights, bridging gaps in media representation and fostering community awareness and unity.

John Wilcock (1927-2018) was an influential figure in the underground press and travel literature. Serving as the first news editor of the Village Voice, he revolutionized American publishing, pushing boundaries in multiple continents.

Lawrence Ferlinghetti (1919-2021), American poet, painter, and co-founder of San Francisco's City Lights Booksellers & Publishers, was a central figure in the Beat movement. Known for his volume "A Coney Island of the Mind" and advocacy for free speech, his influence on American literary culture is profound.

Paul Krassner (1932-2019), American author, journalist, and comedian, was the founder and editor of The Realist magazine. A pivotal figure in the 1960s counterculture, Krassner was part of Ken Kesey's Merry Pranksters and co-founded the Yippies, a term he is credited with coining.

Hettie Jones (1934–2024) was an acclaimed poet and writer, central to the Beat and Black Arts Movements. Known for her memoir How I Became Hettie Jones, she championed underrepresented voices throughout her career.

Herbert Huncke (1915-1996) was an American writer and Beat Generation linchpin, was instrumental in introducing the likes of Kerouac, Burroughs, and Ginsberg to street lingo and drug culture.