Poet and Playwright. Born Everett Leroy (later LeRoi) Jones, he adopted the Muslim name Imamu Amear Baraka (later changed to Amiri Baraka) in 1967. A writer on the edges of the Beat Movement and a follower of Malcolm X during the black liberation movement, Baraka was both influential and controversial. Through his poetry, plays, and other writings, Baraka initially promoted the more militant side of the black nationalist movement of the 1960s. Later, he changed his views, becoming a Marxist. He also was a professor, teaching at many colleges and universities, including the State University of New York at Stony Brook, where he was a tenured professor. He was named New Jersey’s second poet laureate in 2002.  After a public reading of his controversial poem, “Somebody Blew Up America,” he was asked to resign and refused.  The State legislature voted to abolish the post of poet laureate, effectively removing Baraka from the post in July 2003. (bio by: Dan Silva)  Family links:  Children:  Shani Baraka (1971 – 2003)* *Calculated relationship