How My Great Aunt and Uncle Supported Black Power and Exposed the CIA

Wesley Bellanca

As an integration practice and conclusion to this course on diversity and social justice in psychedelics, I have decided to explore a fascinating chapter of my family history that involves civil rights activism and explosive progressive journalism. In 1962, my great aunt and uncle Helen Keating and Edward Keating founded Ramparts magazine, a New Left literary publication known for its bravado, high production quality, and commitment to the civil rights and anti-war movements. Edward was the publisher for the magazine, and Helen (whom my mother is named after) held an important seat on the editorial board and provided the lion’s share of financial backing... continue reading.