Lewis MacAdams facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lewis MacAdams
Born	October 12, 1944 San Angelo, Texas, U.S.
Died	April 21, 2020 (aged 75) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Alma mater	Princeton University (BA) University at Buffalo (MA)
Known for	Co-founder of FoLAR

Lewis MacAdams (born October 12, 1944 – died April 21, 2020) was an American poet, journalist, and political activist. He was also a filmmaker. MacAdams is most famous for helping to start the Friends of the Los Angeles River (FoLAR). This group worked hard to bring the Los Angeles River back to life.

Early Life and Learning

Lewis MacAdams was born in San Angelo, Texas. He grew up in Dallas. In 1962, he finished school at St. Mark's School of Texas. He then went to Princeton University, graduating in 1966. Later, he earned a Master's degree from the University at Buffalo.

Career Highlights

MacAdams wrote many books and recordings of poetry. His poems also appeared in different collections. In 2001, he published Birth of The Cool. This book explored the history of the idea of "cool."

Journalism and Writing

As a journalist, MacAdams wrote for several well-known publications. He was an editor for L.A. Weekly. He also wrote regularly about culture and nature for Rolling Stone, Men’s Journal, the Los Angeles Times, and Los Angeles magazine. From 1975 to 1978, MacAdams directed the Poetry Center at San Francisco State University.

Protecting the Los Angeles River

Lewis MacAdams was a very important activist. In 1985, he helped create Friends of the Los Angeles River (FoLAR). He also served as the chairman of their board. MacAdams called FoLAR a "40 year art work." Its goal was to restore the Los Angeles River.

Over the years, he became the river's most important supporter. FoLAR has many projects. One big event is the "Gran Limpieza," an annual river clean-up. Every spring, about 2,500 people come to clean the river. FoLAR also holds workshops and meetings to plan for the river's future.

Two main goals for FoLAR are:

• To create a Los Angeles River Conservancy. This group would oversee the river's restoration.
• To start a River Watch program. This program aims to improve the river's water quality. It also helps find and stop polluters.

In 1991, MacAdams received an award for his conservation work. It was from the San Fernando Valley Audubon Society. His work, The River: Books One, Two & Three, uses the Los Angeles River as a symbol. It tells the story of his roles as a poet, activist, and journalist.

Later Life and Passing

On April 21, 2020, Lewis MacAdams passed away. He was 75 years old. He died from problems related to Parkinson’s disease. He is survived by his three sons and his daughter.

Selected Films

• Directed (with Richard Lerner), What Happened to Kerouac? (1986)
• Directed (with Jo Bonney), Funhouse (1986) Funhouse (1986) - IMDb

See also

• List of poets from the United States