Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Ben Masel

Role / Field:

American activist, writer, and cannabis rights advocate known for Yippie theatrics.

Born:

1954-10-17

Died:

2011-04-30

Century / Era:

1954s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Bennett A. "Ben" Masel (October 17, 1954 – April 30, 2011) was an American writer, publisher, cannabis rights and free speech activist, expert witness for marijuana defendants, and frequent candidate for public office. A skilled chess player, Masel was director of Wisconsin NORML, and organizer of Weedstock and the annual Great Midwest Marijuana Harvest Festival which has been held in front of the Wisconsin State Capitol every autumn since 1971. Masel, who was known for his Yippie theatrics and anti-war and pro-labor activism, was born in the Bronx, grew up in New Jersey, and in 1971 relocated to Madison, where he became a fixture of the Wisconsin political scene for 40 years.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He died of cancer in 2011. Masel, who was Jewish, was born in New York in 1954 and grew up in New Jersey, became involved with the Youth International Party when he was a teenager, earning him the distinction of being the youngest person on Nixon's Enemies List. Masel was arrested during the Yippie protests at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The arrest embarked Masel on a lifelong career of First Amendment litigation and activism....

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Aarathi — Contemporary (Born in 1954) (1954): Veteran Indian actress celebrated for her roles in Kannada cinema during the 1970s and 1980s.
• Alan Hollinghurst — Contemporary (Born in 1954) (1954): Acclaimed English novelist, poet, and literary figure known for mainstreaming gay-themed fiction.
• Alan Turing — Contemporary (Died in 1954) (1954): Father of theoretical computer science, known for the Turing machine and codebreaking.
• Al Davis — Contemporary (Died in 2011) (2011): Pioneering NFL executive and coach, known for building the legendary Oakland Raiders.
• Amy Winehouse — Contemporary (Died in 2011) (2011): Iconic British soul artist blending jazz, R&B, and retro sounds.
• Anne McCaffrey — Contemporary (Died in 2011) (2011): Pioneering science fiction author, celebrated for the Dragonriders of Pern.
• A. S. Neill — Shared historical date (10-17 · Born) (1883): Scottish progressive educator, founder of Summerhill, championing self-governance.
• Adam Michnik — Shared historical date (10-17 · Born) (1946): Prominent Polish intellectual, dissident, and journalist advocating for democracy.
• A. E. Housman — Shared historical date (04-30 · Died) (1936): English classicist and poet, renowned for his scholarship and melancholic verse.
• Agnes Moorehead — Shared historical date (04-30 · Died) (1974): Iconic American actress celebrated for stage, film, and television roles.
• 1954 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1954
• October 17 (10-17) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on October 17
• 2011 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 2011
• April 30 (04-30) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on April 30

Frequently Asked Questions about Ben Masel