Louis D. Ramos, II
In Loving Memory of Louis Daniel Ramos II (“Pipo”)
December 17, 1951 – September 5, 2025
Louis Daniel Ramos II, 73, of Durham, NC, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2025, surrounded by family at Duke University Hospital. A Celebration of Life will be held on October 11 at 3pm at Tierra Negra of the Earthseed Farm Collective in Durham.
Born in Harlem Hospital to Luis and Esther Ramos of San Germán, Puerto Rico, Louis was raised on Manhattan’s Lower East Side with his sister Carmen. A spirited child with a mischievous smile, he grew up immersed in the cultural richness of Harlem, sharing stories of Catholic school, family outings to Bear Mountain, and the rhythms of his Puerto Rican heritage.
As a teen, Louis joined the Young Lords, advocating for justice through community programs alongside the Black Panthers. He later founded his own youth initiative, always committed to uplifting others. A martial artist, storyteller, and activist, Louis believed in “good trouble” and lived with purpose.
Louis was a lifelong learner and innovator. After graduating from Harlem Prep, he earned a self-designed degree from SUNY Binghamton and later a Master of Arts in Children’s Development through the Arts. He remained deeply connected to the Latin music scene, producing “Que Viva La Musica” on WHRW and serving on the board of WUCI, New York State’s first Black-founded nonprofit radio station.
A passionate educator and cultural advocate, Louis co-founded the Kuumba Cultural Arts Resource Center with his beloved wife and creative partner, Veleria Thompson Ramos. Together, they brought African American, Afro-Caribbean, and Afro-Puerto Rican traditions to life through dance, drumming, storytelling, and ritual. Their work spanned decades, communities, and generations—including their four children.
Louis taught West African and Caribbean dance at Binghamton University and worked as a counselor, mentor, and educator in youth homes, prisons, schools, and colleges. After moving to North Carolina, he continued his service through Kwanzaa celebrations, school performances, and engagement with Bomba Yo, Chuck Davis, and Earthseed Bomba community.
A deeply spiritual man, Louis practiced Ifa and honored his ancestors daily through ceremony and art. He was a collector of heart rocks, greeting cards, Halloween masks, and children’s books that reflected the beauty of his community. He was a romantic, a prankster, and a devoted father who brought magic to everyday life.
Louis is predeceased by his parents Luis and Esther Ramos, parents-in-law Harris and Ethel Thompson, and brothers-in-law Allen “G,” Vinson, and Cedric Thompson. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Veleria; sister Carmen “Tita”; brother-in-law Bradford (Dorothy) Thompson; Aunts Brenda Duprey and Cosetta Ortiz; children Justin, Yalitza (Greg), Angeni, and Molefi; granddaughters Tatum, Jaylyn, Avani, Briella, Lyric, Loiza, and Alaina; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren, and wide circle of beloved friends and chosen family.
Louis leaves behind a legacy of love, creativity, and cultural pride. His spirit lives on in every rhythm, every story, and every life he touched.