Willie Pierre Ramsey

26 year-old and first year student at the college, Willie Pierre Ramsy, dedicates all of his time to his passion for music, film, and supporting the gay community. He was born in Michigan and moved to Chicago five years ago with his family.

He is currently taking photography, video editing, Spanish, and writing fiction classes. Him and a friend are a part of an Indie punk band that they hope to grow one day.

“We’re inspired by bands like Nirvana and Green Day,” commented Ramsey, the band’s guitarist. They have performed a handful of times in the city, at concert venues such as Elbo Room and bars like Bada Brew.

Last year, Ramsey decided to start his own T-Shirt company online that represents his love for music and gay pride. “Copy and Paste” is influenced from Ramsey’s visits to Boys Town, his appreciation for Andy Warhol’s art, and just from the many unique people he’s met throughout his life. He hopes to eventually open a store for his clothing line in the city, hopefully within the next five to ten years.

“’Copy and Paste’ is still up and coming, and I hope to see it grow and prosper.”

COD’s Gay Pride Alliance helps Ramsey advertise his business by posting flyers for him around campus.

Ramsey also shows his support for the gay community by volunteering at youth centers for gay children, and last year he was a security guard at the annual gay pride parade downtown. He also plans on volunteering there again this year.

Ramsey is currently learning how to play piano, keeping up with his quirky YouTube page, and dreams of moving to California in the future. You can find his clothing line at www.cafepress.com/copyandpaste1.