Indeed, the poem was seen as groundbreaking in the struggle against the destructive American powers that be at the time. Indicative of this is the fact that Howl and Other Poems was banned for obscenity shortly after its publication. Despite this, the work was translated into more than twenty-two languages, and became one of the most widely read poems during the 20th century. Ginsberg furthermore showed his allegiance to the Beat movement by being involved in protests against the Vietnam War, as well as other political activities and speaking opportunities, as mentioned above. The most important issues for the poet included free speech and gay rights.

For his work in both

The death of Jack Kerouac inspired the poet to found and direct the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics in Colorado, and he furthered his work and ideals by becoming a Distinguished Professor during his final years at Brooklyn College. Until his death, Allen Ginsberg has given the world a fine example of principled existence and art.
Sources

Ginsberg, Allen. Collected Poems Online. Poemhunter.com, 2008. http://www.poemhunter.com/allen-ginsberg/

Books and Writers. Allen Ginsberg (1926-1997). 2003. http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/ginsberg.htm

Poets.org. A brief Guide to the Beat Poets. Academy of American Poets, 2008. http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/5646

The Poetry Archive. Allen Ginsberg (1926-1997). 2005. http://www.poetryarchive.org/poetryarchive/singlePoet.do?poetId=1547