The Young Lords

The Young Lords originated as a street gang in Chicago, but were inspired by the Black Panthers and the student movement in Puerto Rico to organize into something greater. In 1968, the Young Lords Party was founded in Chicago, and the organization grew quickly. The Young Lords established a chapter in New York City on July 26, 1969.

The Young Lords stood for self-determination for Puerto Rico and all Latinos, community control of institutions and land, equality for women, an end to racism, and ultimately a socialist society. They focused on education and organizing their community. They used the tactics of direct action, primarily occupations, to provide solutions to the problems their communities were facing.

Get to know some of the Young Lords featured in Takeover:

  • Iris Morales

    Iris started out as a cadre in the Young Lords in 1969, and became deputy minister of education. She was also a co-founder of the Women's Caucus.

  • Felipe Luciano

    Felipe Luciano was the first chairman of the New York chapter of the Young Lords Party.

  • Miguel Melendez

    Miguel “Mickey” Melendez was one of the co-founders of the Young Lords organization in New York City, and operated as their head of security.

  • Juan Gonzalez

    Juan Gonzalez had various positions in the Young Lords. He was the deputy minister of education and health, as well as the minister of defense.

  • Carlos Rivera

    Carlos “Carlito” Rivera joined the Young Lords at just 14 years old, and became part of the Defense Ministry.

  • Denise Oliver-Velez

    Denise Oliver-Velez became the first woman on the Central Committee of The Young Lords.

  • Hiram Maristany

    Hiram Maristany was the official photographer of the New York Young Lords, and also ran their free breakfast program. Many of the photographs from the film were provided courtesy of Hiram.