In the midst of the civil rights struggle of the 1960s and 70s, young Puerto Ricans in Chicago and New York City organized into a group called the Young Lords Organization to achieve economic and social justice. Using archival footage, photographs and music, !Palante, Siempre Palante! The Young Lords documents their activities, philosophy, the eventual demise of the organization, and its legacy as an inspirational resource for students and activists today. Interviews with former members of the Young Lords round out the film.

Step One:

Please answer the following questions;

1. How did the the Young Lords get started?
2. What events and which people influenced the young Lords of East Harlem?
3. Why were people attracted to them and why did they want to join?
4. Create a list of things the Young Lords did to improve life in New York City.
5. Of the things you identified in question 3, which Young Lord initiative became law or something that equally long lasting?
6. Which of the Young Lords' achievements left the biggest impression on you?
7. What happened to the Young Lords? Describe the events that lead to their demise.
8. Were any of the Young Lords familiar to you? which people did you recognize? How do you know them?

Step Two

Is there a need for a Young Lords-styled group today? If such a group began what would it look like? What would it set out to do?

Pretend you and your friends decided to start a Young Lords-styled group and do the following:

1. Develop a platform or list of issues the group would address
2. Create a plan to recruit people, keep them informed and busy.

About the movie

The politics of the Young Lords Party

Collection of documents about the Young Lords

Lincoln Hospital in The Bronx

New York City health code regarding lead paint poisoning

National Congress of Puerto Rican Rights

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