In 1969, a group of young Puerto Rican activists founded the Young Lords Party in New York City, taking inspiration from the Black Panthers. Palante, the first book by and about the radical organization, is brought back into print here with new introductory material. Capturing the spirit and actions of the sixties movements, Palante features political essays by members, oral histories of their lives leading into the party, and more than seventy-five photos of their vibrant membership and actions.
Michael Abramson is a photographer and publisher who lives in Brooklyn, New York.
Iris Morales is the producer of the documentary ¡Palante, Siempre Palante! The Young Lords, which aired on PBS, and is the executive director of the Union Square Awards.
The Young Lords were a group of young, primarily Puerto Rican activists who founded their organization in 1969 in New York City, taking inspiration from the Black Panther Party. Organizing directly in Latino/a communities, the Young Lords took up slum housing conditions, garbage clean ups, "serve the people programs," and health care.
Iris Morales is an activist, educator, media producer, author, and attorney. Her lifelong commitment to social justice is inspired by the Puerto Rican peoples' struggles for equality and self-determination as well as by the community's vibrant contributions in arts and politics. A member of the Young Lords for five years, she rose through the ranks to become Deputy Minister of Education and leader of the Women's Union. !Palante, Siempre Palante! (http://palante.org/Documentary.htm), her award-winning documentary about the Young Lords, was broadcast on national public television and continues to screened in schools, universities and community venues across the United States.
Publication date: July 26, 2011