Through the Eyes of Rebel Women: The Young Lords 1969-1976

Through the Eyes of Rebel Women: The Young Lords Party 1969-1976 by Iris Morales, activist, attorney, educator, filmmaker and former Deputy Minister of Education for the Young Lords Party, NY Chapter, is a very thoroughly compelling read. Morales shares detailed experiences and memories of her period in the Young Lords with deep analyses and critical hindsight. It is interesting to also understand the complexity of this very young community activist organization, originally evolved in Chicago-led by Jose Cha Cha Jimenez. This memoir reaches back into the fundamental origins of the Young Lords Organization (later changed to Party in NY). It contextualizes the now famous "garbage offensive", "Lincoln Hospital offensive", the seizing of aTB X Ray truck and many other public actions taken in part for the working class community in East Harlem and the Bronx. This book is essential reading for anyone who is invested in understanding how one individual cane change the course of oppression and build, strengthen the bonds across Race, class, gender and ethnicities.

As a historian of women and social movements in America, I find this book an extraordinary addition to the field. More importantly, as an activist, Morales's book is an inspirational field guide for the current generation as they (unfortunately) fight many of the same battles again in this era. Social movement is too often depicted as a history of a few extraordinary people. Morales makes it clear that social movement is the work of everyone. I recommend this book to everyone who is engaging in our new struggle for civil rights in America.

I absolutely loved this book! I learned so much about the Young Lords, and the amazing women who were a part of it. Definitely worth the money.

One of the most interesting boss I've ever read. It makes me prouder to be Puerto Rican! Read it now!

amazing! Iris is such a powerful woman and I learned a lot about organizing and the legacy of the Young Lords through this book. Highly recommended.

As radio host of The Jordan Journal and Chair of the Behavioral & Social Sciences Department at Hostos Community college I have dedicated a near lifetime of participating and analyzing the literature on social movements that have transformed communities of color. “Through the Eyes of Rebel Women: The Young Lords 1969-1976” by Iris Morales is a thorough well-reasoned retrospective on the history of Young Lords a radical group which has attained iconic status among Latina activists. As a leader of the group Morales, in a well-written examination of this group, gives us an insider’s view of these young idealists as they navigate through the challenges of American racism and sexism, struggle for the liberation of the Puerto Rican people, and in the process are themselves transformed. This book is the first book describing the experiences of the group’s women members “an untold herstory” are particular relevant given legatees of the movement in the Million Women’s March, Black Lives Matter, 35 Mujeres (Women) for Oscar, and more. As if this were not enough the author provides us with historical documents of the period as we witness these founding documents and language like “revolutionary machismo” change as the group’s male members confront their sexism. I have incorporated the book in our Department’s suggested readings and the book should be required readings for educators, historians, young people, and those seeking to understand how a little resourced generation of Puerto Rican women transformed a community and liberated the thinking of a people.Prof. Howard Jordan, Esq.Host The Jordan Journaland Chair Behavioral & Social Sciences Dept. - Hostos Community College.

As a poet, a mom and activist, I find this book to be a treasure chest of clarity and insight into how women navigate social movements often plagued with mansplaining, slow awakenings and increased awareness of the struggles of those most oppressed. In times of Trump and a return to hyper-patriarchal ideals of social life, this book is a guide and an important addition to organizers and especially women and mothers who are working at creating a sanctuary space and upholding feminist values that are under threat of extinction.

it is important when the story is told about a people, it is told by someone who was there This book is aamazing account of a period in US history and is more important now then ever. The details are both readable and clear.. Ms. Morales gives the reader insight into the day to day work of the group, She does not gloss over the struggle including the pitfalls and success.Anyone who want to better understand what this group did and stood for ,should read this bookThe fact that a women of color is telling this history about progressive women is so important.