Cocreating New York: Reflections from a Young Lord

In his comments, Juan Gonzalez will describe his road to the Young Lords in New York City with special attention to the occupation of the First Spanish Methodist Church in 1969 that transformed the church into a political and community space. The occupation of the First Spanish Methodist Church proved to be a watershed moment for the Young Lords. The occupation drew newspaper coverage across the country—including in religious newspapers—and projected their political visions, artistry and intellect, and disciplined style to a new generation of Latina/o activists. Juan will share from his personal experience as someone who was not only there for the entire church occupation, but also as someone who can speak directly to the social and political context of New York City in the late 1960s and early 1970s. As a former leading member of the Young Lords, an activist, and journalist, Juan draws on a wealth of experience we can learn from today.