Today’s example of how leadership is both our heritage and our legacy comes from the Young Lords.
In the late 1960s, a group of poor and working-class Puerto Ricans rose up in solidarity with Black civil rights organizations to demand dignity, justice, and basic human rights in a nation that had long ignored them. They turned streets into classrooms, clinics, and organizing hubs—proving that grassroots leadership is the foundation in the pursuit of change.
As historian Johanna Fernández reminds us: “They raised expectations about what was possible in America.”
The Young Lords showed us what true leadership looks like:
– Bold vision. They refused to accept the status quo, declaring that housing, healthcare, education, and human dignity were rights—not privileges.
– Courage in action. Their unapologetic protests and community programs forced the country to see and respond to the needs of the community.
– Solidarity. They built coalitions across communities, knowing lasting change required unity.
This is the essence of leadership: seeing beyond yourself, raising the bar of what’s possible, and mobilizing others to build something greater than what exists today.
So we must ask ourselves:
– How will we lead in this moment of headwinds and fear?
– What expectations will we raise about what’s possible for America—and for Latinos?
– How will we ensure the path forward values and elevates the full potential of our community?
The Young Lords didn’t just spark a movement; they modeled leadership itself. Their charge to us is clear: lead with vision, with courage, and in solidarity—so future generations inherit not only our progress, but our promise.
This Hispanic Heritage and Legacy Month, I invite you to join me and the Latino Leadership Institute in celebrating the contributions we’ve inherited—and in shaping the legacy we are building for generations to come.
