The New Era Young Lords (NEYL) are dedicated to delivering impactful humanitarian services through active community outreach. Guided by a deep commitment to social justice, NEYL strives to address pressing issues such as poverty, systemic oppression, and social inequality. Our mission is rooted in empowering marginalized communities, amplifying their voices, and fostering sustainable change from the ground up.
We stand as a fearless advocate for justice and reform, committed to challenging injustices where they exist and working tirelessly to create a more equitable society. Through our efforts, we aim to inspire hope, promote resilience, and build a future where everyone has access to dignity, opportunity, and fairness. With unwavering dedication, we seeks to transform communities and make a lasting impact in the fight against social injustice.
The original Young Lords emerged in Chicago in 1968 under the leadership of Jose "Cha Cha" Jimenez, transforming from a street gang into a political organization focused on human rights for the Puerto Rican community. Similar to the Black Panther Party, they were influenced by the Civil Rights movement and fought against racism, police brutality, and gentrification. This group became famous for its direct-action tactics, such as the "Garbage Offensive" to protest poor sanitation and the "Lincoln Hospital Offensive," where they worked with medical staff to improve community care.
Building on this legacy, the New Era Young Lords were established as a modern revival of the original group. Co-founded by Paul Mireles, the contemporary organization is directly inspired by the 1960s activists and continues their social justice mission. The New Era Young Lords focus on community programs and activism, such as the ongoing efforts to rebuild infrastructure in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria, thereby carrying on the original group's work of community-focused political action.