Suby Toro.

Amidst the COVID-19 crisis, the community needed the Young Lords' spirit. By August 2020, Chairman Jose Cha Cha Jimenez, the visionary founder of the Young Lords in Chicago, took notice of the New Era Young Lords Party efforts. He dispatched David Rivera, an original member and Field Marshal, to connect with Chairman Suby Toro. 

Their in-depth conversation led to a meeting between Chairman Cha Cha and Suby, where they discussed the movement’s past, present, and future. Cha Cha sought to understand Suby’s vision, and Suby reaffirmed the New Era’s commitment to the Young Lords’ legacy, adapting strategies for a new generation. During the conversation, Chairman Cha Cha inquired if Chairman Suby knew why he had removed the "O" from YLO. Cha Cha then explained that the removal signified his desire to end the separation between YLO and YLP, which had been exacerbated by government interference. While Cha Cha wasn't instructing Chairman Suby to change the name, this exchange inspired Suby to drop "Party" and embrace the name "New Era Young Lords," symbolizing the unity Cha Cha sought.

Chairman Cha cha appointed Rivera as a liaison and entrusted the New Era to forge a united path. On June 8, 2022, a historic ceremony took place in Chicago as Jose Chairman "Cha Cha" Jimenez, founder of the Young Lords, symbolically passed the torch to Suby Toro, the new National Chairman. Over 50 New Era Young Lords from across the US and Puerto Rico received medallions, signifying their commitment to the movement. The event celebrated the Young Lords' legacy and marked a new chapter in their fight for social justice, led by a diverse group of young activists. This marked the beginning of the New Era Young Lords, a continuation of Cha Cha’s revolutionary dream. Today, we unite elders and chapters nationwide, upholding Cha Cha’s ideals and learning from history to build a stronger, more united movement.