We Took the Streets: Fighting For Latino Rights with the Young Lords.(Book Review)(Book Review)

By Miguel "Mickey" Melendez, St. Martin's Press

Miguel "Mickey" Melendez recounts in this memoir his service to the Young Lords during their three years of existence, 1969-1972, as a mediator, member of the Central Committee and later underground representative. This accessible and engaging book preserves the memory of one of the most powerful grassroots movements New York City has seen. Begun in a Puerto Rican community known as "El Barrio," on the Upper East Side, the Young Lords had a dramatic effect on the history of NYC and its vibrant Puerto Rican population. Melendez describes the idealism, anger, and vitality of the Lords in his explanation of the impact and importance of those three years on the continuous struggle for civil rights in poor communities.

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We Took the Streets gives a historical perspective on Puerto Rican and Latino efforts for social, political and economic empowerment and discusses how these efforts became part of a memorable grassroots movement. For example, Melendez recounts the Lords taking over a hospital and church in El Barrio and providing social services to local residents who were denied city services.

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