Young Lords in Lincoln Park collection

Collection

Identifier: RHC-65

Staff Only

Collection description

The Young Lords in Lincoln Park collection documents the struggle for fair housing, self-determination, and human rights that was launched by Mr. José “Cha-Cha” Jiménez, founder of the Young Lords Movement. The collection includes more than 100 oral histories of former members, associates and family members. These interviews document the history of the displacement of Puerto Ricans, Mejicanos, other Latinos, and the poor from Lincoln Park, Rainbow Coalition, as well as the history of the Young Lords nationwide. Highlights of the papers of Jose Jimenez and the Young Lords includes historical photographs, flyers and clippings documenting the origins of the Young Lords movement. Also included are Mr. Jiménez’s files from his campaign for alderman of Chicago’s 46th ward, founding of the Lincoln Park Camp, and KO Club as well as photos, documents, clippings, and related ephemera donated by other individuals who have been interviewed as part of this project are also included.

Dates

1968-2012

Creator

Jiménez, José (Person)

Access to Materials

Collection is open for research use. Materials may be accessed by request at Special Collections and University Archives in Seidman House. Materials do not circulate.

Publication rights

For information on copyright or permissions for this collection, contact Grand Valley State University Special Collections.

Biographical note

Chicago's Puerto Rican community in Lincoln Park gave birth to the Young Lords Organization and later, the Young Lords Party. Founded by Mr. José “Cha-Cha” Jiménez in 1968, the Young Lords became one of the premier community groups to struggle for international human rights. Church congregations, social and political clubs, restaurants, groceries, and family residences once flourished in the community, but successive waves of urban renewal and gentrification forcibly displaced most of those Puerto Ricans, Mejicanos, other Latinos, working-class and impoverished families, and their children in the 1950s and 1960s. Jimenez continues to maintain various community events and organizations in an effort to keep the Young Lord’s spirit alive today.

Extent

5.5 Linear feet (16 boxes and 1 flat file drawer)

81.3 Gigabytes

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Related materials

DePaul University Archives, Collection on the Young Lords.

Subjects

Civil Rights -- United States -- History Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Community activists Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Lincoln Park (Chicago, Ill.) Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Puerto Ricans -- United States Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Social justice Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Young Lords (Organization)