Students pose with historian of the Illinois Chapter
of the Black Panther Party David Lemieux and
founder of the Young Lords Jose "Cha Cha" Jimenez.
PHOTO COURTESY OF JONATHAN REYES
In the struggle for rights, in the 1960s, some chose protests while others chose force. But what was the real story behind the beret worn by members of the Black Panthers and the Young Lords?
On Wednesday, Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc. hosted former member and current historian of the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party, David Lemieux, and founder of the Young Lords, Jose “Cha Cha” Jimenez for a talk about the ideals that stood behind these movements. Despite the negative and even fear-invoking connotations that are linked with perceptions of these groups, the two noted that the primary purpose of these activist groups was to serve the people and the community.
“We were for Puerto Rican liberation, Mexican liberation, and immigrant rights,” Jimenez said. “We helped start the people’s law office and other programs like free health clinics.”
The Young Lords, founded in 1968, was a national human rights movement that began in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago. Jimenez, now 66, recounted the environment that produced the need for such a group. During this time, the conservative groups that controlled the area did not consider the needs of the poor and especially the immigrant community.
David Lemieux, 61, who at sixteen was the second youngest member of the Illinois Chapter of Black Panther Party, talked about his experience with this group.
“We got businesses to donate food and money. We woke up at three o’clock a.m., went to church basements and cooked free breakfast for poor children,” said Lemieux. “This was the initial program of the Panthers, because a hungry child cannot reach his or her potential.”
The group also created free health clinics and services to help people visit their loved ones in prison, despite being under constant attack by the police. The Black Panthers, however, did not take the nonviolent approach that was common to other organizations. In a time when black people were treated with such force as water hoses and dogs, Lemieux discussed their belief in self-defense, saying, “If you try to harm me, there will be retribution. If you harm me, I will you harm you back.” However, he discouraged taking physical force today, and encouraged education as a way to make positive change.
Participation in this organization had its fair share of danger. Lemieux recounted at age 16 having a police officer seize him from a Panther location and threaten him at gun point, under the guise of a curfew violation.
Students seemed to be receptive to the speakers.
“I think it was very inspirational to hear about what they’ve been through,” said first-year Tendai Hinds. “It inspires all of us to make a positive change on campus.”
Senior Jonathan Reyes, member of Lambda Sigma Upsilon was pleased with the event turnout. “It was really great to see so many people there and that they are so intently listening,” said Reyes.
Junior Ines Giramata is taking this as a call for intellectual achievement, saying “Going to this event has encouraged me to read more and educate myself more.”