Feminism vs. Socialism Through the Eyes of the Young Lords
Author:
Sophie Cooksey ’25Co-Authors:
Faculty Mentor(s):
Adam Burgos, PhilosophyFunding Source:
Presidential FellowsAbstract
For my research project, I will be presenting a Google Slides presentation on the Young Lords, a Puerto Rican activist group from the late 1960s and early 1970s. In my presentation, I will briefly provide some context and background as to who the Young Lords were, what their priorities were, and how they went about achieving their goals. I then will zero in on the feminism and socialism aspects, what they meant for the group, and how these things worked together and against each other in the 1960s and 70s and how this pertains to today. I will detail how these things differed in a comparative perspective looking both at progress on the island of Puerto Rico and on the mainland United States. Additionally, I will be presenting on some important influential figures in the feminist movement from the Young Lords and why their legacy is so important to research today. My goal is to bring these things together in a way that gives the audience a sense of familiarity with the group and a better understanding of what feminism was in the late 20th century and what it is today, as the word is widely misunderstood. Some of my research materials will include Iris Morales’ Through the Eyes of Rebel Women”, excerpts from Palante, a Young Lords publication from the 60s and 70s, and more.