East Harlem Memorial Honors Deceased Young Lords Members
A public tribute in New York City celebrates the lives and legacies of five women who were prominent in the liberation movement.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Women’s Issues
Supporters gathered at FSUMC The People's Church in East Harlem to honor the lives of five female Young Lords members who passed away between 2025 and 2026. The memorial event used songs, personal remembrances, and libations to celebrate their roles in historic liberation movements.
Why it matters
This tribute serves to preserve the history of the Young Lords, ensuring the legacies of its female leaders remain recognized within the broader context of social liberation struggles. It highlights the significant contributions of women who were historically central to the organization's activism in New York City.
The tribute honored Minerva Solla, Dr. Johanna Fernández, Cleo Silvers, Concepción Cruz, and Denise Oliver-Vélez. These five women died over the course of 2025 and 2026.
The players
Cleo Silvers
She was a prominent activist who led the historic 1970 takeover of Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx.
Denise Oliver-Vélez
She served as the first woman elected to the Young Lords Central Committee and played a key leadership role.
Minerva Solla
She was a deceased member of the Young Lords whose life and work were commemorated at the East Harlem memorial.
Dr. Johanna Fernández
She was a recognized member of the Young Lords honored for her contributions to the organization.
Concepción Cruz
She was a member of the Young Lords whose legacy was celebrated during the October 2026 tribute.
The details
The memorial event at the church featured reflections on the women's activism, including Silvers' participation in the 1970 takeover of Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx. Denise Oliver-Vélez was also celebrated for her unique status as the first woman elected to the Young Lords Central Committee.
Timeline
1970 marked when Cleo Silvers led the takeover of Lincoln Hospital.
The five women passed away during the period of 2025 and 2026.
The memorial tribute took place on October 24, 2026, in East Harlem.
Culture Shift
The memorial for these activists follows the pattern of historical impact established by the 1970 takeover of Lincoln Hospital. By centering these women, the event marks a departure from traditional male-dominated narratives of the era's liberation movements.
Residents and historians can access recordings of the event through the FSUMC The People's Church YouTube channel or the AmNews homepage. The memorial provides a practical way for the community to engage with local history and archival footage of the liberation movement.
The takeaway
Preserving the stories of grassroots leaders is essential for maintaining a complete understanding of local social movements. Readers interested in history can support these archives by reviewing public event recordings and educational resources.
Further reading
For more on the history of women in local activism, explore the Women’s Issues archives.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Amsterdam News.
