The First Rainbow Coalition charts the history and legacy of a groundbreaking multi-racial coalition that rocked Chicago in the 1960s. Comprised of activists from the Black Panthers, the Young Patriots (southern whites), and the Young Lords (a former Puerto Rican street gang), this formation briefly united poor blacks, whites, and Latinos around common issues facing their communities before being destroyed by police sabotage. Building a strong, radical multiracial movement will be critical in a post-trump world. What lessons can we learn from the brothers and sisters who founded the first Rainbow Coalition.
FRIDAY December 4, 2020 7:00 pm CST
Recent Posts

Calling for nomination – St. Louis Homegrown Unsung Civil Rights Heroes
We are seeking nominations for mini-biographies of everyday people who try to make others’ lives better. Do you know someone who stands up for the civil and human rights of others?

OBS Appreciation Night Celebrating the Black Rep – Sept. 23, 2026
Jazz, blues and gospel music carry us through Celie’s odyssey and all who affect her in this landmark musical based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel. Born into a life of brutality in the 19th century American South, Celie perseveres as everyone she loves slips through her fingers. Daring to survive against the odds, she discovers the power of her own voice and that love is worth believing in.

What is Democratic Socialism? – Sept 17, 2026
What is Democratic Socialism? Explore the answer with leading organizers and thinkers.
Register to watch this Virtual Event.
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Organization for Black Struggle
P.O. Box 5277
St. Louis, MO 63115
(314) 367-5959 | contactus@obs-stl.org