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.
The Organization for Black Struggle would like to express our gratitude for all those who have been on the 45-year journey with us. To our members—past, current and those who have joined the ancestors—for their contribu-tions to the freedom struggles. To our supporters who have given us their time, ideas, energies, constructive criticisms and money to ensure our abil-ity to continue the fight.
We will draw on the CAPCR Abolition Series, The People’s Plan, our organizing experiences and other resources to inform a strategy for personal and community safety.
Saturday, May 3, 2025 12:45 PM – 2:45 PM CT Join us to celebrate International Workers’ Day by defending the wage increases and paid sick days we won in November!
Organization for Black Struggle
P.O. Box 5277
St. Louis, MO 63115
(314) 367-5959 | contactus@obs-stl.org