50 pages • 1 hour read
Sonia ManzanoThe Revolution of Evelyn Serrano
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2012A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Background
Historical Context: The Ponce Massacre and Puerto Ricans’ Quest for Autonomy
Puerto Rico’s history is marked by a struggle for autonomy that stretches back centuries. Influenced by the French Revolution and independence movements in Latin America, Puerto Ricans increasingly challenged Spanish rule throughout the 1800s. Their efforts culminated in a hard-won concession from Spain in 1898—a grant of autonomy. However, this glimmer of self-determination was short-lived, as the swift conclusion of the Spanish-American War led to the island’s annexation by the United States. Under US governance, nationalist movements gained momentum, fueled by a desire to continue the efforts toward independence and address social and economic inequities.
The Ponce Massacre of March 21, 1937 stands as a testament to the lengths to which the US government was willing to go to suppress nationalist movements on the island. A peaceful march was organized to commemorate the abolition of enslavement and to protest the imprisonment of Pedro Albizu Campos (the president of the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party and a fierce advocate for independence). However, despite the peaceful nature of the protest, the police unleashed violence, and the brutality resulted in the deaths of 19 demonstrators, with over 200 others wounded. Such events have deeply impacted Puerto Ricans’ relationship with US rule over the years, and internal divisions regarding its sovereignty persist, reflecting the complex colonial history behind the island’s relationship with the United States.
In Sonia Manzano’s novel, The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano, the Ponce Massacre holds profound significance for the protagonist, Evelyn. Discovering her family’s connection to the event serves as a pivotal moment within the narrative, igniting in Evelyn a newfound sense of pride and connection to her heritage. Through her grandmother’s narratives and the community’s collective memory, Evelyn becomes actively engaged in reclaiming and celebrating her cultural heritage. This newfound pride instills in her a sense of empowerment, deepening her bonds with her family and community and inspiring her to embrace her identity with pride and courage. Throughout her journey, Evelyn learns that true beauty lies in the resilience and the enduring legacy of those who have fought for freedom and justice.
Sociohistorical Context: The Young Lords and Puerto Rican Empowerment in 1960s America
The 1960s in the United States showcased a powerful confluence of social movements. As the fight for racial equality gained momentum, the impact of groups like the Black Panther Party inspired a spirit of unity among marginalized peoples, and the idea of a Rainbow Coalition emerged. Referring to a powerful alliance between people from various ethnicities and backgrounds, it was a vision of a united front against oppression, where voices from marginalized communities could be amplified and create a more powerful force for change.
The Young Lords, a group born out of Chicago, became a powerful symbol of social change for Puerto Ricans. The Young Lords’ activism was deeply rooted in their experiences of discrimination, poverty, and systemic oppression. Like the Black Panther Party, the Young Lords sought to challenge structural inequalities and uplift their communities through direct action and community organizing. They prioritized mutual aid and grassroots activism, addressing the pressing needs of their communities through community programs and services like food banks, medical care, and daycare.
Set in El Barrio, New York City during the late 1960s, The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano portrays how the Young Lords ignited social change within the Puerto Rican community, catalyzing the protagonist’s journey toward embracing her heritage. Initially dismissive of her cultural background, Evelyn finds the reminders of her heritage in their Spanish Harlem home stifling and is even opposed to being called by a name that sounds Puerto Rican. After her family’s involvement in activism, Evelyn undergoes a profound awakening, discovering a newfound sense of community and connection to her family as she finds her own voice and agency in the struggle for justice. Manzano draws from the Young Lords’ real-life impact to showcase the growing fight for social change within Evelyn’s community. While the author takes some artistic liberties for storytelling purposes, the core message remains, and historically, the Young Lords’ fight for social justice significantly impacted El Barrio and ignited its residents to speak out about issues that disproportionately affected their community.
