The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano

Evelyn’s burgeoning interest in the Young Lords highlights The Power of Community Activism and sparks a notable divide between her and her mother. As Evelyn aligns herself with supporters of the Young Lords, symbolizing her newfound embrace of progressive ideals and her growing desire for change, her mother’s steadfast adherence to tradition and conservatism becomes more pronounced. Evelyn’s frustration with her mother’s inaction stems from her perception of Mrs. Serrano as passive and dismissive, particularly in the face of conflict. Evelyn therefore becomes increasingly exasperated by her mother’s inability or unwillingness to engage in meaningful dialogue or action, both of which are needed to address their ongoing family issues. This frustration is compounded by her mother’s dismissal of her concerns, leading Evelyn to feel unheard and invalidated. The physical distance between Evelyn and her mother at church symbolizes this growing ideological chasm. Just as their seats slowly grow further apart, so do their divergent viewpoints on the Young Lords’ presence and efforts. As Evelyn states, “The more I agreed with the Young Lords, the more my mother disagreed” (111). This widening gap underscores the increasing disparity in their beliefs and values regarding community activism and social change. This frustration culminates in a physical confrontation, the jarring slap serving as a physical manifestation of their fractured relationship and their breakdown in communication. This act of violence only solidifies Evelyn’s resolve to forge her own path, one that diverges from the traditional and seemingly unfeeling approach that her mother embodies.

Significantly, the growing distance between Evelyn and her mother becomes emblematic of the larger societal rift caused by the Young Lords’ presence in El Barrio as residents like Evelyn’s mother grapple with a potent mix of fear and suspicion toward the Young Lords’ activism. Whether this fear is rooted in a deep-seated desire to protect their families and secure their livelihoods, or in their resignation to the hardships plaguing their community, the unfolding events make it clear that this fear manifests in daily life, breeding mistrust and division within families like Evelyn’s. For example, Mrs. Serrano is immediately suspicious of Wilfredo after the bodega break-in, solely due to his association with the Young Lords. This inherent bias exemplifies the ways in which the community’s widespread fears seep into their everyday interactions, and this incident further distances Mrs. Serrano from her daughter, whose newfound taste for activism cannot be diverted.

Mother and daughter’s differing reactions to the arrests at the church also epitomize the community’s fractured response. In this particular context, the residents’ opposition highlights the absence of a unified front, showcasing a community grappling with how best to respond to the challenges of their life in El Barrio. Caught up in the conflict, Evelyn is left overwhelmed, struggling to discern who is right, and this inner turmoil reflects the complexity of navigating societal expectations and personal convictions in a community divided by differing ideologies. Her decision to go to her grandmother’s house after the arrests symbolizes her desire to seek understanding and perspective outside of her immediate family circle. By considering both paths, one leading home and the other to her grandmother’s, she symbolically weighs her mother’s advice to go home against her instinct to learn more about the incident, and when she chooses to visit her grandmother, her action illustrates her growing independence and willingness to challenge long-held beliefs and expectations.

Evelyn’s immersion in the Young Lords’ community exposes her to a sense of belonging and solidarity previously unexplored, inspiring in her an admiration for Affirming One’s Cultural Identity. As she witnesses her friend Migdalia referring to “us” in discussions about neighborhood protests, Evelyn experiences a newfound connection to her community. This recognition of shared experiences and commonalities fosters a sense of belonging, encouraging Evelyn to see herself positively as part of a larger purpose. As she learns more about the Young Lords’ initiatives, she undergoes a transformation, distancing herself from previously held beliefs. Her newfound interest in the Young Lords’ activism stems from a growing admiration for their passion and commitment to addressing social issues. Inspired by their determination to bring about change, Evelyn finds resonance in their advocacy for better medical care and education, which aligns with her own aspirations for community improvement. As Evelyn eagerly anticipates further developments in the community, her eagerness symbolizes her growing awareness of the necessary changes within her community and her desire to be an active participant in shaping its future.

Notably, Evelyn also signals an evolving sense of identity, aligning more closely with the values and confidence exhibited by the Young Lords’ members. When she reflects on her mother’s use of the expression “pelo malo” to describe curly, coiled hair, Evelyn rejects the notion of such hair being “bad” and questions the validity of such judgments. Instead, she sees hair as one of the symbols of strength and resilience, likening it to a crown that elevates one’s stature and confidence. This moment prompts Evelyn to reconsider her own perceptions of beauty and identity. As she undoes the smoothing of her fringe, Evelyn showcases her evolving sense of self-awareness and confidence, aligning more closely with the values and boldness exhibited by the Young Lords’ members.