The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano

Evelyn discusses her grandmother’s conflict with her mother, uncovering their strained relationship and her mother’s past struggles. She learns about her mother’s lonely childhood, which was spent mostly at relatives’ houses. Evelyn attends a church meeting between the Young Lords and parishioners, hopeful for a positive outcome regarding the group’s request for space to run community programs. The meeting ends without granting the Young Lords permission to use the church. Conversations among attendees turn to the Nationalist movement in Puerto Rico and the Ponce Massacre, leaving Evelyn apprehensive about her family’s controversial ties to the tragic event.

The Young Lords take over the neighborhood church and gain space for community programs. As the Young Lords nail the doors shut, Evelyn’s family faces division over whether to stay or leave. Evelyn’s determination to stay triggers a heated argument between her mother and grandmother regarding their past. Despite the tension, Evelyn’s mother decides to stay to ensure her daughter’s safety.

Evelyn notices a charged atmosphere inside the church during the Young Lords’ takeover. The community inside the church feels revitalized and cared for, enjoying the free services provided.