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The Young Lords emerged from a community in East Harlem, known as El Barrio, which was characterized by extreme poverty and conditions that many residents described as deplorable. As college students, Mickey Melendez and his peers began to recognize the systemic inequalities affecting their neighborhood, sparking a desire to effect change. They initially attempted to rally support for Puerto Rican independence, but quickly learned that the community faced urgent issues such as the garbage crisis that plagued their streets. This realization galvanized them to take action, leading to a series of clean-up efforts that not only addressed immediate concerns but also fostered a deeper connection with the community.