How We Occupied a Hospital and Changed Public Health Care | Takeover | Op-Docs

On July 14, 1970, members of the Young Lords occupied Lincoln Hospital in the South Bronx - known locally as “the Butcher Shop.” A group of activists, many of them in their late teens and early 20s, barricaded themselves inside the facility, demanding safer and more accessible health care for the community.
Originally a Chicago-based street gang, the Young Lords turned to community activism, inspired by the Black Panthers and by student movements in Puerto Rico. A Young Lords chapter in New York soon formed, agitating for community control of institutions and land, as well as self-determination for Puerto Rico. Their tactics included direct action and occupations that highlighted institutional failures.
Through archival footage, re-enactments and contemporary interviews, Emma Francis-Snyder's "Takeover" shines a light on the Young Lords’ resistance movement and their fight for human rights. The dramatic takeover of Lincoln Hospital led to one of the first Patient’s Bill of Rights, changing patients’ relationship with hospitals and doctors nationwide.
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[@geraldescalante2577]

So much respect to these young people who risked violence, prison and even death at the hands of the state to better the lives of their community. Thank you to the filmmakers for shining a bright light on an important piece of history with such a well crafted film. It really conveys the value of solidarity, direct action and speaking truth to power. I hope that current and future generations continue to follow in these footsteps.

[@temple69]

Did you know they were communists?

[@jamespowers4783]

@@temple69 even better

[@temple69]

@@jamespowers4783 agreed. I just like telling people, american communist history is erased.

[@vinq8621]

Just talked to my mom, who was born at Lincoln 4 years after the occupation. She told me that she was taught these proud Puerto Rican’s were trailblazers and I can’t help but agree. I’m so glad I came across this, I would have _NEVER_ been taught this in my Connecticut public school but that only goes to show what every other person is saying down here. Take the initiative to learn about your history, you just might end up crying at 10 at night about the progress made by your ancestors. Beautiful doc.

[@temple69]

Did you know they were communists?

[@jaileneruiz1059]

I am proud to be Puerto Rican 🇵🇷

[@indiald3373]

Respeto

[@joseortega-us6rn]

Les comieron los dulces a la poli, they walk out right in their noses.

[@thespin7092]

This should be a MOVIE!!!

[@aubsmart86]

All the things I wished I had learned in school just learning them from this amazing historical reporting. What an amazing group! I wish we didn’t need more like them today given how long it’s been, but we definitely do! I’d happily stand and fight alongside them!

[@rahulshivaram1510]

What an exquisite story, what a great way to show the timeless foundation that adequate healthcare provides to a society.

[@m.shannontalbott3884]

Rest in peace Dear Latina Carmen Rodriguez 😢 🌌 🇨🇺. Because of the "senseless tragedy", you and the Young Lords made a dramatic statement concerning health care for Latino and African-American people and the City of New York, and beyond. It is still amazing that covid-19 deaths are twice the amount for Latino and African-American then they are for white Americans. Something needs to be done and I'm glad that there are documentaries like this that show nothing has actually changed

[@maxstrike3022]

They're also the most overweight and obesity was the number one cause of being dying of covid ( obesity reduces immune system).

[@robbb416]

@@maxstrike3022 no they weren't. Stop lying

[@maxstrike3022]

@robbb416 yes they were.

[@trayweathersby7490]

Glad to know I'm continuing a legacy of young revolutionaries who did things like this. Glad to be a member of the New Era Young Lords ✊🏾 Pa'lante

[@michaelangelo2676]

Rosie Perez brought me here. This is truly an amazing documentary. 🇵🇷 Big ups to Puerto Rican people and the black people who helped and risked their lives to bring about change ✊🏼✊🏽

[@SpiritMediumSavonnChampelle]

watching this gives me so much pride! I grew up in the south bronx and I was born in Lincoln Hospital in 1977 and I was a premature birth I now realize I probably wouldn't have survived or there could have been complications due to the substandard conditions if it weren't for the YOUNG LORDS turning things around. So much pride as a Puerto Rican 🇵🇷 and much love to those who's shoulders we stand on and all of our collective ancestors. Ase'

[@confessionsofaborderline]

I live down the block from Lincoln hospital 🏥 and still till this day the south Bronx is still the slums of New York City . I’m in my 40’s grow up in the foster care system I’m telling you it’s a hard life in these streets but I’m thankful for the young lord’s for the work they did to bring attention to this community our health services in the south Bronx is much better because of it .

[@BoricuaNyc]

You right it's a hard life in these streets. We gotta just keep pushing forward 🙏💞💐🗽

[@maxstrike3022]

It's a slum because of the people that live there.

[@winfan1978]

The one thing that EVERY human being should have unconditionally is 'Health & Medical Care'. I am glad I am Australian so that I can go to the doctor's office whenever I need, NOT when I have enough money to pay the doctor's bill. I am always shocked hearing & watching about the suffering of people in America that can't go to the doctor's when they need to for treatment of ailments that could be potentially deadly. My heart goes out to them. The Pollies need to look after America's people better.

[@kellykerr5225]

Thank you. Our country is terrible about healthcare. It’s immoral, it’s not right. I still have medical problems that need to be addressed. But I can’t afford it

[@TheINFJChannel]

I disagree. Life is supposed to be survival of the fittest. Medical care does keep some people here that nature did not intend. Otherwise, in a general sense, I totally see your POV. ❤

[@kellykerr5225]

@@TheINFJChannel I’m surprised but not that much. Surprised because of the INFJ. I will just tell you that 99.9% of people in other first world countries agree with me. Our country started pushing propaganda in the 1940s and then worse in the 1950s. You should check out some of the old anti communist propaganda, because in some cases they are literally describing capitalism. I also looked at Russian anti capitalism propaganda. It was very poor quality cartoons and there is no speaking. At least the ones our country made were higher quality

[@anoon-]

@@TheINFJChannel Everyone bleeds, feels pain, emotion, has lives and ambitions. Sometimes even the most healthy and productive person can die out of the blue. We are humans and we are beyond nature. If we can destroy this planet and move onto the next then what's wrong with giving people a chance? What's wrong with helping everyone even if their genes won't necessarily make us stronger? Are we animals? Survival of the fittest is primitive.

[@danielh1830]

I am glad you are Australian as well.

[@tommyburton9986]

Such a beautiful story.I hope that teachers will use it in schools.And I hope that the children will take the lessons to heart

[@diellehamilton1408]

Congrats on being short-listed for an Academy Award for documentary short!

[@LoneWolfj11]

If anyone would like some recommendations after watching this I've got a few. It lies in you to know you're own history. 1. War against all Puerto Ricans by Nelson Dennis 2. The Young Lords: A radical history by Johanna Fernandez 3. Palante: Voices and Photographs of The Young Lords 69-71 by Michael Abramson

[@wallflowercam]

You read my mind

[@caribbeannativeson78]

Likewise

[@lbrown7164]

thank you for sharing this, i'll add it to my reading list

[@maxstrike3022]

Great. Books Supporting terrorism

[@jonathansoto2686]

Also Juan Gonzalez, one of the founding members of the NY Young Lords wrote "Harvest of Empire: A History of Latinos in America". Great resource

[@billhathaway2814]

Sitting here quietly mesmerized listening and learning. I am not a person of color but I have enough common sense to shut up and listen and learn. This is superb. Thanks New York Times. I salute the Young Lords courageous patriots period.

[@kevinboone2178]

HEAR, HERE!

[@lando8093]

Every little thing about this is absolutly wonderful NYE

[@lolalynn290]

Op-docs are so criminally underrated im 20 I always as a young girl just have a natural curiosity for various topics hours on it which is still better than adults scrolling through tik Tok and Facebook all day I love doc series

[@indulgentenhydra5997]

This comment is so stupid. There is a lot of very good, well researched, free information on Tiktok. Stop mocking "other girls" just to make yourself look better, it's annoying, selfish and reductionist. For someone that seems to prize her "natural curiosity," you sure seem to have left it outside when you were learning grammar.

[@maggiearaiza5761]

Daaaaaang!!!! This Doc is deep QUE VIVA PUERTO RICO! #CHINGONES!!🙏🏽🙌🏽💪🏽🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷

[@hectormanuel8360]

The soul of the Puerto Rican community changed American history.

[@ricanredru4760]

The soul of Puerto Rican community can still change America history as well as the greater Latino community & their historical Allies the African-Americans

[@hectormanuel8360]

@@ricanredru4760 Así es.

[@dolcearchivez]

yes

[@lilacrose5266]

this was beautiful thank you

[@billhathaway2814]

Btw I must admit....I had no idea. Thank you for teaching me about this. I greatly appreciate this.

[@lizzettegonzalez4322]

To actually know what went on in the south Bronx and what the community had to go through. And knowing that I was born in that hospital in 1982. What needed to happen and what the young lords did for our community ❤

[@lagosolarbros]

Thanks, it was very moving to see people shouldered in. Unfortunately health still a business for rich and corporate politicians, sad. I hope there is gonna be a revolution of consciousness to all and accomplish the goal.

[@SALTS]

I just watched this video in my Health Activism class at Brooklyn College.. it was so powerful. Very inspiring 🎉

[@dualityisbored3260]

My sociology teacher played this for us and one of our lessons, it was really interesting to see. Very well-crafted

[@pedrosantana2230]

In America, you pay hundreds of dollars a month for “health insurance” but when you get sick, you still have to pay more when you make a hospital or doctors visit. Most people can’t afford necessary surgery even though they pay thousands of dollars in “health insurance” a year because the deductible is usually too high.

[@donnathedead7554]

Yep, insurance is just extortion, they give you nothing for it.

[@norikootsuki4661]

According to Democracy Now (Including Juan Gonzales), this great documentary is up for an Oscar this year. Surely many many more people will learn this unreported/under reported episode of American history. Bravo!

[@jkziegler1]

If you want to know more about this and particularly the Lincoln Detox program, watch Dope Is Death! Amazing documentary

[@aubsmart86]

Adding that to my list!

[@richardmaldonado8570]

Much respect 🇵🇷..

[@melissac.quintero2306]

Very inspiring! This is not taught in school. You have to do your own research and learn about your own heritage and culture and how they contribute to society and the community. Very good documentary.

[@idrk7509]

20:39 I'm not sure if that black hospital worker was a Young Lord or not, but I like the way he throws up the Socialist Hand Symbol in respect.

[@Patrick-jj5nh]

Great film

[@stevebutte8892]

And yet we still have a for profit medical care system with majority of our citizens and non-citizens will fall in debt getting the treatment they need or die while trying to getting the treatment they will eventually need with the current Healthcare system. I see no change in it and no hope for it. If you can't see this go to your local dialysis centers, cancer centers and ask those people who are getting used for their "insurance" or will have unneeded surgeries. See who profits your hospitals.

[@lettyavelino3951]

Hitting home I'm full of fibroids and no surgery, I'm praying, in Atlanta, doctors says immediate surgery 🙏 LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA

[@lando8093]

You’re a wonderful human being, good luck to you friend!

[@marienadinepierre6111]

Jah & Jahes love. This was a great watch! I loved every minute and every second of it! I wish that it had been longer because The Young Lords and The Black Panther Party did so much more. So much of the protests that happened in that era revolved around Public Health. I was born in Brooklyn in June 1969, so I was 12 months and 29 days when this TakeOver happened. And, I wish that I could one day document or record the voices of other blacks from the area who were aware of these protests. I wanna know if any thought about taking over hospitals in Brooklyn for instance, to ask for better services. The mid-1960s saw a huge increase of immigrants from other parts of the Caribbean, notably Ayiti/Haiti. Folks who were fleeing the Duvalier dictatorship, and I would like to know their involvement in these movements. Were they inclined to participate, if no, why not, especially since they were escaping a dictatorship, pro-narco-state that imposed harsh punishments for outspoken behavior and free speech? Blessed love. #1804 #Ayiti #TheYoungLords #TheBlackPantherParty

[@123GoBrits]

I hope this happens again someday because the American system is unsustainable, many have no access , even the insured are bankrupted by it, It is by far the most expensive in the world , the public health aspect is in shambles ( which is one reason why covid was so devastating in the U.S ) and our leadership gets the finest government paid-for health insurance and will therefore do nothing

[@maxstrike3022]

U.S. has better Healthcare than places with socialist Healthcare, which is why everyone wants to come here. It's expensive because the government stuck its socialist hands into it and, like virtually every thing socialist, is a failure. By all means, move to PR if it's so great.

[@123GoBrits]

@@maxstrike3022 Our system is the most expensive in the world and yet is #24 on a list of quality of care , even with the Czech Republic. You can obsess with socialism all you want because everything is that to you but it is a rip-off system for reasons that have little to do with anything "socialist" except that Reagan signed a law that requires that every hospital treats people to the point of stabilizing them. But by all means, let's take your paranoid conservatism to its natural conclusion and euthanize anyone who can't pay full price

[@zandujar216]

So proud of my people!✊🏽

[@sarahhale4374]

Fantastic video - much respect to all involved!!

[@AmiasAnimefan8909]

God bless all of you. You stood for the people. I’m proud to call you my brothers an sisters. What an accomplishment, I am floored. ✊🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾❤❤❤❤❤

[@10eyestv]

Excellent film. Lincoln Hospital has a rich cultural history... Peoples Hospital✌🏽

[@emil.jansson]

Activism is the only thing that can defeat corruption!

[@jaye6300]

Never question the heart and will of a Puerto Rican. So many daring acts!! The blood of a Puerto Rican is rooted in the spirit of Agueybana el Bravo Taino de Boriken. We are a powerful people. And the reason is..... we are very spiritual and that in itself creates the energy for us to do these great things for the sake of humanity. 🇵🇷💪🏾♥️. Que viva Boriken.

[@ifeford6646]

Excellent documentary. Never knew this history, but so glad I now know it.

[@idrk7509]

wow what a good video! I'm almost half-way through it.

[@MsHolmes24]

I don't usually leave comments, but today after attending a workshop, called "This Day in History." Here I am in 2024, nearly 55 years after this took place ,I was compelled to add my voice., as we continue to live in chaotic and turbulent times where people do their best to get by while others just outright dgaf. This documentary brought to light a piece of history of the Bronx that I might not have known about otherwise. More young people should be educated on such matters, as the future are in their hands. It's amazing what we can accomplish when we come together to make a difference. I have great admiration for the bravery it took to stand up and take action in seeking justice for the injustices in our community as the revolution continues

[@DaArcaneNinja]

Beautiful documentary! A lot of this history is lost within the younger generation, regardless there is a pattern in a lot of the events and language that is being spoken and repeated in this day and age to not lose our sense of identity and community in addressing the problems current society in America has for the sake of conformity.

[@vivalaleta]

What a great idea. Who's with me?

[@NT-mh3hg]

Thank you for showing the important history and the incredible work of the Young Lords. ✊🏽🇵🇷

[@demwaya]

Love from Nairobi

[@Jrivera2606]

Very proud to be 🇵🇷 to know about history.

[@lukefh2370]

nice one danny devito

[@resevoirdog]

Great piece !

[@Yourismouter]

excellent documentary! even though I avoid the New York Times like covid or some other plague, this was an excellent short documentary, and was very happy to watch this and attend (online) a Q&A with veteran Young Lords and artist Carlito Rivera, and the brilliant director of the film Ms. Francis-Snyder who I hope continues to get the chance to make more documentaries and would love she do a film on the ongoing apartheid and plight of Native Americans/Hawaiians and Alaskans and if she's hiring or needs an intern, I'm ready! :)

[@TheLajandro]

Thanks for sharing! ✌

[@kaspinet]

Another great job

[@lexiskk]

It’s crazy that I’m just learning this in college. This needs to be mention in the civil rights movement not just MLK.

[@lyfestile7]

Palante Siempre Palante!!

[@CheyennefromTaos]

AWESOME !!!! I.was a (white)✌🏽 activist in California at this time. We had the Black Panthers there 👍🏽.

[@sc4bs924]

wow

[@dajag6846]

What a great Doc!

[@bonniebrown7598]

Absolutely amazing!!!!!

[@nazone7527]

I didn’t know about this until I saw Rosie Perez mention it in a TikTok video. This is the type of history they should teach in school as well. Social Justice!

[@franceskap3429]

This video made me cry, can we have social justice and equality in all humanity, as we continue to speak about this.

[@randywave7]

Calling a hospital a butcher shop is crazzyyy. Strong ppl man ✊🏾

[@pearlsantos9563]

Sadly, these images seem to be what America is experiencing currently, except in high def and w/ the assistance of social media to spread the news even faster.

[@cstv-thirdsideofthecoin3189]

Amazing 🤩!!!

Wow…. Speechless.

[@melbamartinez2183]

I was 8yrs old when the police and the young lords had a rumble on 138th street. They did make a difference. We were neglected by everyone else. What's happening in PR is not regenterfication its genocide. We really need to recognize it for what it is.

[@vinobinns432]

Sometimes you have to make radical moves for changes.

[@jhje1139]

BRAVIIIIIIISIMO!!!

[@rikkijohnson7165]

I wish we had your courage

[@eliza2093]

Thank you for sharing .🇵🇷❤️💯

[@kelechimatthew795]

Revolutionaries

[@danthomas6587]

Brilliant

[@afung89]

These B-Rolls from the 70s were pretty on-point.

[@kbmalo_]

Wow the hospital escape🔥🔥🔥

[@emil.jansson]

I was deeply moved by this. #BLM #BlackLiberation

[@Rkentairment3909]

Intresting

[@xioyume9438]

I can’t believe that HERE IN PUERTO RICO we were never taught about the Young Lords and all the things they did for Puerto Ricans and other Latinos in the U.S. I just learned about this from my English professor in college this week

Why Can't Hollywood make feature films like this??? Representing our true NATURE We Are Powerful. A united Borikua + African American Cmmty is an unstoppable force. I was born in E. Harlem and raised in the South Bronx in the late 70's early 80s. I def got emotional viewing this. OUR stories are US HISTORY and it should be taught in ALL public schools.

[@tobbyhappy3572]

Yes.

[@josealonso7478]

Amazing documentary. Thank you for making this.

[@lucytoro7509]

Notice, no one was hurt! It was researched, planned & executed beautifully. Ty!! Sadly, the powers that be, the money hungry, the power hungry, the very people we elect, don’t give a dang. Replace them. Escort them out via our votes! Don’t let the obstacles they’re putting in place work for them. Jump those hurdles n vote them out!

[@NEMO-NEMO]

@Lucy, They didn’t use the vote in this film. Do you know why?

[@luckylove5021]

On 112street and Lexington in East Harlem N.Y.C.. There is a church that the Younglords had meetings until the police came and raided it . The government threatened them. The church is still there on Lexington so the tourists can come and see also know the history of the Younglords. As a teenager in the 80s I heard stories of the Younglords but never thought anything of them.

[@Thebreakdownshow1]

I must a boomer deep with in watched the whole thing in one go. Without clicking away.

[@idrk7509]

I'm sorry, but your spelling makes it hard to understand what you mean.

[@freepro]

@@idrk7509 He is making a subjective assumption that because he watched this whole documentary without clicking away because of loss of interest...He falls under the category of a Boomer.

[@LoneWolfj11]

Power to the people baby

[@natashanonnattive4818]

This is what humanity is fighting for freedom of voice, respect, acceptance, and love. To be acknowledged, loved by others. The oppression must stop.

[@erikalicea5331]

Mi jente Presiosa mi jente gerrera mis Boricuas Dlbs ...❤

[@charliegalliher]

Heroes.

[@pattiroman4746]

My mother had me at prosper hospital @ July 21, 1970 because she couldn’t have me at Lincoln! I later as a young child did go to New Lincoln Hospital.

[@SEH221]

Executive produced by Lynn Nottage and Luis Miranda?! Dang!!!!

[@m.shannontalbott3884]

Every American regardless of race, color, creed, or nationality, should have equal access to Quality Healthcare. The hospital, should stop making this a question of profit 📈. PLEASE STOP OVERCHARGING ON INSURANCE CLAIMS WHEN YOU GIVE HALF-A$$ED CARE, ONLY TO MAKE INSURANCE PRICES SKYROCKET. CAN'T YOU SEE "PEOPLE OUT HERE ARE DYING"

[@aproverbshome173]

I was born in this hospital!!! My mom never told me these stories. How I thank my Lord Jesus for protecting me! I no longer live in the Bronx, however they we're some great people who lived in the city! I thank God that there is good in all cultures!

[@DavidPacJr]

Makes you wonder how times have changed right

[@yeseniap9541]

My heroes

[@aperson2730]

Interesting

[@cstv-thirdsideofthecoin3189]

Now we’re putting you out 😂!!!

[@Kylefassbinderful]

"south bronx, south south bronx" -KRSOne

[@user-mr9yc7qh3v]

I’m speechless this film 🎥 was deep and very powerful, thank you 🙏

[@sandraguzman4394]

Heros!

[@DavidPacJr]

I was born in Spanish Harlem and Raised in The Bronx. My parents still live in The Bronx. I often ask myself questions about this group. It was a different time back then with different circumstances and different way of life but today in 2022, are the young lords a socialist group who are for socialized medicine or just more health care coverage?