Pablo “Yoruba” Guzmán, one of the founders of the Young Lords Party and a veteran New York City reporter, has died at the age of 73. Guzmán, who died of a heart attack, was a noted activist and journalist co-founding the “Young Lords” in 1969, a group that fought against systemic racism and the lack of basic services in Latino communities.

The NBC News report highlights Guzmán’s legacy as a visionary and former Young Lords information minister, in addition to his role as a longtime reporter for WCBS-TV. His work in the leadership of the Young Lords included health care programs, childcare, and providing breakfast to disadvantaged communities. The group also fought against police brutality, imperialism, and U.S. militarism.

After his stint with the Young Lords, Guzmán began a career in broadcasting, becoming a television reporter, radio talk show host, and writer for The Village Voice. His long career at WCBS-TV, where he worked for nearly 20 years, established him as a recognizable journalistic figure in New York, covering a variety of topics from organized crime to pop culture.

Guzmán, a proud Afro-Puerto Rican, has highlighted racism in his reporting and essays, drawing on his personal experiences. His legacy also includes contributions to Latin music, serving as an honorary member on the selection committee for the Latin music category at the Grammy Awards.

NBC’s piece highlights his memorable reporting, including coverage of gangster John Gotti Jr., the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, and Nelson Mandela’s press conference after his release from prison. Guzmán has received awards, including an Emmy for his reporting on the murder of a police officer.

The statement from the Center for Puerto Rican Studies in New York City expresses sadness over Guzmán’s passing, calling him a revolutionary co-founder of the Young Lords. The report closes by mentioning that Guzmán is survived by his wife, children, and mother.

The article highlights Guzmán’s dedicated nature to seek changes to the system with love and respect, even though he is considered a radical. His death represents the loss of an influential figure who contributed significantly to the Puerto Rican community and to journalism in New York.