Banda La Congora takes the stage at “Noche de Baile”

erated by a group of musicians that range from gloomy and sad to festive and upbeat. 200 Seawolves were in attendance and took part in the LatinX celebration. The Baile was somewhere for LatinX students to come and feel in touch with their cultural identity at SSU. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The organization has not hosted Noche De Baile since 2018. While hosting this event they made Sonoma State History as the first organization to bring Banda to SSU ever.The event was a huge success, not only had the LatinX community come out, but several other students wanted to be a part of the festivities. .

student said, “This is what students want on campus, we want some representation and we want to have a fun time while dancing… I think that says a lot.” The Baile was a great event to go to and maybe even a start for other organizations to host events like this to build a stronger student community throughout SSU.

MIA GARCIA STAFF WRITER

M.E.Ch.A (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanx de Aztlán) hosted “Noche De Baile (Night of Dancing)” at the Student Center where they had live performances from DJ C-Los and Banda La Congora. What is Banda? Banda is a type of Regional Mexican music that is gen-

JUSTIN SIMPSON STAFF WRITER

Blanca Ruiz, president of M.E.Ch.A , said, “I was really surprised to see all the different people that came out tonight, not just LatinX people… Students came out to support the LatinX community… All the support warms my heart.” With the influx of attendees, Ruiz believes that M.E.Ch.A will host another event next spring. Ruiz emphasized how, “[M.E.Ch.A] really wanted to make something that welcomes the LatinX community because we are a hispanic serving institution.” SSU is one of the 21 Hispanic Serving Institutions within the California State University system. M.E.Ch.A is a nationwide organization that promotes higher education, culture, and history. Some of the clubs main purposes at SSU is to help people learn and connect withone’s Chicanx identity.

The organization had a successful turnout with Seawolves dancing the night away in Ballroom A of the Student Center. Sometimes, It is no secret that it’s hard to get students to come to events. M.E.Ch.A, however, had no problem rallying students for “Noche De Baile.”

Jessica Valdez, a fourth year Chicano Latino Studies

Many students got to dance, listen to live music, and experience the LatinX community. Robbie Eliseo Campos, the SSU student who put on “Noche de Baile” said, “We make stuff happen.” This semester Campos has played a pivotal role in the growth of M.E.Ch.A on campus and is excited to see the club continue to grow. Last semester, there were about five to seven active members and now they have over 50. “As the organizer of the event, my experience at Noche de Baile was surreal…we had a lot of the multicultural sororities and Fraternities there, Other multicultural clubs attended as well… [Noche de Baile] seemed so lively.” The LatinX community continues to remain strong. Many other clubs and organizations remain to support one another, making sure that students feel supported and knowing that they are not alone.

M.E.CH.A is doing a wonderful job having an active voice on Campus for Latino students. Valdez said, “We are planning events and continue to plan events to make sure Latino students have an active presence on campus.” The Latin X community continues to grow and is supported by SSU students. If you have ever wanted to get connected to your latino ancestry or would love to support the latinx community M.E.Ch.A hosts meetings every Thursday in the Alexander Valley Room. For more information and updated events follow them on Instagram @mecha_de_sonoma.