Although this might seem ridiculously late, I felt the need to recap on our accomplishments during last quarter. I want to Congratulate all MEChISTAS for a wonderful quarter, specially all the hard work put into Chavez / Huerta Week, the Gang Violence Panel, Toxic Tour, Latino commencement and the endless end of the year Tamale Fundraiser. I want to start with a recap of Chavez / Huerta Week, each event had an average of 15+ people in attendance. While some events were a lot more popular than others we had different people come to all of them. Of course, the event with the most attendance was our Keynote Speech by Dolores Huerta. It was a pleasure meeting and hearing her talk. Her humbleness and energy filled the Social Science building. She was a wonderful speaker and example of resistance and hope for all us. The event was even covered by the Chicago Maroon, although they failed to mention MEChA anywhere in the article. After Ms. Huerta's speech, we had a little reception with delicious appetizers and even cake in commemoration of her birthday. Here are some pictures ...
Although this last quarter we did not hold an Educational Conference, we did have other programming that kept us busy through out. A big shout- out to Vicko in coordinating a co-sponsored Gang Violence panel with Chicago Justice Initiative. Our panel had great attendance and wonderful, insightful speakers such as Professor Irving Spergel, Chicago Police Officer Rafael Yañez and Youth Oureach and Community Organizers Oscar Contreras and Xavier McElrath-Bey. Thanks to all those who attended! I also want to congratulate Sarah and Karla for coordinating the Little Village Toxic Tour with Little Village Environmental Justice Organization. LVEJO youth have done magnificent work exposing the dangers of the coal factories surrounding Little Village. Thanks to all those who took the trip West to hear the youth and witness the environmental damage done by these companies.
I want to give a BIG BIG shout-out and congrats to all those who volunteered and pitched in for the Tamales Fundraiser. Apparently, they are a big hit on campus and we can make this a MEChA trademark. The Tamale Sale helped subsidy for the MEChA shirts and Regional Conference for this upcoming year. We did not make a huge profit due to the lack of time but MEChISTAS's energy and persistence showed that we can earn a lot more during the year! By the way, if you paid for a MEChA shirt and did not pick it up - please contact me. If you did not paid for a shirt but want one, contact me as well - we might have a few extra.
I want to end this recap by sending a big electronic MEChA clap to Omar "Shady" Ramirez, a
fellow MEChISTAS who graduated this year from the College. Omar was involved with MEChA for his entire College career. He was Co-Chair of MEChA during 07-08 and Secretary during 06-07. On top of writing a B.A. and all the mayhem that Senior Year brings, Omar found time to coordinate a Latino Commencement event for all graduating Latinos in the College. Omar, MEChA wishes you good luck wherever you go y acuerdaté de los pobres cuando seas grande! Se te extrañara.
Also, good luck to the New Board!
