A Mechista is a student who cares about our people and who will not be silent when it comes to the rights and well being of their fellow students and communities. Mechista's are students who believe in themselves and realize that no one group is going to help them or their community but themselves. Mechista's are students who fight for the rights to have more students attend college by adding in the development and fulfillment of programs such as Affirmative Action, Educational Opportunity Programs (EOP), and Chicano Studies Departments. Mechista's understand that there are things in life that, "one must know." one's past, one's present, and one's future. One's past by understanding your ancestors and your history then one can realize the fundamentals of a cultural background which will bring respect and self-pride. One's present, only by understanding the past can one understand the present problems, brought to this land by European conquest and colonization. The knowledge that will give you guidance and purpose in life. One's future, by one's actions that are taken today with the understanding of a better future for our children.
This concept of the past, present, and future is what the indigenous and native people of this land called the circle of life. Mechista's work together to establish unity and carnalismo between all people. Mechista's emphasize the importance of community activism and promote awareness of our indigenous and native roots. Mechista's are called activists, troublemakers, weirdoes and radicals. But if that is what you call a person who helps our people, then that is what we all should strive to be.
If you want more information please join us at our meetings! Wednesday at 8pm, CSUMB Library conference room
What is CSUMB M.E.Ch.A.?
El Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan (M.E.Ch.A) at CSUMB is part of a national network of Chicano/ Mexicano student organizations in colleges, universities, high schools, and junior high schools which works towards progressive changes in the Chicano/Mexicano community by advocating for educational equality. Our organization strongly believes in the right to a fair and adequate education. Education, we believe, is the key to improving the social and political situation of our communities. Our commitment to these beliefs is exemplified through our efforts and are translated into reality through the many programs that we sponsor. Our chapter of M.E.Ch.A. participates in several cultural events such as El Dia de Los Muertos, Cinco de Mayo, 16 de Septiembre, Chicano Graduation, and other cultural events which commemorate the struggle and movement of our raza. We not only celebrate the beauty of our Chicano/Mexicano community, but we also educate members of our CSUMB community on the Chicano/Mexicano experience. We believe that learning and sharing in different cultures is a way to foster a sense of community amongst diverse individuals and nurture an environment of tolerance. ¡Viva La Raza Chicana!
