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MEChA also hosts many community events, in hopes to establish cultural education within their city and school.

“Decolorize your soul: Empower your mind to be tomorrow’s leaders” was this year’s theme at the 40th annual Chicano Youth conference that took place on Saturday, Feb. 11.

MEChA had the opportunity to travel once again to California State University, Fresno where this cultural event was held.

The Chicano Youth conference unites MEChA clubs from all over the state in hopes to give higher consciousness of mixed identities, cultures, and the value of higher education to the youth.

Members from Granite and Harmony high schools, as well as other MEChA members from all over the state met at CSU Fresno at 9 a.m. to register and enjoy the opening ceremony by the Danzantes Yoztaltepetl; an Aztec Dance Club.

“I liked the conference a lot and I especially liked the Aztec dancers; they were really entertaining,” stated MEChA member Francisco Zarate.

The dance was followed by a presentation of the A through G requirements and the requirements needed to apply for College Assistance Migrant Program, which is an aid program at Fresno State designed to help students with financial aid and with their studies.

“The conference was very informative about the different activities college offers and I learned things I had no clue about. Overall, it was a great experience,” said MEChA member Celina Cervantes. “I was able to experience the life of a college student.”

Speakers and poets also had the opportunity to recite their poems, give inspirational speeches, and sing their songs.

“I learned a lot; it was a great experience to come together and hear poems and songs about our culture,” stated MEChA Secretary Alexandra Herrera.

These songs, poems, and inspirational speeches had an impact on those who heard them.

“I think it was really good that we got to hear some stories that made us think and change our perspective about our urge to succeed in life,” said Jorge Nunez.Many workshops were also offered, each one with different types of information varying from cultural, political and educational.

Many workshops were also offered, each one with different types of information varying from cultural, political and educational.

Students seemed to particularly like the workshops and enjoyed learning about different topics.

“I thought the workshops were very interesting and very helpful; they taught me history in the Mexican culture that I did not know about,” said Ulises Mijes

Over 30 workshops were provided each with different equally interesting topics. Among the most-attended workshops were “Dream Act: Past, Present, and Future” and “Leaning Nahuatl: the ancient Aztec language.”

“Overall I think that the workshops at CSU Fresno where very helpful, and informative, especially the Nahuatl language workshop,” said Granite Hills Freshman Tania Ramirez. “I would enjoy going again.”

According to MEChA advisor Raul Bermudez, the conference was a success and he looks forward to attending once more next year.

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