On Saturday, March 4, the Ethnic Studies Now! Coalition of Santa Barbara hosted an all-day, all-ages “block party” at La Casa de la Raza. The day was jam-packed with educational workshops, student art and music, and vendors rallying around the importance of community, democracy, and diversity. Marcus Lopez, one of the free event’s leaders, stated it was “all youth driven and created.” La Casa De La Raza was happy to provide the space.
The day kicked off at 12:30 p.m., with Lopez hosting a Chumash-inspired opening ceremony. Attendees were there to come together, he said, to recognize one another and to no longer let differences such as race and gender divide them. Lopez commended the youth, stating that they are “so important to our survival. … They are the hope.” This collective spirit and community is what led to the creation of La Casa de la Raza, he stated, reminding the students that they are the leaders of the future.
The day included several workshops covering topics such as the importance of ethnic studies, self-defense, and knowing your rights. Music began around 5:30 p.m., featuring local talent performing late into the evening. There were tables for creating poetry and art, as well.