By Gabriel Oliveros Jr.
The ‘25 Solidarity Block Party, sponsored by The Affinity Centers, had a theme meant to build connections and help students socialize with other students, staff and possibly join a club or two.
Wednesday, the weather on the Inter-Garrison Plaza was perfect for a social gathering, the sun was out and the clouds were absent. This celebration promoted unity and allowed students to show off their individuality. Nearly 300 attendees were welcomed with free pizza, ice cold water and lemonade. Students who preferred to purchase food had the option of choosing from two tables that included sweet treats from diverse cultures. One of which was called Taevada Treats, pioneered by Ketvara Appel, an entrepreneur who started her own business about three years ago. Her Thai inspired treats included cookies, matcha, boba tea and much more. This event was her third or fourth showing on campus, and was successful for her because she made good profit.
Local apparel brand Orgullo offered free-live screenprinting of T-shirts, whose table had a long line from the beginning of the event all the way to the very end. In order to get a free shirt, students had to get a signature from three different tables. This encouraged engaging with new faces and learning more about the services that Cal State Monterey Bay (CSUMB) have to offer. Screenprinting was so popular that the booth ran out of shirts to print, so they began printing on hoodies and handbags.
Matthew Sanders (he/him) a fourth-year working on his business major and concentration in management was tabling for the Helen Rucker Center for Black Excellence. Matthew’s expectations for this event were to socialize and meet new people. He later went on to describe the overall event as successful and a “good turn out.”
A live performance from the Salinas-based Grupo Armada brought the energy to the block party. Many students sat on blankets spread out in the quad or in the giant lawn chairs to get a better view of the band. The corrido band represented solidarity, roots and culture which many students and staff can relate to. Many different activities and games were also available to engage in like a giant jenga set, a giant connect four game and also corn hole.
Skyler Stelchek is a transfer student from Gilroy who chose to switch majors, to collaborative health and human services, which is why he tables for Project Rebound. “Good turn around and lots of engagement,” Skyler said about the event. Laughter and smiles filled up the atmosphere, where complete strangers became friends shortly after. The goal of this event was to have students become more aware of the many outlets that are available and for the students to build connections.
Kai Pineda, a senior with a Collaborative Health and Human Services major, was tabling for Everyone’s Harvest. He mentioned that he didn’t expect the amount of resources and he described the experience as a “very good turn out.”