By Ami Medina, Sept. 17, 2024
Many Latinos recognize the term “masa” as a corn ingredient used to create traditional Mexican and Latino dishes. However, at Cal Poly Pomona, MASA stands for Mexican American Student Association.
The origins of MASA at CPP can be traced back to the Chicano Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, a time when many Chicano university students protested to be heard, seen and supported by higher education. History.com writes that with assistance of influential civil rights activist Cesar Chavez, universities began to implement the changes that these students had fought so hard to achieve. These changes consisted of introducing Chicano studies programs, hiring more Chicano faculty, incorporating culturally relevant curriculum and implementing bilingual education initiatives.
According to cpp.edu, in 1965, MASA was established as a student club at CPP. Notable supporters donated for the club to have its own standalone building, making MASA the only organization on campus with such a facility. The core mission of MASA is to provide not only Mexican American students, but all university students with community service opportunities and educational support.
In recent years, MASA has faced financial challenges, particularly due to the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. The Instructive Related Activities (IRA) and Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) funding MASA has been receiving has been also significantly reduced.
“Many of our funds now come out of pocket from students and alumni, but it is a sacrifice we are willing to make because we know MASA is very important to many students,” said MASA president Nisbeth Rivera.
The organization has received donations, such as printers, paper and other school supplies from alumni, and they regularly hold fundraisers to acquire more resources.
Crystal Garcia, MASA’s new community service advisor, said, “We don’t have much funding, so our executive board is putting in their own money for all our events. I think that is inspiring because we are just a group of students who genuinely care about MASA.”
Many students who visit the MASA house, located in building 150, south of the library, are often first-generation college students searching for a sense of community. MASA, as both Garcia and Rivera pointed out, extends a welcoming hand to these students, offering assistance, support groups and a sense of family.
“I want people to feel that they can utilize us as a resource if they are struggling,” Garcia said.
Garcia recounted her own academic challenges after transferring to CPP pointing out that MASA provided her with an opportunity to support others on their educational journeys.
“I feel like I am more in tune with my roots than before, and I am surrounded by people who remind me of home,” said Garcia.
Emily Cobian, a current general member of MASA, said joining the club has helped her make lifelong friends.
“We all go out regularly, even those who have already graduated,” Cobian said.
As the school year begins, MASA is looking forward to expanding their board members and hosting annual events. The MASA house, its prized possession, has also recently introduced a new house manager position. The role involves opening and closing the house, overseeing members and guiding new students. Such positions are important to the MASA community because they create more of a family environment, which is crucial for a successful organization. Additionally, with Hispanic Heritage Month around the corner, MASA will be selling food at the Dia De Los Muertos event in collaboration with CECCHE, a fellow Latinx cultural resource center at CPP.
MASA’s history and development are truly remarkable. They reflect significant growth and resilience, from the fight for change in the Chicano movement to having their own building on a university campus. Despite the club’s financial struggles, committed members voluntarily manage to keep the MASA community united and thriving, and its story serves as an example of community building and dedication.
“I think people sometimes shy away from us because they don’t identify as Mexican American, but we are a space for all students, and everyone is welcome,” said Rivera. “It’s very easy to join our family and get involved—just stop by the house.”
For more information about MASA, follow the club’s Instagram account: @cppmasa.
Feature Image Courtesy of Vanessa Funetes
