For Latinx Undergraduate Creating History in America, abbreviated La L.U.C.H.A., familia means everything — and that sense of familia has grown stronger every year, members said. 

Now, La L.U.C.H.A. is celebrating 25 years of being a registered student organization. They focus on empowering members from all ethnicities and bringing a sense of home to those who may not have that in Syracuse, said La L.U.C.H.A. President Andrea Roque.  

In honor of the anniversary, La L.U.C.H.A. will be hosting a gala on Sept. 28, where it will honor, not only its members and alumni, but other organizations that the La L.U.C.H.A. executive board believe contribute to the Syracuse community. 

La L.U.C.H.A. was founded in 1994 and had an e-board dominated by women of color, said Roque. Today’s executive board is the same. She added that when it was founded, it was created for people to enjoy campus without becoming a part of Greek life, a trend that was growing at the time.    

Isabella León, a junior advertising major and graphic designer for La L.U.C.H.A., said since joining the organization, the sense of familia has grown in prominence as the community creates a safe space for Latinx people to be around one another.  

“We don’t see a lot of our faces here so to have an organization where you can share your culture, but also talk to people who already share your culture and you’re not an outlier, is important,” León said.  

Roque, who joined the organization her freshman year, said she was first inspired to join when she met former president, Jennifer Rodriguez. Roque added that Rodriguez was someone who genuinely wanted La L.U.C.H.A. to grow and wants to follow in her steps.  

But Roque said along with the support system, La L.U.C.H.A. continues to be active with communities both on and off the SU campus. Members of La L.U.C.H.A. often hold events like study circles and “Cafe con Soul Food,” where it partners with organizations like SU’s Caribbean Student Association for a night of authentic Afro-Latinx food and live music.  

Particularly with organizations founded for people of color, Roque said it’s important to support similar organizations, adding it’s not a competition, but a way to build and support one another.  

“There might be a small number of us on campus, but we still make our presence known on campus,” Roque said. She added having a support system that includes other organizations and alumni, also known as Luchadores, is why La L.U.C.H.A. continues to grow.   

Part of the support system includes former president Christian Medina, who graduated last May. He said that joining La L.U.C.H.A. meant he was able to support people from all backgrounds — whether they were Cuban, Peruvian or Hispanic. All that matters is wanting to make an impact in the Latinx community, he said.  

One way La L.U.C.H.A. has changed dramatically in recent years is its increased use of social media, Roque said. The organization’s Instagram posts show audience members, current executive board members, upcoming events and also brings advocacy to certain political discussion affecting the Latinx/Hispanic community.  

As La L.U.C.H.A. celebrates their milestone this year, León said she can see it lasting another 25 years. Roque said she hopes to come back to SU once she graduates and see it continue to make an impact on the community.  

“There’s a lot of love for L.U.C.H.A.,” León said. 

Published on September 16, 2019 at 1:03 am

Contact Diana: dianar@dailyorange.com