North Lawn event bring together Toros amid rising political rhetoric against marginalized communities.
By Jessica Valencia, Co-Managing Editor
La Casita and the Black Resource Center invited Toros to the cookout on Oct. 16, co-hosting an event to strengthen unity between students at CSUDH. The event was inspired by a similar event held last month at San Diego State University.
The “Carne Asada Cookout” aimed to foster unity and understanding between communities that have historically faced tension and prejudice, especially following recent immigration enforcement in predominantly Latine and Hispanic neighborhoods across Los Angeles.
“One of the most beautiful things about this event is the sense of community,” said Rony Castellanos Raymundo, La Casita program director. “Setting this up [was] a way to push back against that fear.”
Black and Latine communities in LA share a long, complex history marked by both solidarity and tension. Moments like the 1965 Watts Rebellion and the 1970 Chicano Moratorium reflected parallel fights against inequality and discrimination.
In recent months, as President Donald Trump intensified his rhetoric against undocumented immigration, Black and Latine communities have shown solidarity against deportations and family separation. In June, local civil rights leaders condemned Trump’s decision to deploy the military to LA, calling the move an abuse of power against communities of color.
That same spirit of unity was at the heart of the Carne Asada Cookout at CSUDH.
Held on the North Lawn, the evening cookout offered a space for Toros to relax, socialize, and connect. Upon checking in, attendees received raffle and meal tickets along with a sticker that read, “You’re invited to the Carne Asada Cookout.”
The menu included rice, beans, corn, hot links, tortillas, vegetables, agua frescas and, of course, plenty of carne asada.
“Oh my God, I love it!” explained freshman Vanessa Menera, who studies business administration. “They have the carne asada—the tacos were so good. They have drinks: mango, cucumber.”
Food wasn’t the only draw. Students played games such as Connect 4, corn hole, giant Jenga, Tic Tac Toe, horseshoes, and Hit the Bucket, to win more raffle tickets, available for winners. A bounce house added to the festive atmosphere.
“This is my first time seeing this many students all in one place, we love the community and the networking, everything—period,” said Malina Jimenez, a senior business administration student.
The evening also featured a raffle for Apple AirPods and an iPad Mini, as well as performances from the Dominguez Hills Pep Band and a playlist of music by Black and Latine artists.
Despite facing budget constraints, the BRC and La Casita secured support from 10 campus partners, including Associated Students, Inc., the Women’s Resource Center, Queer Culture and Resource Center, Asian & Pacific Cultural Center, the Dymally Institute, and the departments of Africana Studies and Chicana and Chicano Studies.
More than 300 students attended the event, though limited resources meant only enough food for about 200. Organizers said limited funding made it difficult to cover costs, a challenge shared across the California State University due to a systemwide budget shortfall.
“The frustration is not with the university,” confirmed Koatzin Kamil Cruz, who oversees La Casita’s cultural and identity program. “A lot of Cal States are experiencing budget cuts. It’s just about our funds being allocated elsewhere.”
Still, the better-than-expected turnout showed how eager students were to connect and unwind together on campus.
“I am having a lot of fun—I’m meeting a lot of new people,” said Jonathan Martinez, a junior journalism student. “The food here was actually pretty good.”