SOCC Mission
The SOCC seeks to re-establish the Centro Cultural de la Raza as a relevant and dynamic community cultural Center that is open and responsive to the aspirations of the Chican@ / Mexican@ / Indigena community; that supports the free expression and liberating qualities of our culture; and that embraces all races, ages, genders and sexual preferences.
The Save Our Centro Coalition is a member of the National Association of Latino Arts and Culture
Save Our Centro
Coalition |
Razafest
RAZAFEST began in July 2000 as the Save Our Centro Coalition's response to the exclusion of artists and activists by the new administration of the Centro Cultural de la Raza.
The inaugural events were a performance by Orquesta Binacional de Mambo and a screening and discussion with members of Pocho! Productions. Since then the RAZAFEST has featured over 500 events that serve the cultural needs of the Chicano / Latino / Indigenous community.
Highlights from SOCC Member Programming
Save Our Centro Coalition members' innovative and award-winning cultural programs have continued to enrich the lives of audiences in the San Diego/Tijuana region during the boycott of the Centro.
From intimate discussions with authors and academics to large community celebrations such as Chicano Park Day, SOCC members have been active leaders in the cultural life of our diverse community. Click Here to see a sample Razafest schedule.
Visual Arts
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$1.6 Milion Chicano Park Mural Restoration Project |
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Chicano Park Mural Restoration Manual |
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Rudos Y Tecnicos Luchador Art Exhibit featuring Alma Lopez, Germs, Ricardo Duffy, Ricardo Islas, Chikle and Robert Sanchez at the Museum of the Living Artist in Balboa Park |
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ESO ES: 13 Artists Exhibit at the SD Repertory Theater |
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Bajito y Suavecito Lowrider Exhibit featuring Magu, Victor Ochoa, David Avalos, Ricardo Islas, Sal "Queso" Torres, Alberto Varela and Paul Vauchelet |
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Keep on Crossin' at the Museum of Contemporary Art SD |
Music
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Orquesta Binacional de Mambo |
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An Evening with the Nuevo Canto Legend Gabino Palomares |
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Dia de los Muertos Noche de Musica Lysa Flores and Go Betty Go |
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Roots Rock Raza Singer/Songwriter Showcase |
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Caballero's Thursday Night Latin Jazz Jam |
Dance
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Salsa, Tango, Hip Hop, Swing and Puerto Rican Bomba y Plena Lessons at Hot Monkey Love Multicultural Music Hall |
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Ballet Folklorico at Sherman Heights Community Center |
Literature
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Barrio Bookfest |
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Chican@ Art Magazine Release Party |
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Raza Spoken Here Spoken Word CDs, Vol. 1 &2 |
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The Calaca Review Anthology |
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Calaca Press events with authors such as Luis Rodriguez, Raul R Salinas, Tatiana de la Tierra, Olga Angelina García Echeverría, Elba Rosario Sanchez and more. |
Special Events
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Annual Dia de la Mujer Celebration |
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Annual Dia de los Muertos Celebration |
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Keep on Crossin' Awards |
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Rudos Y Tecnicos: An Aztec Gold Extravaganza |
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Mental Menudo San Diego |
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Everything's Aloud All-Format Open Mic |
SOCC Members Also Have Played Key Roles In:
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San Diego Latino Film Festival |
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Adams Avenue Street Fair |
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City Heights International Village Celebration |
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Chicano Now! at the Museum of Contemporary Art SD |
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Chicano Perk |
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Voz Alta |
Razafest Highlights
Shifra Goldman at City College, 2000
Chunky Sanchez performs during Roots Rock Raza, 2002.
Los Lobos proudly display their Keep on Crossin' Award, 2003
Alma Felan and Papoleto Melendez at a fundraiser for Pedro Pietri, 2004.
5th Annual International Dia De la Mujer Celebration, 2005
Chican@ Art Magazine Release Party, 2006.
Rudos y Tecnicos at the Museum of the Living Artist in Balboa Park, 2006.
Pistolera at the 7th Annual International Dia de la Mujer, 2007.