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Soak in the Vibes and Culture with SOCA!

By Sara-Hanna Madourie


Ramata Diallo (left) and Club Treasurer Destiny Barbour (right) acted out the scenario in the game “SOCA Spectrum Roommate Edition.”

(Photo by Sara-Hanna Madourie)


It’s a late Wednesday night, and holed up in the Commuter’s Lounge, loud chatter and laughter can be heard from down the hallway. People are yelling at each other in friendly banter, vibing and singing to dancehall music in the background, and everyone is enjoying the space. Even if someone is just sitting in and observing, the pure vibes and enjoyment are always felt at the Students of Caribbean Ancestry (SOCA) club.


“We all get along and we all can work together,” said Vice President, Michelle Nairne. “That energy shines through.”


This club was founded around 2004-2005 to create a space for Caribbean students to come together, speak on their experiences, relate to one another, and build a community where people of color can have a safe space. However, SOCA is open to any and everybody whether Caribbean or not.


“We go to a predominantly white college and so I know safe spaces for people of color is really necessary especially here,” said Crystal Jorge, SOCA’s engagement coordinator. “I think what makes us really special is that we provide that space for those people and for everybody in general.”


SOCA, OAPIA (Organization of African People in the Americas), and LU (Latine Unidos) hosted “Jump Off,” the first party of the semester in The Stood.

(Photo by Sara-Hanna Madourie)


SOCA aims to get people involved in campus life, create a safe space, and educate people on Caribbean culture. Club meeting activities range from fiery debates defending and representing what borough people are from to educational workshops.


These workshops include learning about cultural wear, Caribbean-style dances, and foods of the islands. Like other cultural clubs here at Purchase, SOCA is known for holding some of the most popular events. They run Sextacy and Karnival, two of the most long-awaited events hosted by SOCA here at Purchase. These events are what bring the Purchase community together. “When we do an event, it’s always fire,” SOCA President Tristan Keane-Negri emphasized. “We don’t miss.”


SOCA hosts successful events that give the club members a sense of pride in what they’re a part of. The personalities and authenticity of the members are what keep people coming back to SOCA club meetings. “You're always gonna find a friend or someone you get along with every time you come to our club,” Nairne said.


SOCA meets every Wednesday at 10 p.m. in the Commuter Lounge, located in the Campus Center North building.

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