“2024 Presente in Oklahoma!”

September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month.

On Tuesday, September 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Oklahoma Historical Society will highlight the history, heritage, and contributions of selected individuals of Hispanic/Latino heritage who have or are contributing to shaping Oklahoma’s culture at “Presente in Oklahoma!”

Purchase tickets at www.okhistory.org/presente

The honoree luncheon includes a book signing, art performances, and esteemed guest speakers to honor individuals such as Tina Peña of Peru, Patricia Fennell of Ecuador, Veronica Zelada of Guatemala, Dr. Daniel Molina (Mexican-American), and Shannon Yolanda Calderon Primeau (Mexican-American) who will be honored posthumously.

The program will start with a book signing by author Mariana Llanos, an award-winning bilingual children’s book writer, poet, and translator of Peruvian heritage.

Jesse Guardiola, VP of Community Engagement and Government Relations for United Way of Tulsa will be the keynote speaker. Attorney Monica Ybarra-Weedn will be the event’s emcee. Jorge Hernandez, Co-Founder of Tango PR and a highly recognized member of the Latino community in Oklahoma, will share some closing remarks.

Art performances will be presented by Angelica Pereira, a Colombian-born violinist who has played with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic and other symphony orchestras and music programs. A Flamenco dance by Colten Hernandez follows this, and then Hilda de Leon Xavier, both former students of Shannon Calderon, will be sharing a folkloric dance from Guatemala. Closing with Lee Hernán, a singer/songwriter/bandleader originally from Puerto Rico, an English as Second Language (ESL) teacher during the day.

REGISTER before Thursday, September 19, at 11:59 p.m. Registration is $50 for Oklahoma Historical Society members (apply the OHSMO25 discount code at checkout) and $75 for nonmembers. This includes admission to the event and lunch, which will be authentic Mexican food made by local chefs.

The Oklahoma Historical Society, Ylla | Gosley, Attorneys at Law, American Farmers and Ranching, Mid-America Christian University, Medina Exploration, Respect Diversity Foundation, Evelyn Cardona, and Viridan Coffee financially sponsor this event.

Programming was developed in collaboration with The Friends of the OHS Multicultural Office and the Hispanic/Latino Oklahoma History Ambassadors Committee members.

If you have additional questions, contact the Oklahoma Historical Society’s multicultural officer, Saidy Herrera, at (405) 522-5204 or email saidy.herrera@history.ok.gov.