“Presente in Oklahoma!” Highlight Hispanic/Latino Community’s Contributions to the State

OKLAHOMA CITY — September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month. On Tuesday, September 24, from 11 a.m.-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 during “2024 Presente in Oklahoma!”

The honoree luncheon includes a book signing, art performances and esteemed guest speakers to honor Tina Peña (Peru), Patricia Fennell (Ecuador), Veronica Zelada (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, vice president 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 will share a folkloric dance from Guatemala. Vasquez and Xavier are both former students of Shannon Calderon, one of the honorees at the event. The performance section will close with Lee Hernán, a singer/songwriter/bandleader originally from Puerto Rico who is also an English as Second Language (ESL) teacher during the day.

The registration deadline is Thursday, September 19, at 11:59 p.m. Tickets can be purchased ONLINE. Registration is $50 for Oklahoma Historical Society members (apply the OHSMO25 discount code at checkout) and $75 for nonmembers. One ticket includes admission to the event and lunch, which will be authentic Mexican food made by local chefs.