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OKLAHOMA CAPITOL --- Oklahoma has entered the 21st century with its sights set high on building a brighter future with expanding economic development, increased awareness of health issues and most importantly, education.
As the fastest growing segment of our state’s population, Hispanic Americans are helping make that future a reality by contributing to Oklahoma’s economy and increasing our base of economic development. The sixth annual Latino Heritage Celebration will highlight how Hispanic Americans are contributing to Oklahoma’s present and future and the importance of education for all Oklahomans. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Los Niños, Our Future.”
The celebration will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Oct. 3 at the Latino Community Center, located at 420 S.W. 10th St. in Oklahoma City.
Scheduled to appear are Salsa and Flamenco dancers from the Anything Goes Dance Studio and Mexican folkloric dancers Las Estrelles and Ariwatzi. La Puerta De Oro and Edgar Cruz will perform traditional Mexican music and the Central Oklahoma Clown Association will provide some comic relief.
The keynote speaker will be Manuel Soto, Jr., chief operating officer of the Oklahoma City Public Schools. Oklahoma City Dance Director and Choreographer Shannon Calderon will serve as Mistress of Ceremony.
Honored guests include Gov. Brad Henry, State Secretary of Human Resources and Administration Oscar Jackson, Secretary of Human Services Howard H. Hendrick, Sen. Bernest Cain, Rep. Debbie Blackburn, Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs Director Richard DeLaughter, Office of Personnel Management Recruitment Director Hank Batty, Oscar Quiroga with YORK International and Ray Madrid with the League of United Latin American Citizens.
Admission is free and open to the public, however donations will be accepted to help continue this annual event. Buttons featuring the work of Oklahoma artist Carlos Tello and other memorabilia will be available for sale. The Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Oklahoma Arts Council and the Riverside Latino Community Development Agency sponsor this annual event.
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