ADA – An Oklahoma History Center traveling exhibit on the history and continuing impact of Latino(a) culture on the state is coming to East Central University’s Linscheid Library September 7. The free exhibit is open to the public through December 16.
“We are excited to bring this traveling exhibit to Linscheid Library,” said Dana Belcher, library director. “This exhibit will be a vital resource for everyone to learn more about our state’s diversely rich populations.”
The “Exploring Oklahoma’s Latino(a) History” exhibit will be presented in both English and Spanish. Visitors will learn about Latino(a) history in the Indian territories as well as the migration and immigration of Latino(a) communities from early statehood to present day.
The exhibit also includes a focus on Latino(a) businesses and the community’s contributions to labor and culture, highlighting an important impact on Oklahoma’s diversity. In addition, there are oral history links included in the exhibit and visitors will be able to scan a QR code with their phones that will connect them to this resource.
As of the fall 2020 semester, ECU’s enrollment is 4% Hispanic. The Ada community is 6.3% Hispanic or Latino(a), according to the most recent figures. The Latino(a) community represents the third-largest ethnic minority group in Oklahoma. The state is home to populations from nearly every Spanish-speaking Latin American nation, as well as the commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Funding for the “Exploring Oklahoma’s Latino(a) History” exhibit was provided in part by a grant from Oklahoma Humanities (OH) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in the exhibit do not necessarily represent those of ECU, OH or NEH.
The mission of Linscheid Library is to collaborate with the community to provide access to resources and education, empowering users to transform our world. The vision of the library is to be a place where everyone feels equally empowered to reach their dreams. To learn more, please visit the library’s website at ecok.libguides.com/home.
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