WHEREAS, Hispanics are those who identify their origin as the heritage, nationality group, lineage, or country of their birth or that of their parents or ancestors before their arrival into the United States; and

WHEREAS, Spanish-speaking countries include Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, México, Nicaragua, Panamá, Paraguay, Perú, Spain, Uruguay, Venezuela, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and

WHEREAS, Hispanics have been a part of the geography and history of Oklahoma since the 16th Century when the Spanish initially claimed Oklahoma, specifically the Oklahoma Panhandle; and

WHEREAS, the first exploration of Oklahoma was led by the Spaniard Francisco Vásquez de Coronado and his army in 1541 on their journey to conquer the Seven Cities of Cíbola or Quivira, the area known today as Cimarron County; and

WHEREAS, the majority of Oklahoma's Hispanic population live in the cities of Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Guymon; and

WHEREAS, Hispanics have migrated to the State of Oklahoma hoping for better lives than the ones they left behind; and

WHEREAS, the influence of Hispanics in Oklahoma is a result of their perseverance through hard times as well as their innate yearning to establish a sense of place.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE 2ND SESSION OF THE 58TH OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE:

THAT the Oklahoma State Senate declares May 10, 2022, as the 6th annual Hispanic Cultural Day in Oklahoma.

THAT the Oklahoma State Senate recognizes the heritage, culture, and immense contributions of Hispanics to the State of Oklahoma.