The Latinization of Oklahoma : case studies on Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Guymon.

Abstract

Latin Americans have been a part of the geography and history of Oklahoma since the sixteenth century. Over the past two centuries, Latinos have trekked to Oklahoma to escape odious conditions in their mother countries. Hispanic immigrants came and continue to migrate to the United States. Oklahoma's employment opportunities made this state an attractive homeland for many Latinos and continue to draw new immigrants. Hispanics helped construct much of Oklahoma's infrastructure, albeit the Great Depression led many immigrants to return to their mother countries or search for refuge elsewhere. Since World War II, the Latino population has increased significantly in Oklahoma, just as it has in many other U.S. states. The sheer number of Latinos, concomitant with the support of various Latino agencies in Oklahoma, has facilitated the process of Latinization in many Oklahoma towns and cities. This study examines three of those places: Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Guymon. Each city has its own story of the way Latinization occurred. The findings suggest that Latinization is not simply a spontaneous result of the presence of so many Hispanics in these areas but is rather a palpable result of the combination of their perseverance through hard times, their innate yearning to establish a sense of place, and the invaluable support from Latino assistance organizations.