Herencia OKC: Cultura in The Central Plains

Red dirt and tall golden grasses set the stage. Buffalo once roamed in the thousands here, nomadic tribes on horseback following close by. Oklahoma City, known for its cowboy culture, Native American history, fossil fuels, and perhaps questionable politics. While Chicano culture may not be the first thing of when we think of when we think of Oklahoma City, it has in fact played a vital role in shaping the identity of our city. This autumn we had the pleasure of talking to Sharik Cervantes and Nathaly Ramos of Herencia. Herencia is an artist collective, nomadic gallery, and outlet for Chicano and Latinx art in our hometown of Oklahoma City. Herencia is focused on bringing art and showcasing creativity in the historic Capitol Hill district, the center of OKC’s Latinx community.

Please follow them here, @herencia.okc

We are pleased to share with you our conversation:

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Sharik Cervantes: cofounder of Herencia, is a photographer from Southside Oklahoma City. Her roots in Chihuahua, Mexico have always played an important role in her life as an artist.

Nathaly Ramos: cofounder of Herencia, from Southside Oklahoma City. She is an active member of the city, being both a part of WithLove Board and is a TAG for The OKC Thunder. She spends much of her time caring for her son, Romeo.

How are guys doing? How is life?

S: I’m doing good! I have been busy with school, work, and Herencia. But we are taking a small break from Herencia to plan for future events.

N: Life has been great! Just trying to take care of my mental health and getting some rest!

How did you two meet?

S/N: Science class freshman year of high school.

What was it like growing up Latinx in Oklahoma City?

S: For the most part it was beautiful. Growing up in Southside I was able to be surrounded by Latino people. Speaking Spanish all the time, it felt the same as being in Mexico. I had the the experience of both cultures here. I would visit paleterias, mercados, and played at Woodson Park by SW 29th Street. As I got older I dove deeper into my creative journey. While in college, I began to realize my upbringing was vastly different than those of my peers. I began to feel far from home then.

N: It was tough. I remember being in 4th grade and my teacher telling me to not speak Spanish. This made me believe speaking Spanish was a bad thing, Yet, other times teachers would praise me for translating for other students. It was difficult figuring out your identity here and finding a balance between cultures. It reminds me of the quote by the dad from the Selena movie, “We have to be more Mexican than the Mexicans and more American than the Americans; both at the same time! It’s exhausting!”

Tell me about an experience that changed your perspective on your own culture and identity? Did this experience bring shame or pride, love or resentment?

N: Everyone I grew up with was Hispanic. I always thought,“Well, everyone around me is same.” I didn’t see the importance of our culture at the time. In early high school I began to take pride in our culture and my identity. The older I got I began to realize the struggle it was to come to The U.S. and that many in my community still are struggling. I am a proud first generation Latina. I take so much pride in where I was raised, who I come from, and how my family came here to provide better opportunities for us.

S: I don’t think I have a specific experience. I have always been proud of my Mexican roots. I have never felt ashamed of who I was or where I come from. If anything has shaped me, it is being an artist from Southside OKC. I have always had to outsource, as my opportunities here have been limited. But this has made me want to provide these opportunities for my community. This second Herencia show really made proud of Nat and I for what we are doing for the culture.

Why is art and creativity important for you? How and why does art tie into Latinx culture?

N: It is about sharing stories. It is about who we are, embracing where we come from, our history, and about our current states of being. There are people who have not seen or experienced our culture, which makes photography and art perfect for that.

S: Art keeps me alive and sane. I am not the most expressive person, but through art I am able to express more of myself. I have always loved seeing the various forms of expression in my culture from dance, our cuisine, murals, literature, and much more. I am always reminded of the Aztec and Mayan peoples who have been making art for centuries before me.

What is the story behind Herencia? What does "Herencia" mean?

N/S: Herencia means “heritage.” We started off by printing shirts together with the word herencia on them. At the same time we were asked to do a show at Plaza Walls Gallery in Oklahoma City in 2023, then that’s how Herencia was formed. We showcased 20 Latinx artisits, had a lowrider show, and brought together the community.

What was the response of the audience? What did you realize after the first show?

N: It was great, everyone mentioned they couldn’t wait for next year’s Herencia show.

S: We realized we needed a bigger space to host more artists. Many commented on the atmosphere, how it felt welcoming and inviting. Most gallery shows feel sterile. It felt like a family get together or party!

How do you see Herencia growing?

S: We have many ideas we’re working on. I see it growing in many ways. We want to diversify our events so we can provide more opportunities to others.

N: Herencia grew so fast, so it feels like we’re catching up. Maybe we would become a gallery or perhaps a non-profit, but we simply want to be recognized all around. We have some things planned but they’re secret for now.

Name one object that is only found in a Latinx home and explain your experience around this item.

N: Mine would be candles with religious figures on them. My abuelita always has them around. The colors of the candles and artwork on them always interested me.

S: Mine isn’t really an item, but it is my abuelita. She would visit from Mexico often. Eventually, my abuelito and abuelita came to live with us in Oklahoma until they passed away. Growing up with her, she taught me how to cook, clean, be resilient, and strong. I remember her telling me her countless stories from Mexico, I had heard them many times but I always listened intently. She cared for me when I was sick, she would make caldo de pollo. I always carry her with me. Her influence has shaped my life, no matter how far she is from me she still feels close.. I see abuelitas as a special glue that hold Latinx families together, and I really love that.