Spotlighting Oscar, Madison and Hispanic Heritage Month
Each year, National Hispanic Heritage Month is recognized from September 15th to October 15th. Hispanic Heritage Month was established to celebrate the incredible contributions of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFP Greater Madison Chapter sat down for a conversation with Oscar Mireles, Executive Director of both Omega School and LOUD (Latinos Organizing for Understanding and Development).
Can you provide an overview about your organization, the work you do, and the people you serve?
For the past 50 years, Omega School has been providing Adult Basic Education in Dane County, serving our community members who lack a high school credential. The GED/HSED credential is a key access point for post-secondary education, entry level employment, or an apprenticeship.
Over our five decades of service, Omega School has assisted thousands of young people transition to a career pathway. Our individualized instructional approach and one-on-one setting provides the support and encouragement necessary for students to overcome the obstacles they face in pursuing a diploma.
The vast majority of our students have not had success in a traditional school setting.
Why do you do what you do and what are you most proud of in helping the community?
I have been working as the Executive Director of Omega School for the past 29 years, assisting thousands of young adults with earning a GED/HSED Diploma.
Earning a high school credential opens opportunities for young adults to explore post-secondary education, apprenticeship or entry-level employment.
As I approach retirement in late 2024, I am proud that we were able to raise funds to renovate the facility during the pandemic and that my successor will not have to worry about replacing a furnace or fixing a leaking roof; these facility updates should last another two decades.
In addition, we have installed over $50,000 in technology upgrades and now have a video production facility, a dedicated Zoom classroom, and a virtual testing facility.
What is the importance of investing in the Latinx community and ensuring everyone has a seat at the table?
It is important to recognize that by having a member of the Latinx community have a seat at the table it literally expands the reach of whatever initiative you are focused on, and expands the audience base. Using multiple languages (including Spanish) broadens the scope and reach of your efforts.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you and your organization?
I am also the founder and Executive Director of LOUD (Latinos Organizing for Understanding and Development) which was established in 2020.
LOUD is a statewide Latino Arts organization, providing cultural programming including art exhibitions, concerts, films and performances by diverse artists.
LOUD, in partnership with the Latino Chamber of Commerce, took over the operation of the Latino Art Fair, which will celebrate its 10th Anniversary in 2024. The Latino Art Fair brings together artist, artisans, and cultural workers to celebrate the rich traditions of Mexico, Central and South America. Latino Arts Fair is held at the Overture Center for the Arts, the premier arts facility in the City of Madison.
On October 7, 2023 the Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at the Overture Center will feature six local artists painting large portraits of six longstanding leaders in the Madison community. Later that evening, Mariachi Herencia will perform.
In addition, in partnership with former staff at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, LOUD partnered to take over the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) altar boxes and art exhibition. This year's event will be held at the Commonwealth Gallery on Friday November 3, 2023.
What can community members do to support the Latinx community during Hispanic Heritage Month and beyond?
As the City of Madison becomes more diverse and embraces different cultures and ethnicities, it is important for each one of us to help Madison become a more welcoming city.
During the summer there are many ethnic festivals like Africafest, Luna’s Block Party, Juneteenth Day and JuJu’s BB Tournament at Penn Park. These are opportunities for all of us to acquaint ourselves with community members and cultures with whom we do not interact every day.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I have lived in Madison for almost 30 years, and it has been a great place to live and work for me and my extended family.
Working at Omega School I have realized this is not the case for all families in Dane County. At the school I see firsthand how kindness, support, and encouragement can change people’s lives.
As fundraisers and community leaders, each one of us has to step up and do more to make a difference in our community. If we each pledge to do more, this will guarantee a better future for more Madisonians.
