Experience the grand opening of Yanga Rediscovered: The First Liberator of the Americas, Thursday Feb. 9, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Owen Arts Center at Southern Methodist University, 6101 Bishop Blvd. Presented by the Latino Arts Project, the event will include refreshments, music and remarks at 7 p.m.

The recently rediscovered heroic actions of Gaspar Yanga, who enslaved and taken to Veracruz, Mexico, then escaped, negotiated a set of 11 demands from the King of Spain and became the First Liberator of the Americas in 1609, is an inspiring story of overcoming overwhelming odds and is the focus of this Black History month exhibit at SMU.

Through interactive and animated videos, folk art, sculptures, murals, stained glass and newly uncovered historic documents, Yanga’s story, as well as the African Slave Trade and the AfroMexican experience unfolds.