Cultura
The Latino Center of the Midlands is a place where being Latino, Latina, or Latinx is celebrated. We’re a community center where culture thrives; a place where the door is open to everyone. Our community comes from many different countries and we created this page to celebrate that diversity.
Cultural Spotlight
I was born and raised in Norfolk, Nebraska, though both my parents are from Clarkson Nebraska. My father’s side of the family is Czech and my mother’s side is a unique mix of different European cultures. Learning about the hardships that immigrants like Clarkson, Wilbur, and Prague endured in stories like My Antonia, make me feel proud of the communities and life they built in Nebraska. Though my heritage is Czech, I most identify with the culture of Nebraska, which is friendly, hard-working, and independent-minded. Football is a big part of Nebraska’s culture, but I have always played, followed, and coached fútbol instead! Something unique about me is that long ago, my last name was written as Pěkný in the Czech language, which means “nice” in English.
Shane Pekny
Grants Manager & Development Consultant
Playlist Spotlight
Sayings and Slang
Ahí te caigo – I’ll meet you there (Ecuador)
One person must meet another person at a place.
¡Esa canción es una berraquera! – That song is awesome! (Colombia)
The song is excellent, incredible, or very good.
Olla que mucho hierve, sabor que pierde – A pot that boils too much loses its flavor (México)
Do not delay procedures or problems, otherwise there may be significant losses or damage.
Frizado – Frozen (Spanglish)
Most of our staff are bilingual, and at our office, you’ll hear a variety of Spanglish words. The correct word in Spanish is congelado.
¡Te dije que saques el pollo, ¡porque todavía está frizado!
I told you to take out the chicken, why is it still frozen!
Trailblazer
Adelina “Nina” Otero-Warren
Adelina “Nina” Otero-Warren, was a passionate leader born in 1881 who fought for women’s rights and education reform in New Mexico. Being one of the first Hispanic women to run for the U.S. Congress, she was able to break barriers and inspired future generations. Despite not winning she continued to work for the government and for the people up until her death. She became one of many activists during the woman’s suffrage movement and stressed to make sure Spanish speaking voices were heard. In 1917 Otero-Warren was appointed superintendent of public schools in Santa Fe, where she prioritized expanding adult education, establishing a county high school, raising teacher standards and salaries, and improving school facilities.
