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 in Morelia, Michoacán and was raised in Santa Monica Ozumbilla, Guanajuato, until I moved to Grand Island, NE when I was six. Something important in my culture is family, food, and God. Traditions, holidays, and celebrations always revolve around those three things. Another thing that I appreciate about my culture is how resilient we are. “They tried to bury us, they didn’t know we were seeds”, is a quote that resonates with our culture.
Viridiana Almanza
Director of Programming
Playlist Spotlight
Sayings and Slang
ya nos cayó el chahuiztle – We have bad luck (Mexico)
Chahuiztle is a fungus that affects crops. Therefore, when someone uses this saying, they mean that bad luck has fallen upon them.
Qué piña – That’s a shame (Peru)
When someone says “qué piña” they are referring to an event that caused one’s bad luck or misfortune.
Con hambre, no hay pan duro – There is no stale bread when hungry (Colombia)
This means, during challenging periods, it’s important not to dwell on the quality of available resources.
guau – Wow (Spanglish)
Most of our staff are bilingual, and at our office, you’ll hear a variety of Spanglish words. Guau is the Spanglish word for Wow.
Guau! That is so cool!
Trailblazer
Antonia Pantoja – Educator and Civil Rights Activist
Antonia Pantoja, born in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1922, was a dedicated educator and activist. After earning her diploma from the University of Puerto Rico in 1942, she moved to New York City in 1944, initially working as a welder. Pantoja’s experiences with racism and discrimination fueled her activism, leading to significant educational and community work. She established organizations such as ASPIRA, PRACA and Universidad Boricua, in addition to serving in various educational and community roles. Pantoja’s work significantly impacted the Puerto Rican community in the U.S., by addressing the educational challenges faced by Puerto Rican youth.
