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’m from Omaha, Nebraska, but my roots began down south. My dad and grandparents were from Mexico City and Guanajuato City, while my mom grew up in Sioux City, Iowa—bringing a little Midwestern touch to our family. Growing up, family, faith, and tradition were everything. In our culture, there’s a deep respect for elders and a strong sense of togetherness that shows up in everyday life. But what I love most are the celebrations filled with music, dancing, delicious food, and people coming together to honor traditions. Some of my favorite memories come from visiting the small, lesser-known towns of Mexico. These places are full of charm, history, and people who are always ready to share their stories—if you take the time to listen. If you haven’t yet, check out the show Pueblando! It’s a beautiful way to explore the real Mexico, far beyond the typical tourist path.
Cristina Richarte
ELL Instructor
Sayings and Slang
Le cuento el milagro pero no el santo – I will tell you about the miracle but not the saint (Colombia)
Used when someone is open to gossip but will not reveal their source.
Son coyotes de la misma carnada – They are coyotes of the same pack (Guatemala)
Said to describe someone who appears to be different from others but is the same as everyone else.
Chiro – Broke (Ecuador)
Word used to describe someone who has no money.
Cacha – Catch (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 Captura.
– ¡Ve cachar al perro, se robó mis zapatos!
– Go catch the dog, he stole my shoes!
Trailblazer
Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales | Activist
Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales was one of many leaders of the Chicano Movement, known for his powerful activism, cultural pride, and community empowerment in Denver during the 1960s and 1970s. Born into a working-class family, Gonzales rose from the sugar beet fields to become a celebrated amateur and professional boxer, retiring with a record of 65-9-1. In 1966, he founded the “Crusade for Justice,” a grassroots organization that fostered civil rights, education, and cultural identity. His school, “Escuela Tlatelolco,” and the influential manifesto “El Plan de Aztlán” became cornerstones of Chicano activism. Gonzales also worked alongside César Chávez and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and played a key role in the 1968 Poor People’s Campaign. His legacy continues to inspire movements for justice, equity, and cultural self-determination!
