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 Guatemala City in 1979 and immigrated to the U.S. with my family in 1989. After time in Los Angeles, we settled in Lexington, Nebraska, where my parents worked for more than 20 years, modeling perseverance and sacrifice. Our family was shaped by a deep commitment to hard work, community, and helping others. My mother opened our home to newcomers, helping families find stability and opportunity without expecting anything in return. I’m proud of my Guatemalan roots and the values they instilled in me. After eight years in Oklahoma, my wife, Dearra, and I returned to Nebraska, where she worked as a refugee and immigration attorney and I built a career constructing hospitals and healthcare spaces. Despite being underestimated, my culture, family, and work ethic have always carried me forward.
Cesar Godinez
LCM Board Member, CBRE
Sayings and Slang
Chambón – Clumsy (Panama)
Someone who is not very skilled at performing certain activities such as sports.
Bacán – Gorgeous (Chile)
Used to describe someone who is very attractive.
Más sabe el diablo por viejo que por diablo – The devil knows more because he is old than because he is the devil ( Nicaragua)
This phrase is used to explain that wisdom comes with years of experience.
Kuul – Cool (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 genial.
- Can you please buy me these shoes for Christmas? They would look so cool on me!
- ¿Me podrías comprar estos tenis para Navidad? ¡Se verían genial en mí!
Trailblazer
Roberto Clemente | Baseball Player
Roberto Clemente Walker was a trailblazing Puerto Rican baseball legend, humanitarian, and champion for justice. A Hall of Fame right fielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Clemente thrilled fans as a 15-time All-Star, four-time batting champion, 12-time Gold Glove winner, and two-time World Series champion. Off the field, he was just as inspiring—using his voice and influence to uplift communities, advocate for dignity and equality, and lead humanitarian efforts across Latin America and the Caribbean. Clemente’s life was tragically cut short while delivering earthquake relief to Nicaragua, but his impact endures. Today, his spirit of excellence and service lives on through the Roberto Clemente Award, celebrating players who give back and lead with heart.
