About Us
Our Mission
The U.S. Latino Heritage is dedicated to the cultural preservation, educational outreach, and augmentation of Latino history in the United States. Our initiatives first began in South Omaha, a historic neighborhood located in the eastern part of Nebraska. South Omaha is known in the area as a place with a high Latino population which has developed over time. Our goal is to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of Latinos who have contributed to the social fabric of life.
U.S. Latino Heritage is dedicated to the cultural preservation, educational outreach, and augmentation of Latino history in the United States.
Our Beginnings
LAS ESTRELLITAS was formed
In 1990, Dr. James Ramirez and Rosemary Flores established the group Estrellitas de Omaha to introduce students to the traditional Mexican folk art of Mariachi music. The program later expanded to provide South Omaha students with opportunities to learn and celebrate Mexican traditional music, preserving this cultural art form through classes and community performances.
2000 Estrellitas continues…
Teachings were available for all youth from the ages of five years old to eighteen years old. Mariachi Las Estrellitas de Omaha practiced weekly during the school season and performed for numerous public celebrations such as Cinco de Mayo, Hispanic Heritage Month, Festivals and many other events.
2007-2010
With such a high demand for the arts—Latino groups such as Sabor and Mariachi Luna y Sol were doing consistent tours in the public schools and special events throughout the Midwest. South Omaha Arts Institute also implemented the arts into the schools to form a number of unique after-school programs. By 2009, the organization assisted and ran programs in seven schools.
2011-2021
The institute now focuses on advanced level students for professional development in his/her field in the arts. Programs assisted youth in recording, video production, photography and archiving historical arts photos from the early 1900's to the present in the South Omaha musical scene to maintain and preserve its history.