History of Centro Tyrone Guzman:
Centro Cultural Chicano was born in 1974, but our story began decades earlier, when Mexican and Latina families first made their home in Minneapolis and St. Paul throughout the 20th century. By the 1960s, inspired by the national Chicano Movement, young leaders in Minnesota began organizing for education, equity, and cultural pride.
From this momentum came the creation of the Chicano Studies Department at the University of Minnesota and, soon after, the founding of Centro Cultural Chicano by several community activists, among them Ramona Rosales, Manuel Guzmán, and Marcela Trujillo — poet, scholar, visionary, and the first Professor of Chicano Studies at the U of M. What began in a living room, and later a small office on Franklin Avenue, quickly grew into a community anchor offering education, social services, cultural programming, and a voice for our community.
As the years unfolded, Centro responded to the needs of its growing community with heart and determination. New programs for women, children, and elders emerged, along with vital support in employment, housing, and food security. Centro also became a cultural and informational hub, publishing the newspaper Visiones de la Raza and producing the radio program La Voz del Pueblo. Leaders like Gloria Gallegos, Irene Gómez Bethke, Donn Vargas, Mina Hernández, and many others helped guide this early era with profound dedication and love for their community.
In 1996, a new chapter began when Tyrone Guzman became Executive Director. Under his leadership, Centro moved to its current home, where the accredited bilingual preschool Siembra was founded and the Raíces youth program took root—both grounded in the belief that pride in culture and identity strengthens young people for life. During his 13 years of service, Guzman transformed the organization, reaffirming education as the key to breaking cycles of poverty and expanding Centro’s understanding of health to include the well-being of the body, mind, and spirit.
Guzman also recognized the arrival of growing and diverse Latin American communities in the Twin Cities and worked to ensure Centro reflected that diversity. The beauty of those many cultures lives on today in the artwork that fills our walls.
After Tyrone’s untimely passing in 2009, Centro entered another era of steady growth under Executive Director Roxana Linares. She focused on strengthening programs and adapting to the community’s evolving needs. Five years after Tyrone’s passing, the Board voted to rename the organization in his honor, recognizing his leadership and unwavering commitment to the community.
For five decades, Centro has carried forward that legacy: creating opportunities, nurturing leaders, and uplifting Latine families with corazón. Today, we honor the dreams of those who came before us by building new ones for the generations to come. Our vision remains clear: a vibrant, diverse, and progressive Latino community that belongs, thrives, and contributes to the social and economic vitality of Minnesota.
This was, and continues to be, Centro Tyrone Guzman’s true north..
Our Mission:
Centro Tyrone Guzman is committed to contributing to the well-being of Latine families through a holistic and intergenerational approach to education, health, and wellness.
Our Vision:
Centro Tyrone Guzman envisions a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive Latine community that belongs and contributes to the social and economic vitality of Minnesota.
Our Values:
Inclusion
Respect
Social Change
Collaboration
Integrity