U.S. Culture, Explained in Español

Gavilán broadcasting live from the Plaza Fiesta mall, Fort Mill, South Carolina, with young guest Monimar Mancillas, 2008. Photo by Nancy Pierce, Principal Exhibit Photographer.

When you come to this country you start again. You have to learn the language. You have to learn other rules. We want to help.

- Aura Maria Gavilán, Radio Líder

How do you learn the rules of a new society?

In 1993, Columbian immigrant Aura Maria Gavilán launched Radio Líder, Charlotte's first Spanish-language station. For 15 years the station broadcast music from Latin America, plus information about schools, crime, politics and international affairs.

Gavilán hosted a phone-in show "Diegelo sin Miedo" ("Speak without Fear") where callers could ask questions and share answers about life in this new place.

Although she came to Charlotte speaking no English, Gavilán now works easily in English and Spanish.