2017 Garifuna Heritage Month
Tomas Avila Tomas Avila Consultants 3/21/2017
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
Contents The Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc. .................................................................................................... 4 Garifuna-American Heritage Month ................................................................................................. 4 An Act To Amend The NY Education Law ....................................................................................... 4 Garifuna-American Heritage Month ................................................................................................. 5 History ............................................................................................................................................ 5 MISSION ......................................................................................................................................... 6 Vision ............................................................................................................................................. 6 Goal ................................................................................................................................................ 7 Who we Are .................................................................................................................................... 7 Garifuna Heritage Month Commemorative Committee ............................................................ 7 Inaugural Activities .................................................................................................................... 7 Celebrations ............................................................................................................................... 8 Faith Based Celebrations .......................................................................................................... 9 Get Involved ................................................................................................................................... 9 Register Below To Indicate Your Interest In Joining The Network ....................................... 10 Participate................................................................................................................................. 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ........................................................................................... 11 When was March 11-April 12 declared Garifuna American Heritage Month? ...................... 11 Can I use the Logo on my Website? The Garifuna American Heritage Month Logo is the copyright trademark property of the Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc. and can only be used with permission of the Coalition. ........................................................................................................ 11 How can I become a Member of the National Commemorative Committee? ....................... 11 How can I become a Delegate to the Garifuna American Legislative Day? ......................... 11 How can I support the Expansion of Garifuna American Heritage Month? ......................... 12 Achievements .............................................................................................................................. 12 Bill No.: A09791An act to amend the education law, in relation to instruction on the Garifuna people ........................................................................................................................................ 12 BILL NUMBER: A9791 .............................................................................................................. 12 Appendix ........................................................................................................................................... 17 Brooklyn Garifuna Day March 25, 2017 ......................................................................................... 17 From Nurturing and promoting the Garifuna Culture To Amending the State Education Law ............................................................................................................................................ 20 Garifuna Heritage Month Proclamation in New York .................................................................... 22 1
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America 2nd Commemoration of Garifuna Heritage Month .................................................................... 24 First Garifuna Heritage Awards .................................................................................................. 26 Garifuna Folkloric Ballet of Honduras to Perform at The First Garifuna Heritage Awards & Cultural Night ........................................................................................................................... 28 Pablo Roberto Mejia to Receive a Garifuna Heritage Award ................................................. 29 Crisanto Armando Meléndez, (Savaranga, Uayujuru) to ....................................................... 31 Receive Garifuna Heritage Award ........................................................................................... 31 Roy Cayetano to Receive Garifuna Heritage Award .............................................................. 32 Kensy Sambola to Receive a Garifuna Heritage Award ........................................................ 33 Blanca Arzu to Receive a Garifuna Heritage Award .............................................................. 34 The Garifuna Heritage Foundation of St Vincent and the...................................................... 35 Grenadines to Receive a Garifuna Heritage Award ............................................................... 35 2010 Garifuna-American Legislative Day Proclamation by Governor David A. Paterson ......... 37 2011Garifuna-American Legislative Day in Albany, New York .................................................... 67 2011Abrazo Garifuna ...................................................................................................................... 86 2012Garifuna-American Legislative Day in Albany, New York .................................................... 97 2013Garifuna-American Legislative Day in Albany, New York .................................................. 122 2014Garifuna-American Legislative Day in Albany, New York .................................................. 129 2014 Garifuna-American Heritage Month in New York ............................................................ 143 Sungubei lidan Aban Garinagu Wagia .................................................................................. 143 2015 Garifuna-American Legislative Day in Albany, New York ................................................. 145 2016Garifuna-American Legislative Day in Albany, New York .................................................. 169 2017Garifuna-American Legislative Day in Albany, New York .................................................. 172 Assembly Resolution No. 196 & Senate Resolution No. 973 ..................................................... 177 2017Abrazo Garifuna .................................................................................................................... 207 Proposed Amendment To Law To Include History Of Garifuna ............................................. 251 Garífunas en NYC celebran su cultura ..................................................................................... 252 ¡Lee y Comparte! .................................................................................................................... 252 Actividades ................................................................................................................................ 253 Assemblymember Michael A. Blake's Statement Following the Abrazo-Garifuna......................... 254 Bronxites Gather for Fifth Annual Abrazo Garifuna .................................................................... 257 The Garifuna-American Community of New York ....................................................................... 259 By José Francisco Ávila (NiLP Network) .................................................................................. 259 Thursday, September 27, 2012 ................................................................................................... 259 2
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ................................................................................................ 261 Epicenter of the Garifuna Culture ......................................................................................... 261
3
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
The Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc. The Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc. is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, nonsectarian 501(c) (3) tax-exempt organization. It was founded on May 9th, 1998 and incorporated on May 28, 1999. The mission of the Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc. is to advocate for the rights of Garifuna immigrants and strengthen civic participation within the community by nurturing local leadership through educational and cultural programs that bring together community members across racial and ethnic lines. It seeks to improve the social, economic, civic, and cultural conditions of New York’s Garifuna Community. The Garifuna Coalition USA (GCU)serves as a resource, forum, advocate, and united voice for the Garifuna immigrant community.
Garifuna-American Heritage Month March 11th – April 12th is proclaimed Garifuna-American Heritage Month 2017 in New York, in observance of the 220th Anniversary of the Forcible Deportation of the Garifuna People by the British from St Vincent and the Grenadines on March 11th, 1797 and their settlement in Central America on April 12th, 1797. In 2008, The Garifuna Coalition developed an initiative to raise awareness and appreciation of the Garifuna Community and its contribution to the culture and society of New York City. This initiative led to Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion issuing a proclamation declaring March 11 to April 12, 2009 as “Garifuna-American Heritage Month in the Bronx, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., has continued this tradition. In 2010 Assemblyman Michael Benjamin introduced a Resolution in the New York State Assembly, Memorializing Governor David Patterson to declare Garifuna-American Heritage Month in the State of New York. In addition, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg issued a proclamation. In 2011 Senator Ruben Diaz, Sr. introduced a Resolution in the New York State Senate, Memorializing Governor Andrew Cuomo to declare Garifuna-American Heritage Month in the State of New York In 2014 New York City council woman Vanessa L. Gibson, issued the first proclamation in the New York City Council. On April 10, 2014, Congressman Jose E. Serrano presented a Tribute to Garifuna-American Heritage Month in the House of Representatives.
An Act To Amend The NY Education Law On April 8, 2016, Assemblyman Luis R. Sepulveda presented bill No. A09791, on the other hand Senator of Ruben Diaz has introduced Bill No. S07175, proposing an amendment of Section 801 of the New York State Education Act to include the History of the Garifuna People. The proposed amendment states that Subdivisions 1 and 3 of section 801 of the education law, as amended by chapter 574 of the laws of 1997, are amended to read as follows: “In order to promote a spirit of patriotic and civic service and obligation and to foster in the children of the state moral and intellectual qualities which are essential in preparing to meet the obligations of citizenship in peace or in war, the regents of The University of the State of New York shall prescribe courses of instruction in patriotism, citizenship, and human rights issues, with particular attention to the study of the inhumanity of genocide, slavery (including the freedom trail and underground railroad),the Holocaust, the history of the Garifuna People, 4
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America and the mass starvation in Ireland from 1845 to 1850, to be maintained and followed in all the schools of the state.
Garifuna-American Heritage Month Ubebeneti Garifuna alagantei hati Feliz Mes de la Herencia Garifuna!
History On March 14th, 1795, the Paramount Garifuna Chief Joseph Chatoyer was killed at Dorsetshire Hill, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Two Years later the Garifunas were exiled to the island of Balliceaux and on March 11th, 1797. March 11 is the starting point for the celebration because on Sunday, March 11, 1797, 2,248 (722 men, 806 women, and 720 children) Black Carib (Garinagu) were embarked on 11 ships, Experiment Sovereign (Severn), Boyton (Boyston or Boston), Topaze, Ganges, Fortitude, Prince William Henry, John and Mary, Sea Nymph, Britannia and Sally and were taken to the island of Roatan, Honduras in the Bay Islands. Friday, April 12, 1797, of the 2,248 who embarked only 2,026 arrived and landed at Roatan, Honduras. These forlorn passengers were the remnants of the approximately 5,000 Black Caribs that were rounded up and imprisoned on tiny Balliceaux Island in the Grenadines after their defeat in the Second Carib War on St. Vincent in 1796. Hereby March 11 - April 12 as the celebration of Garifuna Heritage Month. After the exile, everybody wondered if the Garifunas were going to survive as a people and live a long healthy life. However, 220 years later, not only have they survived but have become a vital part of New York City’s social, cultural and economic way of life for the past 187 years, while preserving their customs, cultural values and beliefs, as demonstrated by such notable individuals as Playwright William Henry Brown whose 1823 play The Drama of King Shotoway, is recognized as the first black drama of the American Theatre and has as its subject the 1795 Black Caribs (Garifunas) defense of the Island of Saint Vincent against colonization by the British. New York City is home to the largest Garifuna Community outside of Central America. On March 11, 2010, the New York Legislature authorized Governor David A. Paterson, to proclaim Garifuna-American Heritage Month, observed during March 11 - April 12 in celebration of the culture and traditions of those who trace their roots to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (Yurumei). The Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc. a, nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization advocated for the proclamation of March 11th – April 12th, 2010 as Garifuna Heritage Month in observance of the exile of the Garifuna people from St Vincent on March 11th, 1797 and their settlement in Central America on April 12th, 1797 and 187 years of Garifuna 5
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
Contribution to New York’s Art and Culture by Governor David A. Paterson, Assemblyman Michael Benjamin, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. Garifuna-American Heritage Month, celebrates the great contributions of GarifunaAmericans to the fabric of New York, and pays tribute to the common culture and bonds of friendship that unite the United States and the Garifuna countries of origin. As part of the Garifuna Heritage Month celebrations, the first Garifuna Heritage Awards and Cultural Night were presented on Saturday, March 13th at the Hostos Center for the Arts and Culture to honor those who have made outstanding contributions to the preservation and promotion of the Garifuna. In addition to the award, each honoree received a special citation by New York City Councilmember Maria del Carmen Arroyo, District 17. Additionally, on Sunday, March 14th, 2010 a Memorial mass was celebrated at St Anthony of Padua Church, in memory of the Paramount Garifuna Chief Joseph Chatoyer. The activities continued through the weekend with a photo exhibit by Garifuna Photographer Augusto Amaya on Friday, March 18th, 6:30 PM at Casa Yurumein, 1184 Fulton Avenue, Bronx, NY 10456, for Information call (718) 991-2233. Followed by a book signing by Mrs. Sara Doris Sambula Mejia author of “Garifuna Teachers and their Contributions to the Education of Honduras,” on Saturday, March 20th at 1:00 PM at the Garifuna Advocacy Center at 391 149th St, RM 215, Bronx NY 10455, for Information call (718) 402-7700, and on Sunday, March 21, 6:30 PM at Casa Yurumein, 1184 Fulton Avenue, Bronx, NY 10456, for Information call (718) 991-2233. The Garifuna Heritage Month Proclamation is significant and critical in making visible the Garifuna American identity, developing the agenda and recognizing Garifuna Americans who contribute significantly to the American landscape.
MISSION The mission of the GAHM Program is to create and disseminate knowledge about the contributions of Garifuna immigrants to America, and to be a crucible for a dialogue between Garifuna peoples and the American public. Additionally, the GAHM program is to ensure that Americans at large are advised of the many and great contributions of immigrants of Garifuna heritage to the nation.
Vision The overall vision of GAHM is to serve as a catalyst to build an inclusive, prosperous, sustainable Garifuna society, and to provide our partners and stakeholders opportunities, that will enable their survival, growth, and prosperity in the United States society. 6
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
Goal Garifuna Heritage Month is dedicated to building bridges between Garifuna Americans and the United States population at large while advocating for the wellbeing of the Garifuna American community.
Who we Are Garifuna Heritage Month Commemorative Committee The GAHMCC is a group of leaders committed, to serve in an Advisory capacity on the Campaign to promote the commemoration of March 11 - April 12 as National Garifuna American Heritage Month; as well as community leaders who serve as Partners or Collaborators. The 2017 Members and Partners include: 1. Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc. 2. Evangelical Garifuna Council of Churches 3. Damas LimoneĂąas 4. Joseph Chatoyer Dance Group 5. Budari Dance Company 6. La Voz de Honduras 7. Casa Yuremei 8. Miss Garifuna Pageant 9. Trujillo Honduras Production 10. New York Honduras Soccer League 11. Honduras Unidos Soccer League 12. Garifuna Indigenous People of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (GIPSVG)
Inaugural Activities Inaugural activities in March 11 - April 12, 2010 coordinated by Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc. Included: The first Garifuna Heritage Awards and Cultural Night were presented on Saturday, March 13th at the Hostos Center for the Arts and Culture to honor those who have made outstanding contributions to the preservation and promotion of the Garifuna. In addition to the award, each honoree received a special citation by New York City Councilmember Maria del Carmen Arroyo, District 17. On Sunday, March 14th, 2010 a Memorial mass was celebrated at St Anthony of Padua Church, in memory of the Paramount Garifuna Chief Joseph Chatoyer. 7
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
A photo exhibit by Garifuna Photographer Augusto Amaya on Friday, March 18th, at Casa Yurumein, 1184 Fulton Avenue, Bronx, NY 10456, Book signing by Mrs. Sara Doris Sambula Mejia author of “Garifuna Teachers and their Contributions to the Education of Honduras,” Saturday, March 20th at 1:00 PM at the Garifuna Advocacy Center at 391 149th St, RM 215, Bronx NY 10455
Celebrations March Anniversary of the Forcible Transfer of the Garifuna from St Vincent to Central America. Annual Garifuna-American Legislative Advocacy Day in Albany, NY The Garifuna Coalition sponsored Annual Garifuna-American Legislative Day in Albany, NY where Senator Rev. Ruben Diaz, Sr. presents the Senate Resolution Memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to declare March 11 to April 12, as Garifuna-American Heritage Month in the State of New York. Every year, the Garifuna Coalition-USA invites the Garifuna Community to New York General Assembly to participate in Garifuna-American Legislative Advocacy Day. The goal of this event is to further Garifuna’s knowledge about policy issues in substantive areas of public policy, teach participants about legislative advocacy, and provide an opportunity for Garifunas to educate their legislators about the Garifuna important issues, and provides a tremendous opportunity to make an impression on Members of the Legislative Body. The most important part of Advocacy Day is the meetings with Assemblymen and Senators to advocate for student aid, resources for college counseling, and legislation that will lower barriers to college access for students across the state! No single voice carries more weight with your elected officials than your own. Why participate? Formal lobbying is more than just advocating for favorable outcomes, it is about educating those who make decisions that affect us. Through education, wecan build a comprehensive understanding of our profession with our elected leaders and promote policy that will protect the safety and interests of those we serve. This is your opportunity to make a difference. New York City council Chambers Garifuna-American Heritage Month Proclamation March 14th - Anniversary of the death of the Paramount Garifuna Chief Joseph Chatoyer ABRAZO Garifuna “Abrazo Garifuna in New York” honors the contributions of the Garifuna-Americans to the State and City of New York; is sponsored and administered by Bronx, NY-Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz, in conjunction with New York State Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, Luis Sepulveda, Michael 8
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
Blake and newly elected City Council Member Rafael Salamanca, as part of the GarifunaAmerican Heritage Month March 11-April 12. Garifuna Children's Fair Bronx Music Heritage Center 1303 Louis Nino Blvd, Bronx NY (2 or 5 trains to Freeman St.) Garifuna Nation Marathon Starting: from Evangelical Garifuna Churches, 344 Brook Ave, Bronx, NY 10453 End: at Believers Mennonite Garifuna Ministries, 36 Malcolm X Blvd, Brooklyn, NY Memorial Mass for the 87 victims of the Social Club Fire 1900 Crotona Parkway, Bronx NY
St Thomas Aquinas Church,
Garifuna American Heritage Month in the Bronx Bronx County Courthouse, 851 Grand Concourse Friday, April 11th, 2014 5:30 PM - 9:30 Garifuna American Heritage Month in Brooklyn Brooklyn Borough Hall April 12th, Anniversary of the Garifunas Arrival to Central America Saturday, April 12th, 2014 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Garifuna Day Conference & Festival, 344 Brook Ave Bronx, NY 10454
Faith Based Celebrations The Garifuna Coalition USA calls on faith-based leaders to become active in commemorating March 11-April 12 as Garifuna American Heritage Month. Citing the critical role of the faith community in nation building, GCUSA calls on the faith community to participate through activities and events such as: hosting Days-of -Praise Special Services; and hosting Saturday School on Garifuna-American Heritage and Culture, for the children and youth in your congregation; participating in the Faith Based Leadership Advisory Council. For information and assistance, contact Rev. Andrew NuĂąez, Executive Director or the Garifuna-American Faith Based Leaders Council at:
Get Involved Community Leaders Are A Key Focus Of March 11 – April 12 as Garifuna American Heritage Month Citing the many opportunities through working together, GCUSA will establish a 9
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
Garifuna American Community Leaders Alliance to galvanize the Garifuna American Community leadership into civic engagement and action. Impending Issues such as Bill No. A09791An act to amend the education law, in relation to instruction on the Garifuna people require a coordinated approach and will be addressed in the 2017 Legislative Day in Albany, New York. GCUSA will convene a meeting of Garifuna American Community Leaders with officials from the Cuomo administration during the Garifuna American Legislative Day.
Register Below To Indicate Your Interest In Joining The Network Registration Form Community Leaders Thanks for your interest in the Garifuna American Community Leadership Alliance. The network of Garifuna American Community Leaders will be among those offered first priority in attending a Briefing for Garifuna American Community hosted by the New York Legislature during March 11-April 12 as Garifuna American Heritage Month. Please confirm your interest by submitting this form by February 28 If you have questions, or would like more information, please let us know and someone will contact you.
Participate Joining the Commemorative Committee It is the policy of the GCUSA to appoint Affiliate status to organizations and/or individual membership status in the National Commemorative Committee to individuals or organizations that promote the mission of Garifuna American Heritage Month (CGAHM) in their city, county, or state. The objective of this policy is to ensure articulation of varied voices and interests in the Garifuna American community around the goals of ensuring continuation into perpetuity of the commemoration of March 11-April 12 as Garifuna American Heritage Month. CGAHM was established to ensure the voice, visibility, and agency of the Garifuna American community. An objective of GAHM is to serve as the space for the development of advocacy leadership around the country and the development of a network of committed leaders. 10
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
Given the history and status of various experiments in establishing and maintaining umbrella organizations in the Garifuna American Community, GCUSA has decided to establish the affiliate process as a means of addressing the critical need in New York for a visible network of credible organizations to ensure increased access to policy makers. The Garifuna American Community remains among the few minority cultural/ethnic groups of its size without a full-time advocacy organization. As such the affiliate program is aimed at assisting in the development of a coherent, cohesive, empowered alliance of organizations that can as needed address the critical overarching policies that impact on Garifuna Americans across the nation. Becoming an GAHM affiliate in NO WAY authorizes GCUSA to control your Board and your funding. The benefits to affiliate include: increased influence nationally and locally (strength in numbers); increased access to power structure in corporate America and foundation community, (note they are funding New American immigrants who are visible as a group such as Ethiopians, Somalians, Hispanics who are organized collectively); improved coordination of voice in respect to Federal government advocacy; improved delivery of existing diaspora initiatives in home country through sharing information and doing more partnership development and training.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) When was March 11-April 12 declared Garifuna American Heritage Month? March 11-April 12 officially became Garifuna American Heritage Month on March 11, 2010 in the Rotunda of the Bronx County Building at 851 Grand Concourse, Bronx NY 10451.
Can I use the Logo on my Website? The Garifuna American Heritage Month Logo is the copyright trademark property of the Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc. and can only be used with permission of the Coalition.
How can I become a Member of the National Commemorative Committee? To become a Member of the Garifuna American Heritage Month Commemorative Committee, complete the form on the page PARTICIPATE, and/or send an email to info@garifunacoalition.org expressing your desire to be appointed to the Committee along with a Bio and/or CV.
How can I become a Delegate to the Garifuna American Legislative Day? To become a Delegate to the Garifuna American Legislative Day, you must join the Garifuna American Leadership Alliance (GALA) or be recommended by a member of GALA.
11
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
How can I support the Expansion of Garifuna American Heritage Month? To support the development of Garifuna American Heritage Month, please consider:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Joining the Garifuna American Leadership Alliance. Joining any member organization of the National Commemorative Committee Starting Your Own Organization in a city that is Underserved. Joining GALD as a Volunteer or Program Board Member Become a registered supporter by joining the Garifuna American Heritage Society and help us tell Congress that we too Count as Caribbean and American.
Achievements Bill No.: A09791An act to amend the education law, in relation to instruction on the Garifuna people http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?default_fld=&bn=A9791&term=2015&Memo=Y Memo: Summary Actions Votes Memo Text NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION
submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A9791 SPONSOR: Sepulveda TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the education law, in relation to instruction on the Garifuna people PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL: This purpose of this bill is to increase awareness and cultural competency throughout the New York State community by making that Garifuna people a mandatory part of our education curriculum. SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS: Section 1. Calls upon the regents of the university of the State of New York to include the "the history of the Garifuna People" to a previously established list of pedagogically important historical topics. This section also ensures that their rules regarding attendance during the instruction of this added materials, enforced by the commissioner. 12
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately. JUSTIFICATION: The Garifuna are an ethnic group of mixed ancestry - descendants of Carib, Arawak and African people living along the Caribbean Coast in Belize, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. A seafaring people, they arrived in the United States as merchant marines during World War II. Today, New York City is home to the largest Garifuna population outside of Central America with an estimated 200,000 living in the South Bronx, Brownsville and East New York in Brooklyn, and Harlem. This part of our population represents the growing Afro-Latino representation within New York State. With the growing representation it is important to make sure that the New York State community is attuned to interacting and understanding the histories of our neighbors. Garifuna history is not just Central American history but also New York history. Adding the history of the Garifuna people to our educational curriculum contributes to the bridging of cultural and historical blind spots in our understanding of how New York became what it is today. The inclusion of the history of Garifuna people is not unprecedented since New York State educates our students on other immigrant histories such as: the Holocaust, mass starvation of Ireland from 1845 to 1850 and various other human rights issues related to genocide. The inclusion of Garifuna history will educate a better New York workforce that would. Have an understanding of not solely domestic and European history, but also Latin American and Afrodiasporic. PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: New Bill. FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: To be determined. EFFECTIVE DATE: This act shall take effect on the first of next July.
Bill numbers S07175, A-A9791 13
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
New York State Senator Rubén Díaz Bill number S07175 and Assemblyman Luis R. Sepúlveda Bill number A9791 introduced an Amendment to New York State Education Law to Include The History of the Garifuna People in the New York State General Assembly. TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the education law, in relation to instruction on the Garifuna people PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL: This purpose of this bill is to increase awareness and cultural competency throughout the New York State community by making that Garifuna people a mandatory part of our education curriculum. SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS: Section 1. Calls upon the regents of the university of the State of New York to include the "the history of the Garifuna People" to a previously established list of pedagogically important historical topics. This section also ensures that there rules regarding attendance during the instruction of this added materials, enforced by the commissioner. https://www.google.com/#q=S07175%2Cdiaz+ S07175 Text: http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?default_fld=&bn=S07175&term=2015&Summary=Y&Actions =Y&Text=Y&Votes=Y STATE OF NEW YORK
_________________________________________________________________ 7175 IN SENATE April 5, 2016 ___________ Introduced by Sen. DIAZ -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Education AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to instruction on the Garifuna people The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows: 14
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
1 Section 1. Subdivisions 1 and 3 of section 801 of the education law, 2 as amended by chapter 574 of the laws of 1997, are amended to read as 3 follows: 4 1. In order to promote a spirit of patriotic and civic service and 5 obligation and to foster in the children of the state moral and intel6 lectual qualities which are essential in preparing to meet the obli7 gations of citizenship in peace or in war, the regents of The University 8 of the State of New York shall prescribe courses of instruction in 9 patriotism, citizenship, and human rights issues, with particular atten10 tion to the study of the inhumanity of genocide, slavery (including the 11 freedom trail and underground railroad), the Holocaust, the history of 12 the Garifuna people, and the mass starvation in Ireland from 1845 to 13 1850, to be maintained and followed in all the schools of the state. The 14 boards of education and trustees of the several cities and school 15 districts of the state shall require instruction to be given in such 16 courses, by the teachers employed in the schools therein. All pupils 17 attending such schools, over the age of eight years, shall attend upon 18 such instruction. 19 Similar courses of instruction shall be prescribed and maintained in 20 private schools in the state, and all pupils in such schools over eight 21 years of age shall attend upon such courses. If such courses are not so 22 established and maintained in a private school, attendance upon instruc23 tion in such school shall not be deemed substantially equivalent to 24 instruction given to pupils of like age in the public schools of the 25 city or district in which such pupils reside. 26 3. The regents shall determine the subjects to be included in such 27 courses of instruction in patriotism, citizenship, and human rights 28 issues, with particular attention to the study of the inhumanity of EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets [] is old law to be omitted. LBD14821-01-6 S. 7175 2 1 2 3 4 5 6
genocide, slavery (including the freedom trail and underground railroad), the Holocaust, the history of the Garifuna people, and the mass starvation in Ireland from 1845 to 1850, and in the history, meaning, significance and effect of the provisions of the constitution of the United States, the amendments thereto, the declaration of independence, the constitution of the state of New York and the amendments thereto, 15
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
7 and the period of instruction in each of the grades in such subjects. 8 They shall adopt rules providing for attendance upon such instruction 9 and for such other matters as are required for carrying into effect the 10 objects and purposes of this section. The commissioner shall be respon11 sible for the enforcement of such section and shall cause to be 12 inspected and supervise the instruction to be given in such subjects. 13 The commissioner may, in his discretion, cause all or a portion of the 14 public school money to be apportioned to a district or city to be with15 held for failure of the school authorities of such district or city to 16 provide instruction in such courses and to compel attendance upon such 17 instruction, as herein prescribed, and for a non-compliance with the 18 rules of the regents adopted as herein provided. 19 ยง 2. This act shall take effect on the first of July next succeeding 20 the date on which it shall have become a law. https://www.google.com/#q=A09791+sepulveda
16
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
Appendix Brooklyn Garifuna Day March 25, 2017 Evangelical Garifuna Council Of Churches Honoring the Garifuna Heritage 220 years since the Exile of Garifuna People from St Vincent At 23 Marcus Garvey Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11206 11 am to 5:00pm Activities and free giveaways for Children and Adult Everyone is invited to come support the event in connection with the Garifuna Heritage Month. At this all day event there will be free cancer screening for women 50 and over. We urge as many Garifuna women to attend for as we know cancer has stricken our Garifuna women in our Community here in New York. Ouwala tia anufudei Garinagu, laduga wouweguña tia lau laguburi sandi le, niduhenu, gama lumoun manüadihanti. There will be Hudutu on sale for your lunch. Come early so you may enjoy a plate of Hudutu. Guess what it's always the first dish to go. Anyone interested in working as a Home Health Aide, you also need to come on out to this event for an agency will be available to take applications. The training will be free and job placement is also available after training. Free Immigration Consulting/information Food will Serve for Donation 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm Ceremony See you there!!!!! It's Saturday, March 25, 2017. Music By: DJ Robert B Mejia Note Speaker: Herman R. Longsworth Consulate General of Belize to New York Garifuna History by: (http://us15.campaignarchive1.com/?u=d7d9f7551163eccebf8601c79&id=f581a84319&e=[UNIQID]) José Francisco Ávila, President Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc. 17
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
PH Wellington Ramos, Garifuna Nation Garifuna Artiest and Music
Proposed Amendment To Law To Include History Of Garifuna To kick off Garifuna Heritage Month, the Garifuna Coalition U.S.A., Inc., in cooperation with other community and civic organizations, has planned a number of activities, among them: Mar. 11 – 215th Anniversary Celebration of the Exile of the Garifunas; Mar. 13 – New York Senate Resolution proclaiming Garifuna-American Heritage Month by Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz; Mar. 14 – 217th Anniversary Celebration of Chatoyer’s death; Mar. 15 – the second “Abrazo Garifuna in New York” honoring the contributions of the Garifuna-Americans to the fabric of New YorkSenator Reverend Diaz hosted the First Annual Abrazo Garifuna in New York. A New York Assemblyman has proposed an amendment to New York State Education Law to include the history of the Garifuna people.Assemblyman Luis R. Sepúlveda, who represents the Bronx, announced his plan during the 6th Annual Abrazo Garifuna in New York and in the New York State Assembly, according to the Bronx-based Garifuna group, The Garifuna Coalition U.S.A., Inc. The Coalition said the Bill states that, "in order to promote a spirit of patriotic and civic service and obligation and to foster in the children of the state moral and intellectual qualities, which are essential in preparing to meet the obligations of citizenship in peace or in war, the regents of The University of the State of New York shall prescribe courses of instruction in patriotism, citizenship, and human rights issues, with particular attention to the study of the inhumanity of genocide, slavery, including… the history of the Garifuna People…to be maintained and followed in all the schools of the state. ”The Coalition said the proclamation of Mar.11 - Apr. 12, 2016, declaring Garifuna-American Heritage Month in the State of New York, is in observance of the 219th Anniversary of the "forcible deportation by the British of the Garifuna People from St. Vincent and The Grenadines on March 11, 1797, and their settlement in Central America on April 12, 1797.”According to the study guide for The Garifuna Journey video, "the study of the Garifuna provides insight into a people whose history has been one of struggle and determination to survive at a time when very few people, or nations, were able to resist the onslaught of colonialism and slavery. "Despite exile and subsequent Diaspora, their traditional culture survives today,” the guide says. "It is a little-known story that deserves its place in the annals of the African Diaspora.” "We are grateful to Assemblyman Luis R. Sepúlveda for this initiative to amend the New York State Education Law to include the history of the Garifuna people,” said Jose Francisco Avila, chairman of the Board of the Garifuna Coalition U.S.A., Inc. "It is the culmination of the Garifuna Coalition U.S.A., Inc. and its community partners who in 18
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
2009 decided that the community development initiative will be based on creating awareness and appreciation of the Garifuna culture, and its contribution to the culture and society of New York City,� he added.Avila urged the Garifuna Community of New York to "remain vigilant as the Bill enters the committee and calendar stages by communicating your views on a particular issue to your Senator.
19
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
From Nurturing and promoting the Garifuna Culture To Amending the State Education Law By José Francisco Avila The Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc., recently announced that New York State Senator Rubén Díaz and New York State Assemblyman Luis R. Sepúlveda would introduce an Amendment to New York State Education Law to Include The History of the Garifuna People. This latest achievement for the New York Garifuna Community, is further evidence that facts by themselves guarantee nothing, without organization or participation, they will remain just facts! Following is a brief description of the long road to the community organizing initiative on Nurturing and promoting the Garifuna Culture and Identity, which led to this point in our history. In 1991, I along with a group of concerned Garinagu organized the First Garifuna Summit Meeting which in New York City. The Theme for the meeting was “Uwala Busiganu, Garinagu Wagia” translation, “Don’t Be Ashamed, We Are Garifuna”. We also chose the motto “Garinagu’s Path to the 21st Century”. The purpose of the meeting was to adopt a bold and decisive challenge to seriously and collectively begin to focus on our Caribbean culture, and to mobilize all Garinagu to seek meaningful solutions to our varied problems. The objectives of the First Garifuna Summit were as follows: A. To identify the values of the Garifuna ethnic group and promote those values to achieve greater objectives. B. To promote consolidation of economic, commercial, industrial and political Garifuna power among Garifuna people. C. To promote a positive image of the Garifuna people. To debate our active participation along the Hispanic, African-American and Caribbean ethnic groups of the United States in the struggle for social equality Among the accomplishments were the following: A Group of concerned Garinagu met with Dr. George Irish from Medgar Evers College to discuss ways to educate teachers on the Garifuna culture, remind the Board of Education and the Bilingual Department of the need to provide cultural training; design a training program to prepare Garinagu teachers for state certification; employment of Garinagu paraprofessionals to help our kids function better in the school system. The outcome of those meetings was a memorandum dated April 19, 1991 to District Bilingual Program Coordinators, from John Acompore, Director of the Bilingual Program Development & Improvement. The subject of the memo was simply Garifuna. The body of the memo read as follows:It has come to my attention through Community School District 3 that there are LEP student populations in the city who speak a language called Garífuna. 20
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
Garífuna speaking families come primarily from Honduras, but also Guatemala, Nicaragua and Belize in Central America. Although these are to some extent Spanish or English speaking countries, many children, unless enrolled in schools where Spanish or English was taught, speak only Garífuna. Therefore, despite Spanish surnames, the primary home language is Garífuna, which contains elements of the Bantu (Africa) and Arawak (West Indies} languages. In New York City, the Garífuna people are apparently concentrated on the west side of Manhattan (CSD 3), the south Bronx (CSD, 7, 8, 9, 12), and East New York/ Brownsville Brooklyn (CSD 19, 23). With regard to entitlement to bilingual/ESL programs, and classification of Garifuna LEP students is "Consent Decree" or "Lau", the following guidelines apply: 1. Garífuna speaking LEP students are entitled to bilingual and ESL programs. 2. Garífuna LEP students whose home language is Garífuna but who are proficient in Spanish based upon the Spanish LAB score may receive Spanish/English bilingual instruction and be classified "Consent Decree LEP", these students may also receive instructional and/or support services in Garífuna . 3. Garífuna LEP students who are not proficient in Spanish should receive Garífuna /English bilingual instruction, if there are sufficient numbers to mandate a bilingual program, and be classified as Lau LEP. 4. All Consent Decree, Lau Plan, and State Part 154 regulations apply to the identification of and bilingual/ESL programs for Garífun speaking LEP students. Eighteen years later the Garifuna Coalition organized the Garifuna Roundtable in 2009 as a coalition of New York City’s Garifuna community Leaders that represented the diverse Garifuna organizations in the City. The Garifuna Roundtable concluded that the community development initiative would be based on creating awareness and appreciation of the Garifuna culture and its contribution to the culture and society of New York City. That decision led to grassroots advocacy, which included a voter registration campaign to engage the community in the political process by registering and mobilizing new voters to the polls.The advocacy efforts helped uplift the Garifuna Community from obscurity to the pinnacle of recognition in New York City through accomplishments such as: Successfully petitioned Bronx Borough, New York City and State officials to declare GarifunaAmerican Heritage Month in New York,Partnered with the US Census Bureau to raise awareness and participation by the Garifuna Community in the 2010 Census, Organized a Legislative day in the New York State Capitol, as well as a Town Hall Meeting with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Now we have a chance as citizens to have a say in the writing or rewriting of New York State law! 21
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
Garifuna Heritage Month Proclamation in New York Celebrating Garifuna Heritage and Culture in New York FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 12, 2010
Contacts:
(718)402-7700
info@garifunacoalition.org
New York – The Board of Directors of the Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc. a, nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization is pleased to announce the proclamation of March 11th – April 12th, 2010 as Garifuna Heritage Month 2010 in observance of the 213th anniversary of the exile of the Garifuna people from St Vincent on March 11th, 1797 and their settlement in Central America on April 12th, 1797 and 187 years of Garifuna Contribution to New York’s Culture. The proclamations were presented by the Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr, Lucia Gomez-Jimenez, Assistant to the New York State Governor David A. Paterson for Community Affairs, George Torres, Community Affairs Unit Office of Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Assemblyman Michael Benjamin, during the Garifuna American Heritage Month 2010 Press Conference on Thursday, March 11, 2010 in the Rotunda of the Bronx County Building at 851 Grand Concourse, Bronx NY 10451. Proclamations are the most significant of non-legal, yet official forms of recognition issued by government officials. “Unfortunately, most of our residents learned about the Garifunas through tragedy, but today we want to celebrate the beauty of this great community, we want to recognize its contributions to the economy, culture and prosperity of The Bronx,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. In addition, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr, presented Certificates of Merit to each Garifuna Heritage Awards recipients: Mr. Pablo Roberto Mejia the key promoter of the development of the Garifuna Community of Livingston (Labuga) in Guatemala, Crisanto Armando Meléndez, Artistic Director of The Garifuna National Folklore Ballet in Honduras; Kensy Sambola, President of the Afro Garifuna Association of Nicaragua, David Glasgow, President of The Garifuna Heritage Foundation of St Vincent and the Grenadines; Blanca Arzu, Branch Manager at Ponce de Leon Federal Bank in New York and E.Roy Cayetano, author of the People`s Garifuna Dictionary from Belize. This is the first time since the exile, that members from St Vincent and the Grenadines, the ancestral home of the Garifuna people and members of the Garifuna Diaspora have met under one roof. “This was very historic moment”, said Jose Francisco Avila, President of the Board of directors. 22
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
Garifuna-American Heritage Month, celebrates the great contributions of GarifunaAmericans to the fabric of New York, and pays tribute to the common culture and bonds of friendship that unite the United States and the Garifuna countries of origin. Two hundred fifteen years ago, the Paramount Garifuna Chief Joseph Chatoyer was killed at Dorsetshire Hill, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on March 14 th, 1795. Two Years later the Garifunas were exiled to the island of Balliceaux and on March 11th 1797 they were loaded onto a convoy of vessels and transported to the coast of Honduras, where they arrived on April 12th, from where they dispersed along the Atlantic coast of Honduras, Guatemala, Belize and Nicaragua. After the exile everybody wondered if the Garifunas were going to survive as a people and live a long healthy life. However, 213 years later, not only have they survived but have become a vital part of New York City’s social, cultural and economic way of life for the past 187 years, while preserving their customs, cultural values and beliefs, as demonstrated by such notable individuals as Playwright William Henry Brown whose 1823 play The Drama of King Shotoway, is recognized as the first black drama of the American Theatre and has as its subject the 1795 Black Caribs (Garifunas) defense of the Island of Saint Vincent against colonization by the British. New York City is home to the largest Garifuna Community outside of CentralAmerica. As part of the Garifuna Heritage Month celebrations, the first Garifuna Heritage Awards and Cultural Night were presented on Saturday, March 13 th at the Hostos Center for the Arts and Culture to honor those who have made outstanding contributions to the preservation and promotion of the Garifuna. In addition to the award, each honoree received a special citation by New York City Council Member Maria del Carmen Arroyo, District17. In addition, a Memorial mass was celebrated on Sunday, March 14 th, at St Anthony of Padua Church, in memory of the Paramount Garifuna Chief Joseph Chatoyer. The activities will continue this weekend with a photo exhibit by Garifuna Photographer Augusto Amaya on Friday, March 18th, 6:30 PM at Casa Yurumein, 1184 Fulton Avenue, Bronx, NY 10456, for Information call (718) 991-2233. Followed by a book signing by Mrs. Sara Doris Sambula Mejia author of “Garifuna Teachers and their Contributions to the Education of Honduras,” on Saturday, March 20 th at 1:00 PM at the Garifuna Advocacy Center at 391 149th St, RM 215, Bronx NY 10455, for Information call (718) 402-7700, and on Sunday, March 21, 6:30 PM at Casa Yurumein, 1184 Fulton Avenue, Bronx, NY 10456, for Information call (718) 991-2233. The Garifuna Heritage Month Proclamation is significant and critical in making visible the Garifuna American identity, developing the agenda and recognizing Garifuna Americans who contribute significantly to the American landscape. ###
23
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
2nd Commemoration of Garifuna Heritage Month Celebrating Garifuna Heritage and Culture in New York F O R IM MEDI ATE RE LE ASE: Jan uar y 8 , 2010
Contacts:
José Francisco Ávila (718) 402-7700
info@ garifunacoalitio n.or g
New York – The Board of Directors of the Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc. a, nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) taxexempt nonprofit organization is pleased to announce that Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr, has agreed to issue the proclamation of March 11th – April 12th, 2010 as Garifuna Heritage Month 2010 in observance of the 213th anniversary of the exile of the Garifuna people from St Vincent on March 11th, 1797 and their settlement in Central America on April 12th, 1797. In addition, New York State Governor David A. Paterson’s New York City Regional Representative Executive Chamber has informed us that the Governor will also issue a proclamation of Garifuna Heritage Month. Proclamations are the most significant of non-legal, yet official forms of recognition issued by the Governor. The proclamations will be presented during the Garifuna American Heritage Month 2010 Press Conference on Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 11:00 AM in the Rotunda of the Bronx County Building at 851 Grand Concourse, Bronx NY 10451. During Garifuna-American Heritage Month, we will celebrate the great contributions of GarifunaAmericans to the fabric of New York, and will pay tribute to the common culture and bonds of friendship that unite the United States and the Garifuna countries of origin. Although there is no official record of when the first Garifunas arrived in North America, a New York City theater playbill revealed that Garifunas may have migrated during the nineteenth century. The playbill was for an 1823 play about the Garifuna Paramount Chief Joseph Chatoyer. Playwright William Henry Brown’splay The Drama of King Shotoway, is recognized as the first blackdrama of the American Theatre and has as its subject the 1795 Black Caribs (Garifunas) Insurrection in the Island of Saint Vincent. New York City is home to the largest Garifuna Community outside of Central America; however, the community was virtually obscured in New York until the Happy Land Social Club fire on March 25th, 1990. The Garifuna Heritage Month Proclamation is significant and critical in making visible the Garifuna American identity, developing the agenda and recognizing Garifuna Americans who contribute significantly to the American landscape.
24
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
25
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
First Garifuna Heritage Awards Celebrating and Promoting the Garifuna Heritage and Culture in New York FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 20, 2010 Contacts:
José Francisco Ávila (718) 402-7700
info@ garifunacoalition .or g
New York – The Board of Directors of the Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc. a, nonpartisan, 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization is pleased to announce The First Garifuna Heritage Awards which will be presented during the First Annual Garifuna Heritage Awards and Cultural Night on March 13th 2010 at 7 PM at the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture,450 Grand Concourse Bronx, NY 10451. The first Garifuna Heritage Awards will honor those who have made outstanding contributions to the preservation and promotion of the Garifuna Culture. The annual event, which is a flagship event of the Garifuna Coalition, celebrates the contributions, legacies and future of those of Garifuna heritage. This year’s honorees include Crisanto Armando Meléndez, (Savaranga, Uayujuru), Executive Director of the Garinagu Cultural Center and Artistic Director of The Garifuna National Folklore Ballet in Honduras; Kensy Sambola, President of the Afro Garifuna Association of Nicaragua (AAGANIC), David Augustine Glasgow, President of the Garifuna Heritage Foundation of St Vincent and the Grenadines; Mr. Pablo Roberto Mejía from Livingston, Guatemala, Blanca Arzu, Branch Manager at Ponce de Leon Federal Bank in New York and E.Roy Cayetano, author of the People`s Garifuna Dictionary from Belize. A dynamic cultural stage production will feature James Lovell and the AfriGarifuna Youth Ensemble, Hamalali Wayunagu Garifuna Dance Company, Chief Joseph Chatoyer Garifuna Folkloric Ballet of NY, Paula Castillo and Hechu Garinagu and a grand finale directed by Mr. Crisanto Armando Meléndez, (Savaranga, Uayujuru). The Garifuna Heritage Awards and Cultural Night is an integral part of the Garifuna Heritage Month 2010. The proclamation will be presented by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr and New York State 26
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
Governor David A. Paterson’s office during a press conference in the Rotunda of the Bronx Borough President’s Office on Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 11:00 AM. 851 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY. Garifuna-American Heritage Month, celebrates the great contributions of Garifuna-Americans to the fabric of New York, and will pay tribute to the common culture and bonds of friendship that unite the United States and the Garifuna countries of origin. New York City is home to the largest Garifuna Community outside of Central America. On September 17th 1821, nearly a decade before slavery was completely phased out in New York City; William Henry Brown's African Theater presented its first performance near the intersection of Bleecker and Mercer Streets in Greenwich Village. Mr. Brown is also known as the first American Playwright of African Descent, he wrote the p la y Th e D ra m a o f K i n g S h o t o w a y , recognized as the first black d r a m a of the American Theatre and has as its subject the 1795 Black Caribs (Garifunas) defense of the Island of Saint Vincent, against colonization by the British.
The Garifuna Heritage Month Proclamation is significant and critical in making visible the Garifuna American identity, developing the agenda and recognizing Garifuna Americans who contribute significantly to the American landscape. For tickets or general information, please contact: Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture (718) 518.4455 Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc. (718) 402-7700 or info@garifunacoalition.org, Luz Soliz (646) 245-7302, Jose Francisco Avila (917) 783-5298
27
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
Garifuna Folkloric Ballet of Honduras to Perform at The First Garifuna Heritage Awards & Cultural Night Celebrating and Promoting the Garifuna Heritage and Culture in New York FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 4, 2010 Contacts:
José Francisco Ávila (718) 402-7700
info@ garifunaco alition .or g
New York – The Board of Directors of the Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc. a, nonpartisan, 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization is pleased to announce that the Garifuna Folkloric Ballet of Honduras, will perform during the First Annual Garifuna Heritage Awards and Cultural Night on March 13th 2010 at 7 PM at the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture,450 Grand Concourse Bronx, NY 10451. The Garifuna Folkloric Ballet of Honduras which is led by its choreographer Armando Crisanto Melendez, represents the unique Garifuna culture of Honduras as well as a variety of music styles that interweave the religious and folkloric characteristics of Honduran culture. Since its creation in 1976 the Garifuna Folkloric Ballet is fulfilling the task of promoting the distinctive Garifuna culture by contributing ethno-artistic work at the national and international level. Its members hold the unique status of "cultural ambassadors" of Honduras. The Folkloric Ballet has performed around the world and competed at the world renown Viña del Mar Festival and won second place in the folkloric category by electrifying the audience with their sensuous dance routines. In addition to the Garifuna Folkloric Ballet of Honduras, a dynamic cultural stage production will feature James Lovell and the AfriGarifuna Youth Ensemble, Hamalali Wayunagu Garifuna Dance Company, Chief Joseph Chatoyer Garifuna Folkloric Ballet of NY, Paula Castillo and Hechu Garinagu and a grand finale directed by Mr. Armando Crisanto Melendez. On May 18th, 2001 the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proclaimed the Garifuna Language, Dance and Music as a“Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangibles Heritage of Humanity. We invite everyone to come and enjoy the masterpiece. The Garifuna Heritage Awards and Cultural Night is an integral part of the Garifuna Heritage Month 2010. The proclamation will be presented by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr and New York State Governor David A. Paterson ’s office during a press conference in the Rotunda of the Bronx Borough President’s Office on Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 11:00 AM. 851 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY. For tickets or general information, please contact: Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture (718) 518.4455 Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc. (718) 402-7700, Luz Soliz (646) 245-7302, Jose Francisco Avila (917) 783-5298 www.garifunaworld.comor info@garifunacoalition.org
28
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
Pablo Roberto Mejia to Receive a Garifuna Heritage Award Celebrating and Promoting the Garifuna Heritage and Culture in New York FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 24, 2010 Contacts: Jose Francisco Avila (718) 402-7700 e-mail: info@garifunacoalition.org New York – The Board of Directors of the Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc. a, nonpartisan, 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization is pleased to announce that Mr. Pablo Roberto Mejia will be presented a Garifuna Heritage Award, during the First Annual Garifuna Heritage Awards and Cultural Night on March 13th 2010 at 7 PM at the Hostos Center for theArts & Culture,450 Grand Concourse Bronx, NY 10451. Pablo Roberto Mejia or "Don Beto" as he’s known was responsible for the development of the Garifuna Community of Livingston (Labuga) in Guatemala. From the building of the main road, renovation of schools, building of Livingston 's gym and securing the Martin Luther King School. But most importantly, was his tenacity to focus on economic empowerment and development. Many of Livingston’s older generation are products of the services brought to Labuga by Don Beto which include training Garifuna men to become electricians, painters, teachers and tailors. In the 1960's, he fought to bring the main educational and economic engines to the state of Izabal, a vocational institution in Puerto Barrios and The Technical and Productivity Institute–INTECAP, Guatemala’s leading technical school. His children and grandchildren are involved in the Guatemalan government affairs. His oldest son, Augusto Mejia was a senator for the state of Izabal and head of the Port Authority of Santo Tomas de Castilla. In the 1990's he received Guatemala's Highest Presidential Recognition, making him one of few Garinagu to receive such accolade, including Teodoro Palacios Flores. True to his faith and conviction about being Garifuna, "Don Beto" Mejia, has left a mark and legacy of activism and set a standard for all Garinagu in Guatemala. But most importantly makes them proud to be Garifuna. The Garifuna Coalition is proud to recognize Mr. Pablo Roberto Mejia "Don Beto" The first Garifuna Heritage Awards will honor those who have made outstanding contributions to the preservation and promotion of the Garifuna Culture. The annual event, which is a flagship event of the Garifuna Coalition, celebrates the contributions, legacies and future of those of Garifuna heritage. A dynamic cultural stage production will feature James Lovell and the AfriGarifuna Youth Ensemble, Hamalali Wayunagu Garifuna Dance Company,Chief Joseph Chatoyer Garifuna Folkloric Ballet of NY, Paula Castillo and Hechu Garinagu and a grand finale directed by Mr. Armando Crisanto Meléndez. The Garifuna Heritage Awards and Cultural Night is an integral part of the Garifuna Heritage Month 2010. The proclamation will be presented by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr and New York State Governor David A. Paterson ’s office during a press conference in the Rotunda of the Bronx Borough President’s Office on Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 11:00 AM. 851 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY.
29
Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
Crisanto Armando Meléndez, (Savaranga, Uayujuru) to Receive Garifuna Heritage Award Celebrating and Promoting the Garifuna Heritage and Culture in New York FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 10, 2010 Contacts: Jose Francisco Avila (718) 402-7700 e-mail: info@garifunacoalition.org New York – The Board of Directors of the Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc. a, nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization is pleased to announce that Crisanto Armando Meléndez, (Savaranga, Uayujuru), Executive Director of the Garinagu Cultural Center and Artistic Director of The Garifuna National Folklore Ballet of Honduras will be presented a Garifuna Heritage Award, during the First Annual Garifuna Heritage Awards and Cultural Night on March 13 th 2010 at 7 PM at the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture,450 Grand Concourse Bronx, NY 10451. Mr. Melendez is the founder of the Ballet Nacional Folklorico Garifuna of Honduras and serves as its choreographer and artistic director. Since its creation in 1976 Ballet Nacional Folklorico Garifuna has fulfilled the task of promoting the distinctive Garifuna culture of Honduras by contributing ethno-artistic work at the national and international level. Today the members of Ballet Nacional Folklorico Garifuna hold the unique status of "cultural ambassadors" of Honduras. The company competed at the world renown Viña del Mar Festival and won second place in the folkloric category by electrifying the audience with their sensuous dance routines. A dynamic cultural stage production will feature James Lovell and the AfriGarifuna Youth Ensemble, Hamalali Wayunagu Garifuna Dance Company,Chief Joseph Chatoyer Garifuna Folkloric Ballet of NY, Paula Castillo and Hechu Garinagu and a grand finale directed by Mr. Meléndez. The Garifuna Heritage Awards and Cultural Night is an integral part of the Garifuna Heritage Month 2010. The proclamation will be presented by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr and New York State Governor David A. Paterson’s office during a press conference in the Rotunda of the Bronx Borough President’s Office on Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 11:00 AM. 851 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY. Garifuna-American Heritage Month, celebrates the great contributions of Garifuna-Americans to the fabric of New York, and will pay tribute to the common culture and bonds of friendship that unite the United States and the Garifuna countries of origin. New York City is home to the largest Garifuna Community outside of Central America. 31
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision
www.garifunacoalition.org
Roy Cayetano to Receive Garifuna Heritage Award Celebrating and Promoting the Garifuna Heritage and Culture in New York FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 17, 2010 Contacts: Jose Francisco Avila (718) 402-7700 e-mail: info@garifunacoalition.org New York – The Board of Directors of the Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc. a, nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization is pleased to announce that Mr. E. Roy Cayetano will be presented a Garifuna Heritage Award, during the First Annual Garifuna Heritage Awards and Cultural Night on March 13th 2010 at 7 PM at the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture,450 Grand Concourse Bronx, NY 10451. E. Roy Cayetano, is an educator, a linguist and an anthropologist who has contributed to the Preservation of the Garifuna Culture through the People`s Garifuna Dictionary and has served as a consultant in the effort of the Government and the Garifuna people of Honduras to develop a Garifuna language program for the schools of that country. He is also committed to the collection and preservation of songs as well as the promotion of various aspects of the culture. He is the author of the poem “Drums of My Father”, which is one of the better-known Belizean poems. On May 18, 2001 UNESCO recognized the Garifuna Culture as a masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity. This designation means that it is an important culture that should be preserved, promoted, and celebrated. Then National Garifuna Council president Roy Cayetano, compiled and submitted the candidature file to UNESCO. Mr. Cayetano has also served as Secretary General of the Belize UNESCO Commission, chief exec utive office r in the Ministry of Rural Development & Culture, Deputy Minister of Culture in Belize and as a Senator. The first Garifuna Heritage Awards will honor those who have made outstanding contributions to the preservation and promotion of the Garifuna Culture. The annual event, which is a flagship event of the Garifuna Coalition, celebrates the contributions, legacies and future of those of Garifuna heritage. A dynamic cultural stage production will feature James Lovell and the AfriGarifuna Youth Ensemble, Hamalali Wayunagu Garifuna Dance Company,Chief Joseph Chatoyer Garifuna Folkloric Ballet of NY, Paula Castillo and Hechu Garinagu and a grand finale directed by Mr. Meléndez. The Garifuna Heritage Awards and Cultural Night is an integral part of the Garifuna Heritage Month 2010. The proclamation will be presented by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr and New York State Governor David A. Paterson’s office during a press conference in the Rotunda of the Bronx Borough President’s Office on Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 11:00 AM. 851 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY. 32
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
Kensy Sambola to Receive a Garifuna Heritage Award Celebrating and Promoting the Garifuna Heritage and Culture in New York FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 4, 2010 Contacts: Jose Francisco Avila (718) 402-7700 info@garifunacoalition.org New York – The Board of Directors of the Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc.a, nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization is pleased to announce that Kensy Sambola will be presented a Garifuna Heritage Award, during the First Annual Garifuna Heritage Awards and Cultural Night on March 13 th 2010 at 7 PM at the Hostos Center forthe Arts & Culture,450 Grand Concourse Bronx, NY 10451. Kensy Sambola is President of the Nicaraguan Afro-Garifuna Association which coordinates the Garifuna community’s development plan and works in the revitalization of the Garifuna Culture. She has worked in several projects to safeguard the Garifuna language and culture in Nicaragua and has worked constantly in pursuit of the social and economic well-being of the Nicaraguan Garifuna community. She has devoted herself to work for the recognition and respect of a people from whom little was known in her country as well as among the other Garifunas in Central America The Garifuna Coalition is proud to recognize Mrs. Kensy Sambola for her outstanding contributions to the preservation of the Garifuna Culture in Nicaragua. The first Garifuna Heritage Awards will honor those who have made outstanding contributions to the preservation and promotion of the Garifuna Culture. The annual event, which is a flagship event of the Garifuna Coalition, celebrates the contributions, legacies and future of those of Garifuna heritage. A dynamic cultural stage production will feature the Garifuna Folkloric Ballet of Honduras James Lovell and the AfriGarifuna Youth Ensemble, Hamalali Wayunagu Garifuna Dance Company,Chief Joseph Chatoyer Garifuna Folkloric Ballet of NY, Paula Castillo and Hechu Garinagu and a grand finale directed by Mr. Crisanto Armando Meléndez. The Garifuna Heritage Awards and Cultural Night is an integral part of the Garifuna Heritage Month 2010. The proclamation will be presented by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr and New York State Governor David A. Paterson’s office during a press conference in the Rotunda of the Bronx Borough President’s Office on Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 11:00 AM. 851 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY.
33
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
Blanca Arzu to Receive a Garifuna Heritage Award Celebrating and Promoting the Garifuna Heritage and Culture in New York FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 4, 2010 Contacts: Jose Francisco Avila (718) 402-7700 e-mail: info@garifunacoalition.org New York – The Board of Directors of the Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc. a, nonpartisan, 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization is pleased to announce that Blanca Arzu will be presented a Garifuna Heritage Award, during the First Annual Garifuna Heritage Awards and Cultural Night on March 13th 2010 at 7 PM at the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture,450 Grand Concourse Bronx, NY 10451. Blanca Arzu immigrated to the United States in 1980 in search of a better futureand education for the family. In 1982, She started working as a teller with Poncede León Federal Bank. Six months later she was promoted to Customer Service, a year later she was promoted to assistant branch manager and later to branch Manager She was promoted to Assistant Vice President in 1992. Her greatest wish is to see the Garifuna youth excel in this great city, and to take advantage of the opportunities it offers. “I love to serve my Garifuna community and to share with them the knowledge I have acquired over the years” said Mrs. Arzu. The Garifuna Coalition is proud to recognize Mrs. Blanca Arzu for her outstanding contributions to US society and promoting the Garifuna culture and interests in New York City. The first Garifuna Heritage Awards will honor those who have made outstanding contributions to the preservation and promotion of the Garifuna Culture. The annual event, which is a flagship event of the Garifuna Coalition, celebrates the contributions, legacies and future of those of Garifuna heritage. A dynamic cultural stage production will feature the Garifuna Folkloric Ballet of Honduras James Lovell and the AfriGarifuna Youth Ensemble, Hamalali Wayunagu Garifuna Dance Company,Chief Joseph Chatoyer Garifuna Folkloric Ballet of NY, Paula Castillo and Hechu Garinagu and a grand finale directed by Mr. Crisanto Armando Meléndez. The Garifuna Heritage Awards and Cultural Night is an integral part of the Garifuna Heritage Month 2010. The proclamation will be presented by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr and New York State Governor David A. Paterson’s office during a press conference in the Rotunda of the Bronx Borough President’s Office on Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 11:00 AM. 851 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY.
34
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
The Garifuna Heritage Foundation of St Vincent and the Grenadines to Receive a Garifuna Heritage Award Celebrating and Promoting the Garifuna Heritage and Culture in New York FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 27, 2010 Contacts: Jose Francisco Avila (718) 402-7700 e-mail: info@garifunacoalition.org New York – The Board of Directors of the Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc. a, nonpartisan, 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization is pleased to announce that the Garifuna Heritage Foundation of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) will be presented a Garifuna Heritage Award, during the First Annual Garifuna Heritage Awards and Cultural Night on March 13 th 2010 at 7 PM at the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture,450 Grand Concourse Bronx, NY 10451. The Garifuna Heritage Foundation (TGHF) was selected in recognition of its grassroots activism and contribution to support the Renaissance of the Garifuna Heritage and Culture in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. During the Garifuna Reunion last July TGH signed a Memorandum of Understanding with The Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc., St. Vincent and the Grenadines Organization of Pennsylvania, Inc. and the Garifuna American Heritage Foundation United, Inc. (GAHFU) of Los Angeles California, to promote the Garifuna Heritage and Culture in all parts of the Garifuna Diaspora as well as to collaborate in practical ways to support the Renaissance of the Garifuna Heritage and Culture in St. Vincent and the Grenadines "Yurumein" the Ancestral Homeland of the Garifuna people. Furthermore, it joined with the Rose Hall Cultural Development Organization to bring together seven traditional Garifuna communities to share knowledge, discuss ideas and formulate strategies for the promotion of the Garifuna culture and heritage, under the theme, ‘Exploring our Garifuna Heritage from past glory to future success.”1 It also sponsored a regional symposium under the theme “Research and Practice of the Garifuna Heritage and Culture as a Reflection of Caribbean Indigenous Experience,” as well as an exhibition on ancient Vincentian artifacts under the theme “From the Orinoco to Exile”. It also plans to hold a round-table discussion in St. Vincent and the Grenadines with Garifuna organizations from the Diaspora, to further facilitate this process of Garifuna renewal. Mr. David Williams, president of the Garifuna Heritage Foundation will be present to receive the award. The first Garifuna Heritage Awards will honor those who have made outstanding contributions to the preservation and promotion of the Garifuna Culture. The annual event, which is a flagship event of the Garifuna Coalition, celebrates the contributions, legacies and future of those of Garifuna heritage. A dynamic cultural stage production will feature James Lovell and the AfriGarifuna Youth Ensemble, Hamalali Wayunagu Garifuna Dance Company,Chief Joseph Chatoyer Garifuna Folkloric Ballet of NY, Paula Castillo and Hechu Garinagu and a grand finale directed by Mr. Crisanto Armando Meléndez. The Garifuna Heritage Awards and Cultural Night is an integral part of the Garifuna Heritage Month 2010. The proclamation will be presented by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr and New York State Governor David A. Paterson’s office during a press conference in the Rotunda of the Bronx Borough President’s Office on Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 11:00 AM. 851 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY.
35
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
David Williams and Rejil Solis, President of the Garifuna Coalition
James Cordice, Dr Cadrin Gill, Rejil Solis and David Williams Front L-R Dr Cadrin Gill, Jose Francisco Avila, Vanessa Demirciyan Salamone, Delly Suazo, Marcia Gomez, Back - James Cordice, Rudi Daniel, David Williams, Rejil Solis and Zoila Ellis-Browne.
36
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
2010 Garifuna-American Legislative Day Proclamation by Governor David A. Paterson
37
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
38
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
39
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
40
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
41
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
42
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
43
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
44
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
45
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
46
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
47
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
48
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
49
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
50
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
51
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
52
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
53
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
54
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
55
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
56
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
57
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
58
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
59
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
60
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
61
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
62
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
63
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
64
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
65
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
66
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
2011 Garifuna-American Legislative Day in Albany, New York
67
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
68
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
69
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
70
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
71
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
72
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
73
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
74
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
75
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
76
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
77
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
78
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
79
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
80
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
81
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
82
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
83
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
84
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
85
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
2011 Abrazo Garifuna
86
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
87
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
88
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
89
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
90
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
91
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
92
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
93
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
94
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
95
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
96
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
2012 Garifuna-American Legislative Day in Albany, New York
97
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
98
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
99
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
100
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
101
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
102
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
103
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
104
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
105
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
106
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
107
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
108
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
109
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
110
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
111
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
112
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
113
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
114
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
115
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
116
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
117
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
118
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
119
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
120
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
121
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
2013 Garifuna-American Legislative Day in Albany, New York
122
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
123
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
124
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
125
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
126
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
127
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
128
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
2014Garifuna-American Legislative Day in Albany, New York
129
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
130
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
131
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
132
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
133
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
134
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
135
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
136
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
137
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
138
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
139
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
140
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
141
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
142
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
2014 Garifuna-American Heritage Month in New York New York - The Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc. a, nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization invites the New York Community to join them in commemorate March 11 - April 12 as Garifuna-American Heritage Month 2014, in observance of the 217 Anniversary of the Forcible Transfer of the Garifuna People from St Vincent to Central America and their arrival on April 12, 1797. Garifuna-American Heritage Month celebrates the great contributions of Gar�funaAmericans to the fabric of New York City and New York State, and pays tribute to the common culture and bonds of friendship that unite the United States and the Gar�funa's countries of origin (Belize, Guatemala, Honduras Nicaragua and St Vincent and the Grenadines.) In 2014 the Garifunas celebrate 191 years of the Gar�funa Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage's contribution to New York City's vibrant cultural life. In 1823, William Henry Brown recognized as the first American playwright of African descent wrote "The Drama of King Shotaway," recognized as the first black drama of the American theatre and which had as its subject the 1795 Black Caribs (Gar�funa) defense of the Island of Saint Vincent led by the Paramount Gar�funa Chief Joseph Chatoyer, against colonization by the British. Furthermore, as the Cultural Capital of the World, New York is privileged to be home to one of the original "Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangibles Heritage of Humanity, as proclaimed by UNESCO, on May 18th, 2001. New York City is home to the largest Gar�funa Community outside of Central America! However, although Gar�funas have been migrating here in search of a better life since the 1930s; the community was virtually obscured until the Happy Land Social Club fire on March 25th, 1990; the majority of the victims were Gar�funas! Thanks to the support of various elected officials; the Gar�funa Coalition USA, Inc has taken the Gar�funa Community from obscurity to the pinnacle of Recognition and will celebrate the 6th Annual Gar�funa American Heritage Month in New York, a tribute to the Gar�funas survival and resiliency! To kick off the 2014 Gar�funa Heritage Month, the Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc in cooperation with other community and civic organizations will schedule various activities, among them the following:
Sungubei lidan Aban Garinagu Wagia Tuesday March 11th, 2014 - 217th Anniversary of the Forcible Transfer of the Garifunas from St Vincent to Central America. Tuesday March 11th, 2014 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM The Garifuna Coalition will sponsor the Fourth Annual Garifuna-American Legislative Day in Albany, NY where Senator Rev. Rub�n D�az, Sr. will present the Senate ResolutionMemorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to declare March 11, 2014, to April 12, 2014, as Gar�funa-American Heritage Month in the State of New York Wednesday, March 12, 2014 12:00 PM Garifuna American Heritage Month in the NYC Council New York City council Chambers Friday, March 14th, 2014 - 219th Anniversary of the death of the Paramount Garifuna Chief Joseph Chatoyer Friday March 14, 2014 7:00 PM ABRAZO Garifuna BY INVITATION 143
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America Wednesday, March 15, 2014 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Garifuna Children's Fair Bronx Music Heritage Center 1303 Louis Ni�� Blvd, Bronx NY (2 or 5 trains to Freeman St.) Saturday, March 22, 2014 8:00 AM Garifuna Nation Marathon Starting: from Evangelical Garifuna Churches, 344 Brook Ave, Bronx, NY 10453 End: at Believers Mennonite Garifuna Ministries, 36 Malcolm X Blvd, Brooklyn, NY Tuesday, March 25th 7:00 PM 24th Memorial Mass for the 87 victims of the Social Club Fire St Thomas Aquinas Church, 1900 Crotona Parkway, Bronx NY Thursday, April 3, 2014 5:30 PM Garifuna American Heritage Month in the Bronx Bronx County Courthouse, 851 Grand Concourse Friday, April 11th, 2014 5:30 PM - 9:30 Garifuna American Heritage Month in Brooklyn Brooklyn Borough Hall Saturday, April 12th, 2014, 217th Anniversary of the Garifunas Arrival to Central America Saturday, April 12th, 2014 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Garifuna Day Conference & Festival, 344 Brook Ave Bronx, NY 10454
144
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
2015 Garifuna-American Legislative Day in Albany, New York
145
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
146
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
147
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
148
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
149
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
150
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
151
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
152
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
153
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
154
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
155
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
156
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
157
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
158
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
159
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
160
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
161
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
162
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
163
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
164
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
165
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
166
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
167
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
168
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
2016 Garifuna-American Legislative Day in Albany, New York
169
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
170
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
171
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
2017 Garifuna-American Legislative Day in Albany, New York
172
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
173
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
174
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
175
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
176
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
Assembly Resolution No. 196 & Senate Resolution No. 973 BY: Members of Assembly Sepulveda, Crespo, Blake, Pichardo, Abbate, Barclay, Barrett, Barron, Braunstein, Cook, Cusick, Davila, DenDekker, Dinowitz, D'Urso, Englebright, Fahy, Fitzpatrick, Giglio, Gjonaj, Glick, Gottfried, Gunther, Jaffee, Jean-Pierre, Johns, Joyner, Lawrence, Lupardo, Lupinacci, Magee, McDonald, McKevitt, M. L. Miller, Montesano, Mosley, Nolan, Palmesano, Peoples-Stokes, Perry, Raia, Rivera, Rosenthal, Rozic, Santabarbara, Simotas, Skoufis, Solages, Steck, Thiele, Titone, Titus, Walker, Walter, Weinstein, Weprin, Wright and Zebrowski Senators Diaz, Addabbo, Alcantara, Avella, Bailey, Breslin, Brooks, Carlucci, Comrie, Dilan, Gianaris, Hamilton, Hoylman, Kaminsky, Kennedy, Klein, Krueger, Latimer, Montgomery, Parker, Peralta, Persaud, Rivera, Sanders, Savino, Serrano, Squadron, Stavisky, Stewart-Cousins and Valesky MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to declare March 11, 2017, to April 12, 2017, as Garifuna-American Heritage Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay just tribute to the cultural heritage of the ethnic groups which comprise and contribute to the richness and diversity of the community of the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in keeping with its time-honored traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to applaud and commemorate events which foster ethnic pride and exemplify the cultural diversity that represents and strengthens the spirit of the people and the State of New York; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to declare March 11, 2017, to April 12, 2017, as Garifuna-American Heritage Month in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Garifuna-American Heritage Month celebrates the great contributions of GarifunaAmericans to the fabric of New York City, and pays tribute to the common culture and bonds of friendship that united the United States and the Garifuna countries of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua; and St. Vincent and the Grenadines; and WHEREAS, Garifuna-American Heritage Month affirms the culture, identity and self-esteem of a people; it celebrates a rich heritage and illuminates Garifuna history and tradition, as well as the spirit of an indomitable people; and WHEREAS, In 1665, two Spanish ships wrecked off the coast of St.Vincent; and WHEREAS, The West African slaves that escaped to the island eventually intermarried with the Caribs and the Arawaks indigenous native people; and WHEREAS, The new race of people, known as the Garifuna, grew strong and prosperous on the island; and
177
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
WHEREAS, In 1795, the Garifuna began the Second Carib War against the British; battles raged throughout St. Vincent over the next year with both sides enduring heavy losses; and WHEREAS, On June 10, 1796, the final battle commenced with the Garifuna and British, resulting in the Garifuna's surrender; and WHEREAS, The surviving Black Caribs were forcibly transferred to the neighboring island of Balliceaux; and WHEREAS, On March 11, 1797, the defeated Garifuna were loaded onto a convoy of eight vessels and transported to Roatan, Honduras, which arrived on April 12th of that year; and WHEREAS, This year we commemorate the 220th Anniversary of the Forcible Deportation of the Garifuna People by the British from St. Vincent and the Grenadines and their settlement in Central America; and WHEREAS, The Garifuna began to migrate to the United States during the 1930s; today, New York City is home to the largest Garifuna community outside of Central America; and WHEREAS, Garifuna-American Heritage Month provides an opportunity to recognize the significance of their contributions to the quality and character of life, and, through many events and activities throughout the month, for all people to gain a greater appreciation of Garifuna history and traditions, and of the role Garifuna-Americans have played, and will continue to play, in our society; and WHEREAS, Today, New Yorkers of Garifuna heritage such as Rosemary Ordonez Jenkins, Sulma Arzu-Brown, Aquina Valentin Mirtha Colon, James Lovell, Rosita Alvarez, Paula Castillo, Edson Arzu, Sara Nunez Mejia, Marcia Gomez, Evelyn Arauz Chamorro and Jose Francisco Avila, continue to recognize and honor the legacy of their ancestors; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to declare March 11, 2017, to April 12, 2017, as Garifuna-American Heritage Month in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.
178
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
179
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
180
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
181
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
182
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
183
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
184
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
185
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
186
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
187
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
188
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
189
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
190
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
191
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
192
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
193
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
194
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
195
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
196
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
197
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
198
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
199
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
200
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
201
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
202
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
203
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
204
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
205
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
206
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
2017 Abrazo Garifuna
207
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
208
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
209
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
210
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
211
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
212
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
213
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
214
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
215
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
216
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
217
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
218
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
219
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
220
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
221
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
222
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
223
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
224
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
225
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
226
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
227
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
228
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
229
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
230
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
231
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
232
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
233
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
234
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
235
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
236
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
237
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
238
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
239
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
240
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
241
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
242
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
243
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
244
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
245
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
246
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
247
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
248
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
249
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
250
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
Proposed Amendment To Law To Include History Of Garifuna By: Nelson A. King - US Correspondent•
Fri, Apr 01, 2016
A New York Assemblyman has proposed an amendment to New York State Education Law to include the history of the Garifuna people. Assemblyman Luis R. Sepúlveda, who represents the Bronx, announced his plan during the 6th Annual Abrazo Garifuna in New York and in the New York State Assembly, according to the Bronx-based Garifuna group, The Garifuna Coalition U.S.A., Inc. The Coalition said the Bill states that, "in order Garifuna delegation at the New York State Assembly, witnessing and receiving the to promote a spirit of patriotic and civic service proclamation of March 11 – April 12 as Garifuna Heritage Month in New York. Inset: and obligation and to foster in the children of NYC Assemblyman Luis R. Sepúlveda. the state moral and intellectual qualities, which are essential in preparing to meet the obligations of citizenship in peace or in war, the regents of The University of the State of New York shall prescribe courses of instruction in patriotism, citizenship, and human rights issues, with particular attention to the study of the inhumanity of genocide, slavery, including… the history of the Garifuna People…to be maintained and followed in all the schools of the state.” The Coalition said the proclamation of Mar.11 - Apr. 12, 2016, declaring Garifuna-American Heritage Month in the State of New York, is in observance of the 219th Anniversary of the "forcible deportation by the British of the Garifuna People from St. Vincent and The Grenadines on March 11, 1797, and their settlement in Central America on April 12, 1797.” According to the study guide for The Garifuna Journey video, "the study of the Garifuna provides insight into a people whose history has been one of struggle and determination to survive at a time when very few people, or nations, were able to resist the onslaught of colonialism and slavery. "Despite exile and subsequent Diaspora, their traditional culture survives today,” the guide says. "It is a little known story that deserves its place in the annals of the African Diaspora.” "We are grateful to Assemblyman Luis R. Sepúlveda for this initiative to amend the New York State Education Law to include the history of the Garifuna people,” said Jose Francisco Avila, chairman of the Board of the Garifuna Coalition U.S.A., Inc. "It is the culmination of the Garifuna Coalition U.S.A., Inc. and its community partners who in 2009 decided that the community development initiative will be based on creating awareness and appreciation of the Garifuna culture, and its contribution to the culture and society of New York City,” he added. Avila urged the Garifuna Community of New York to "remain vigilant as the Bill enters the committee and calendar stages by communicating your views on a particular issue to your Senator. "You have another opportunity at this point to participate in the lawmaking process,” he said. "An expression of opinion on a proposed bill can be sent directly to the committee chairman, or it can be sent to your local Senator for relay to the committee members.”
251
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
Garífunas en NYC celebran su cultura Este sábado se inicia el Mes de la Herencia Garífuna-americana ¡Mantente al día con las noticias de interés de los Hispanos! Sigue a El Diario NY en Facebook
Karla Ruiz, Teresa Guiti y Budari Palacios, quienes preservan su cultura en la Gran Manzana. /Cortesía Maritza Villela
¡Lee y Comparte! POR:MARITZA VILLELA10 MARZO 2017 Al ritmo de los tambores, con bailes tradicionales y sabores de platos típicos, el grupo Budari Dance Company se adelantó con las primeras celebraciones del Mes de la Herencia Garífuna-americana en su evento llamado Machuca Party. La música punta, propia de ellos, llenó el salón en donde los invitados disfrutaron de la machuca, un plato tradicional garífuna de caldo con leche de coco, plátano y mariscos. “La base de nosotros es mantener y preservar la cultura para que no se pierda en nuestras próximas generaciones”, dijo Budari Palacios, una de las fundadoras de Budari Dance Company. La originaria de Tegucigalpa, Honduras, junto a su esposo Frank Palacios, formó este grupo cultural hace seis años. Hoy en día, de acuerdo a la Coalición Garífuna de Nueva York, la ciudad de Nueva 252
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
York “es la sede de la población garífuna más grande fuera de Centro América, con un estimado de 200,000 personas”. En esta misma ciudad fue que comenzó el Mes de la Herencia Garífuna-americana en el 2009, recordando eventos importantes que marcaron a esta comunidad en fechas entre el 11 de marzo al 12 de abril.
“Uno de los puntos más importantes es la juventud,” dijo Budari, quien por medio de sus danzas y teatro honra a sus ancestros garífunas. “Primeramente debemos de preservar nuestro lenguaje y nuestra historia, para que nuestros hijos sepan de donde vienen, quienes son y para donde van.” Y es que los garífunas, tienen una cultura basada fuertemente en historia y tradiciones. Su lengua, danza y música fueron declarados por la UNESCO como parte del Patrimonio Cultural Inmaterial de la Humanidad en el 2008. Este grupo étnico viene del mestizaje de originarios de África y del Caribe en la isla de San Vicente, quienes en los 1600s se vieron obligados a huir de los británicos y se establecieron en la costa atlántica de Centro América, en los países de Honduras, Nicaragua, Belice y Guatemala. “Es una cultura histórica, rica y única”, dijo José Francisco Ávila, presidente de la Coalición Garífuna de Nueva York, una organización que desde 1998 ha estado abogando por el grupo étnico y que, en el 2010, logró que su raza entrara en el censo de los Estados Unidos. El Mes de la Herencia Garífuna-americana se debe a hechos que marcaron a esta comunidad. “El mes conmemora el exilio del pueblo garífuna, que comienza cuando los barcos salieron de San Vicente el 11 de marzo de 1797 y llegaron a Roatán, Honduras el 12 de abril de 1797,” explicó Ávila. Dentro del mes, también se encuentra otra fecha clave. El 25 de marzo de 1990 ocurrió lo que se conoce como la masacre de Happy Land, en donde 87 personas, en su mayoría garífunas, perdieron la vida en el incendio del club nocturno Happy Land en El Bronx. Actividades Garífuna Music Awards, el 8 de abril a las 9 p.m. en Maestros Caterer’s 1703 Bronxdale Avenue. Abrazo Garífuna en Nueva York, organizado por el senador de Nueva York Rubén Díaz, el 17 de marzo a las 7 p.m. en Maestros Caterer’s 1703 Bronxdale Avenue. Miss Garífuna, el 25 de marzo a las 6 p.m. en 220 West 121 St.
253
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
Assemblymember Michael A. Blake's Statement Following the AbrazoGarifuna March 14, 2016
Assemblymember Michael A. Blake at the Abrazo-Garifuna with his honoree Mirta Reyes, State Senator Rev. Ruben Diaz Sr., Assemblymember Luis Sepulveda and Councilmember Rafael Salamanca.
Assemblymember Michael A. Blake and his colleagues, State Senator Ruben Diaz, Assemblymember Marcos Crespo, Assemblymember Luis Sepulveda, and City Councilmember Rafael Salamanca, sponsored the Sixth Annual Garifuna Abrazo on Friday, March 11, 2016, to celebrate the contributions of the Garifuna-American community to the city and state of New York. At the event, several Garifuna-Americans were honored. Assemblymember Michael A. Blake honored Mirta Reyes for her dedication to honoring her heritage, her loyal service in the American armed forces, and her commitment to improving the lives of her fellow community members. She has generated interest in Garifuna culture through dancing and competitions. After becoming the first person in her family to earn a high school diploma, she spent 9 years serving in the U.S. Navy, then earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology. Mirta Reyes has spent the last twenty years of her life in social services, currently serving as a Substance Abuse Clinician, providing much needed help to the many victims afflicted with addiction. The event coincided with the kick-off of Garifuna-American History Month, which runs from March 11 to April 12. The Garifuna people are descendants of Carib, Arawak, and African people living in Central America and the Caribbean. New York City, the Bronx in particular, is home to an estimated 200,000 Garifuna, the largest Garifuna population living outside of Central America. 254
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
The Garifuna community is an indispensable part of the fabric of the 79th District. With their help, we are #BuildingABetterBronx. "Mirta Reyes is the epitome of a success story as a Veteran, a social service worker and a woman who represents the Garifuna community remarkably well. I am inspired by her service, and she shows us how Immigrants and children of Immigrants may rise above it all to accomplish their greatest dreams." Assemblymember Michael A. Blake
Assemblymember Michael A. Blake, State Senator Rev. Ruben Diaz Sr., Assemblymember Luis Sepulveda, Councilmember Rafael Salamanca and honorees at the Abrazo-Garifuna.
Program for the Abrazo-Garifuna.
255
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
State Senator Rev. Ruben Diaz Sr., Assemblymember Michael A. Blake, Honoree Mirta Reyes, Assemblymember Marcos Crespo, Assemblymember Luis Sepulveda and Councilmember Rafael Salamanca.
256
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
Bronxites Gather for Fifth Annual Abrazo Garifuna April 14, 2015 6:21 AM·
This past Thursday, in honor of Garifuna-American Heritage Month, Bronxites gathered for the fifth annual Abrazo Garifuna celebration at Maestro’s Caterers, hosted by the Honorable New York State Senator Ruben Diaz, together with Assembly Members Marcos Crespo, Luis Sepulveda and Michael Blake. The Garifuna, a people whose national origins are widespread and varied, have historically suffered from a number of diasporas and exiles. With their heritage and cultural identity splintered as a result, many trace ancestry to West and Central Africa, the Caribbean and Central America. However, the largest Garifuna community outside of Central America — more than 200,000 individuals– has adopted the Bronx their home. Clad in their Thursday’s best, guests poured into the main dining area, which was elegantly adorned in gold, white and black accents, the colors of the of the Garifuna flag. Playing on the speakers were melodic tunes spanning the lands the people call home, ranging from the Jamaican, Bob Marley to Honduran, Aurelio Martinez. A fitting backdrop to the evening’s festivities, those in attendance mingled and helped themselves to a variety of cuisines before the celebration and awards ceremony commenced.
257
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
Arriving shortly before the event swelled to capacity, Senator Diaz opened with a few affable remarks before praising the Garifuna people. Speaking almost entirely in Spanish, a primary language of many in the Garifuna community, he then introduced two singers to kick off the event. While the first sang the familiar “Star-Spangled Banner,” the second, a native Garifuna man belted out the Belizean national anthem, “Land of the Free,” in Garifuna. Accompanying his rendition was a live guitar performance. To great applause, an encore was performed before seguing into the actual award presentation for the honorees.
Honoree Arnol Guity Martinez Senator Diaz presented awards to four distinguished members of the Garifuna community for their outstanding achievements the fields of Community Leadership, Arts and Culture, Religion, Youth Leadership.
Senator Ruben Diaz and Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda dancing The night was then capped off by a performance of traditional Garifuna songs and dance before opening the floor for guests to move about and express their national pride.
City Council Member Vanessa Gibson was also in attendance. Story and photos by Bronx Chronicle staff writer Koi Germany.
258
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
The Garifuna-American Community of New York By José Francisco Ávila (NiLP Network) Thursday, September 27, 2012 The present article is reproduced with authorization of the National Institute of Latino Policy (NiLP)
"A lot of people were not very conscious of the very large number of Hondurans in the city until a few years ago. There was a fire in a social club in the Bronx. That was a real tragedy because 87 people died, and it turned out that the vast majority of those people were Hondurans. That was the first time that people became aware that there was a Honduran population in the city." ---Angelo Falcón, Hispanic Magazine(1997) As descendants from shipwrecked Africans who sought refuge in mainland St. Vincent and intermarried with the Caribs and Arawaks, the Garifunas are part of the unique cultures and melting pot of ethnicities that have their roots in the Caribbean. Despite exile and subsequent Diaspora, their traditional culture survives today in New York City, which is home to the largest Garifuna population outside of Central America with an estimated 200,000. In 1797, they were exiled by the British from St Vincent to Roatán, off the coast of Honduras from where they dispersed along the Atlantic coast of Honduras, Guatemala, Belize and Nicaragua. A seafaring people, they arrived in the United States as merchant marines in the 1930s. However, the community was virtually obscured in New York City until the Happy Land Social Club fire on March 25, 1990. Fifty-nine of the victims were Hondurans; more than 70 percent of the Honduran victims were also of Garifuna descent. The Happy Land tragedy is seen as a turning point the community organizing efforts of the Garífuna Community. The nurturing and promotion of Garifuna identity is at the center of the Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc.'s community organizing initiative. The Garifuna are among the more than 18 million Latinos who checked the "other" box in the 2010 Census. While Garifunas from Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua fit the Latino category, Belizean Garifunas do not.[2] Therefore, the Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc. developed a campaign suggesting the use of the "Other" box to write in "Garifuna."[3]
259
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
On Friday, March 11, 2011, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and the Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc. celebrated the proclamation of March 11-April 12 as "Garifuna Heritage Month 2011," in observance of the 213th anniversary of the exile of the Garifuna people from St Vincent on March 11, 1797 and their settlement in Central America on April 12, 1797. The event, which took place at the Bronx County Courthouse, highlighted the great contributions of the Garifuna-Americans to the fabric of New York and the Bronx, and to pay tribute to the common culture and bonds of friendship that unite the United States and the Garifuna countries of origin. On the day of the first celebration of Garifuna Heritage Month, the Bronx Borough President pointed out that, "Unfortunately, most of our residents learned about the Garifunas through tragedy, but today we want to celebrate the beauty of this great community, we want to recognize its contributions to the economy, culture and prosperity of The Bronx." There's no question that Garinagu in New York have risen from obscurity and that we have laid down a solid foundation on which generations to follow will be able to build upon, for their own prosperity and advancement. JosĂŠ Francisco Ă vila is the chairman of the board and co-founder of the Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc., which advocates for the improvement of the social, economic, political and cultural conditions of New York's Garifuna Community. He can be contacted at jose.avial@garifunacoalition.org. Notes 1. Edna Negonm "Club Tragedy an Awakening for Garifuna," New York Newsday(August 18, 1991), p. 23. 2."For Many Latinos, Racial Identity Is More Culture Than Color," New York Times (Jan. 14, 2012), p 11. 3. "Garifuna group takes steps to become more visible," Bronx Beat (April 3, 2009), and "Garifuna Ethnic Group Seeks Voice in New York City,"NPR (November 15, 2009).
260
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Epicenter of the Garifuna Culture New York Is the Epicenter of the Garifuna Culture http://svgblog.blogspot.com/2010/05/epicenter-of-garifuna-culture.html?m=1 By Jose Francisco Avila May 31, 2010
During a recent visit to Honduras, I attended the Afro descendant Women Forum in Tegucigalpa, where I had a conversation with various Garinagu where someone commented "It would be nice if we could hold events like these, more often, instead of just in April. To which I answered, in New York City, you can attend a Garifuna event just about every week, which really surprised them. I continued, as a matter of fact I will dare to say that New York has become the epicenter of the Garifuna Culture! That really blew their mind! I am certain that someone will disagree, therefore, let me share some factual evidence. The First Intercontinental Garifuna Summit Meeting In 1991, I along with other Garifuna activists organized the First Garifuna Summit Meeting which was celebrated in New York City on. The Theme for this meeting was “Uwala Busiganu, Garinagu Wagia”, (Don’t Be Ashamed, We Are Garifuna). We also chose the slogan “Garinagu’s Path to the 21st Century”. The purpose of the meeting was to adopt a bold and decisive challenge to seriously and collectively begin to focus on our Garifuna culture, and to mobilize all Garinagu to seek meaningful solutions to our varied problems. The First Garifuna Summit Meeting served as a catalyst for many important accomplishments in the Global Garifuna Community. It is recognized as the beginning of the modern-day Garifuna (Afro descendants) movement in the United States and Central America. It became the grassroots movement that organized the Commemoration of the 200thanniversary of the arrival of the Garifunas to Honduras on April 12th, 1997 (The Garifuna Bicentennial). That same grass roots movement organized the Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc. in 1998 to build a powerful progressive coalition that brought together all Garifuna organizations to work together on unifying issues and begin to forge a common progressive vision, obviously, we understood “That a viable organization can only be achieved if a broadly based indigenous leadership — and not one or two charismatic leaders — can knit together the diverse interests of their local institutions.”[1] It is this understanding that made it possible for the Garifuna Coalition to successfully petitioned the various New York branches of government, giving New York the honor of proclaiming the First Garifuna Heritage Month in the World! As part of the celebrations it also hosted the first ever Garifuna Heritage Awards, as well as the Third Annual Joseph Chatoyer Memorial Mass, Garifuna Day and the Miss Garifuna Cultural Pageant. In addition, New York is home to two Garifuna language teaching centers where according to the New York Times “Speakers of Garifuna, which is being displaced in Central America by Spanish and English, are striving to keep it alive in their New York neighborhoods. Regular classes have sprouted at the Yurumein House Cultural Center in the Bronx, and also in Brooklyn, where James Lovell, a public-school music teacher, leads a small Garifuna class at the Biko Transformation Centerin East Bushwick. Today, Garifuna is virtually as common in the Bronx and in Brooklyn as in Honduras and Belize.”[2]The preservation of the Garifuna language through 261
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America language revitalization, lexical expansion programs and the promotion of teaching, learning and practicing is s one of the objectives of the UNESCO’s Proclamation of the Gariifuna Language, Music and Dance as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Promoting regional Garifuna festivals with a view to confronting the erosion of the Garifuna culture in the heart of modern day communities is another objective of the proclamation. Therfore, in celebration of its ninth anniversary, the Chief Joseph Chatoyer, Garifuna Folkloric Ballet of New York participated in the Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade on Sunday, May 16 and on May 23, “A splash of color and the toe-tapping/hip-swaying sounds greeted parade goers as the Hamalali Wayunagu Folkloric Garifuna Dance Company of New York strutted in the 2010 Bronx Week Parade.[3]On May 29th, Casa Yurumein presented a Tribute to 90 year old Garifuna Musician Marcelino “Don Marasa” Fernandez, whom according to Roy Cayetano is “Yet another of our legends and unsung great ones”. [4] During the month of March 11 – April 12 as we celebrate Garifuna-American Heritage Month, the Hamalali Wayunagu (Voices of our Ancestors) Garifuna Folkloric and Modern Dance Company will represent the Garifuna Heritage in the Garifuna-American Heritage Month at the New York City Council Ceremony on June 10th, celebrating the heritage of the region's peoples and our continuing contributions to the evolving story of this City and Country. On June 12th the Garifuna Pastoral of Our Lady of Mercy Church will celebrate its annual Garifuna Thanksgiving Mass in Brooklyn; on that same date, members of the Board of Directors of the Garifuna Coalition, Inc., will participate in a Consultation on St. Vincent and the Grenadines Draft Diaspora Policy, sponsored by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Consulate General in New York and The SVG Diaspora Committee of New York, to share our views and suggestions for improving relations between the Garifuna Diaspora and the Ancestral Home of the Garifuna People! The Garifuna Catholic Community Assembly Committee will hold its third Garifuna Catholic Assembly “Garifuna Spirituality in an acculturated world” on June 19th. On June 24, I will present a lecture on Garifuna History at Monroe College, where Miss Luz Soliz, Hamalali Wayunagu's Director and Choreographer is teaching a Caribbean Dance class based on the Garifuna Music and Dance. As descendants from Africans in mainland St. Vincent, who intermarried with the Caribs and Arawaks, the Garifunas or Black Caribs, are part of the unique cultures and melting pot of ethnicities that have their roots in the Caribbean. Can I hear an “Itarala!” (Amen). All the above activities are an integral part of the “Garinagu Wagia” (We are Garifunas) campaign, which has the nurturing and promotion of Garifuna pride at the center of its community organizing initiative and in creating awareness and appreciation of the Garifuna culture and its contribution to the culture and society of New York. The strategy is to plan, organize and execute a series of activities to promote the Garifuna Community in New York City, “The Capital of the World”. It was this organizing initiative that led to the development of the first ever Garifuna Census 2010 campaign to make sure that Garinagu are counted in the United States. According to Mayor Michael Bloomberg "Our city has always led the nation - not just in celebrating holidays, but in pioneering the most innovative and ambitious new ideas. In so many areas, whatever happens here first. New York is, as Mayor Koch once famously said, 'where the future comes to audition.” [5] Therefore, having pioneered the proclamation of the first Garifuna Heritage Month in the world in New York, the Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc. is organizing an ad-hoc committee with Garifuna Organizations around the nation, to petition the U.S. Congress to establish March 11th- April 12th, as Garifuna-American Heritage Month in the United States of America, in observance of the anniversary of the exile of the Garifuna people from St Vincent on March 11th, 1797 and their settlement in Central America on April 12th, 1797. 262
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of Our Arrival to Honduras, Central America
As the evidence presented above proves, New York has become the epicenter of the Garifuna Culture and it is our hope that as the New York Garifunas have pioneered the nurturing and promotion of Garifuna pride at the center of their community organizing initiative and in creating awareness and appreciation of the Garifuna culture, Garifunas around the world will replicate our example.
[1]Obama, Barack, Why Organize? Problems and promise in the inner city, Illinois Issues, 1988 [2]Roberts, Sam Listening to (and Saving) the World’s Languages. The New York Times, April 28, 2010 [3]http://www.beinggarifuna.wordpress [4]http://www.beinggarifuna.wordpress [5]http://www.nyc.gov/cgi-bin/misc/pfprinter.cgi?action=print&sitename=OM&p=1275236824000
Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision Garinagu Wagia!
263