Garifuna-American Heritage Month Draft

2017 Garifuna Heritage Month

Tomas Avila Tomas Avila Consulting 3/21/2017

Contents Garifuna-American Heritage Month ..................................................................................................... 4 History ............................................................................................................................................. 4 MISSION ......................................................................................................................................... 5 Vision .............................................................................................................................................. 5 Goal................................................................................................................................................. 5 Who we Are ..................................................................................................................................... 6 Garifuna Heritage Month Commemorative Committee ................................................................. 6 Inaugural Activities ....................................................................................................................... 6 Celebrations ................................................................................................................................. 6 Faith Based Celebrations ............................................................................................................. 8 Get Involved .................................................................................................................................... 8 Register Below To Indicate Your Interest In Joining The Network ................................................ 8 Participate .................................................................................................................................... 9 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ............................................................................................... 10 When was March 11-April 12 declared Garifuna American Heritage Month? ............................. 10 Can I use the Logo on my Website?........................................................................................... 10 How can I become a Member of the National Commemorative Committee? .............................. 10 How can I become a Delegate to the Garifuna American Legislative Day? ................................ 10 How can I support the Expansion of Garifuna American Heritage Month? ................................. 10 Achievements ................................................................................................................................ 10 Bill No.: A09791 An act to amend the education law, in relation to instruction on the Garifuna people ........................................................................................................................................ 10 Appendix ........................................................................................................................................... 15 Brooklyn Garifuna Day March 25, 2017 ......................................................................................... 15 Proposed Amendment To Law To Include History Of Garifuna .................................................. 16 From Nurturing and promoting the Garifuna Culture To Amending the State Education Law ..... 17 Garifuna Heritage Month Proclamation in New York ......................................................................... 19 2nd Commemoration of Garifuna Heritage Month .......................................................................... 21 First Garifuna Heritage Awards ...................................................................................................... 23 Garifuna Folkloric Ballet of Honduras to Perform at The First Garifuna Heritage Awards & Cultural Night ............................................................................................................................. 25 Pablo Roberto Mejia to Receive a Garifuna Heritage Award ...................................................... 26 Crisanto Armando MelĂŠndez, (Savaranga, Uayujuru) to............................................................. 28 Receive Garifuna Heritage Award .............................................................................................. 28 Roy Cayetano to Receive Garifuna Heritage Award ................................................................... 29 Kensy Sambola to Receive a Garifuna Heritage Award ............................................................. 30 Blanca Arzu to Receive a Garifuna Heritage Award ................................................................... 31

The Garifuna Heritage Foundation of St Vincent and the ........................................................... 32 Grenadines to Receive a Garifuna Heritage Award .................................................................... 32 2010 Garifuna-American Legislative Day Proclamation by Governor David A. Paterson .................. 34 2011 Garifuna-American Legislative Day in Albany, New York.......................................................... 66 2011 Abrazo Garifuna ....................................................................................................................... 85 2012 Garifuna-American Legislative Day in Albany, New York.......................................................... 96 2013 Garifuna-American Legislative Day in Albany, New York........................................................ 121 2014 Garifuna-American Legislative Day in Albany, New York........................................................ 128 2014 Garifuna-American Heritage Month in New York................................................................. 142 Sungubei lidan Aban Garinagu Wagia...................................................................................... 142 2015 Garifuna-American Legislative Day in Albany, New York........................................................ 144 2016 Garifuna-American Legislative Day in Albany, New York........................................................ 168 2017 Garifuna-American Legislative Day in Albany, New York........................................................ 172 Assembly Resolution No. 196 & Senate Resolution No. 973 ........................................................... 177 2017 Abrazo Garifuna ..................................................................................................................... 207 Proposed Amendment To Law To Include History Of Garifuna .................................................... 238 GarĂ­funas en NYC celebran su cultura ........................................................................................ 239 ÂĄLee y Comparte! ..................................................................................................................... 239 Actividades .................................................................................................................................. 240 Assemblymember Michael A. Blake's Statement Following the Abrazo-Garifuna......................... 241 Bronxites Gather for Fifth Annual Abrazo Garifuna ........................................................................... 244 Garifuna Americans ......................................................................................................................... 246 Overview ...................................................................................................................................... 246 History...................................................................................................................................... 247 Modern Era .............................................................................................................................. 248 The First Garinagu In America ................................................................................................... 249 Significant Immigration Waves ................................................................................................. 249 Acculturation and Assimilation ..................................................................................................... 250 Traditions, Customs, And Beliefs ............................................................................................... 250 Proverbs ................................................................................................................................... 251 Cuisine ..................................................................................................................................... 251 Music ....................................................................................................................................... 251 Dances And Songs.................................................................................................................... 252 Holidays ................................................................................................................................... 252 Health Issues ............................................................................................................................ 252 Language ..................................................................................................................................... 252

Greetings And Popular Expressions .......................................................................................... 253 Family and Community Dynamics ................................................................................................ 253 Education ................................................................................................................................. 254 The Role Of Women ................................................................................................................. 254 Interaction With Others ............................................................................................................ 254 Religion ....................................................................................................................................... 255 Employment and Economic Traditions ......................................................................................... 255 Politics and Government .............................................................................................................. 255 Military ..................................................................................................................................... 255 Relations With Former Countries .............................................................................................. 256 Individual and Group Contributions ............................................................................................. 256 Cultural Promotion ................................................................................................................... 256 Dance ....................................................................................................................................... 257 Education ................................................................................................................................. 257 Film, Television, And Theater .................................................................................................... 257 LITERATURE .............................................................................................................................. 257 Music ....................................................................................................................................... 258 Social Issues ............................................................................................................................. 258 Science And Technology........................................................................................................... 258 Media .......................................................................................................................................... 259 TELEVISION .............................................................................................................................. 259 RADIO ...................................................................................................................................... 259 INTERNET ................................................................................................................................. 259 Organizations and Associations ................................................................................................... 259 Museums and Research Centers................................................................................................... 261 Sources for Additional Study ........................................................................................................ 261 Garifuna-American announces committee to run for office in New York .................... 263 Aug 18, 2009 by fojcc ......................................................................................................... 263 Garifuna Legislative Day in Albany Organizing Committee.............................................................. 264

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 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 Garifuna- Americans 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.

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 Limoneñas 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.

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 11th, 2014 - Anniversary of the Forcible Transfer of the Garifuna from St Vincent to Central America.

March 11th, 2014 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM The Garifuna Coalition sponsored Annual Garifuna-American Legislative Day in Albany, NY where Senator Rev. Ruben Diaz, Sr. will present the Senate Resolution Memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to declare March 11, 2014, to April 12, 2014, as GarifunaAmerican Heritage Month in the State of New York.

GCUSA visits to the Capitol in Albany during Legislative Day in March and provides a tremendous opportunity to make an impression on your Members of the Legislative Body.

Each year GCUSA encourages Garifuna Constituents to meet with their legislators in Albany to advocate for student aid, resources for college counseling, and legislation that will lower barriers to college access for students across the state. More than ever, you need to establish a line of communication and develop a relationship with your Representative, Senators, and their staff. No single voice carries more weight with your elected officials than your own. This is your opportunity to make a difference.

March 12, 2014 12:00 PM Garifuna American Heritage Month in the NYC Council New York City council Chambers 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 Blake and newly elected City Council Member Rafael Salamanca, as part of the Garifuna-American Heritage Month March 11-April 12.

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.) March 22 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 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

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 June As Garifuna American Heritage Month Citing the many opportunities through working together, GCUSA will establish a Garifuna American Community Leaders Alliance to galvanize the Garifuna American Community leadership into civic engagement and action.

Impending Issues such as Bill No. A09791 An 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.

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.

How can I support the Expansion of Garifuna American Heritage Month?

To support the development of Garifuna American Heritage Month, please consider:

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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.: A09791 An 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.

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 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: 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 genocide, slavery (including the freedom trail and underground rail2 road), the Holocaust, the history of the Garifuna people, and the mass 3 starvation in Ireland from 1845 to 1850, and in the history, meaning, 4 significance and effect of the provisions of the constitution of the 5 United States, the amendments thereto, the declaration of independence, 6 the constitution of the state of New York and the amendments thereto, 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

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: DjRobert 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. PH Wellington Ramos, Garifuna Nation Garifuna Artiest and Music Further information call 9178079011 Email: garifunacouncil@gmail.com

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 York Senator 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 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.

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.

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!

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.

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 Central America.

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, District 17.

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. ###

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’s 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) 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 25 th, 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.

G a ri f u n a P r id e - O u r V o i c e - O u r Vision ww w. g a r if u n a c o a l it i o n . or g

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 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

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.com or info@garifunacoalition.org

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 the Arts & 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.

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 13th 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.

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 13 th 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. Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision

www.garifunacoalition.org

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 for the Arts & Culture, 450 Grand Concourse Bronx, NY 10451.

which She in being

Kensy Sambola is President of the Nicaraguan Afro-Garifuna Association coordinates the Garifuna community’s development plan and works in the revitalization of the Garifuna Culture. has worked in several projects to safeguard the Garifuna language and culture Nicaragua and has worked constantly in pursuit of the social and economic wellof 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.

Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

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 future and education for the family. In 1982, She started working as a teller with Ponce de 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. Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

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. Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

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.

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2010 Garifuna-American Legislative Day Proclamation by Governor David A. Paterson

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2011 Garifuna-American Legislative Day in Albany, New York

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2011 Abrazo Garifuna

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2012 Garifuna-American Legislative Day in Albany, New York

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2013 Garifuna-American Legislative Day in Albany, New York

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2014 Garifuna-American Legislative Day in Albany, New York

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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 Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

Friday March 14, 2014 7:00 PM ABRAZO Garifuna BY INVITATION 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

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2015 Garifuna-American Legislative Day in Albany, New York

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2016 Garifuna-American Legislative Day in Albany, New York

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2017 Garifuna-American Legislative Day in Albany, New York

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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 Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

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.

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2017 Abrazo Garifuna

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Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

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.”

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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.

Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

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 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

Miss Garífuna, el 25 de marzo a las 6 p.m. en 220 West 121 St.

Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

Bronxdale

Avenue.

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 Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

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.

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.

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State Senator Rev. Ruben Diaz Sr., Assemblymember Michael A. Blake, Honoree Mirta Reyes, Assemblymember Marcos Crespo, Assemblymember Luis Sepulveda and Councilmember Rafael Salamanca.

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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.

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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.

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Garifuna Americans

by Liz Swain

Overview Common heritage and language, rather than geographical boundaries, unite the Garifuna people of Central America. They are the descendants of Africans who escaped slavery in the seventeenth century and intermarried with Caribs living in the eastern Caribbean Island area. Garifuna (ga-RIF-una) refers to the people and the language they speak. Garinagu (ga-REEN-a-goo) is the plural form preferred by these people, whose ancestors settled in the countries of Honduras, Belize, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.

The Republic of Honduras is slightly larger than the state of Tennessee. The country measures 43,644 square miles (112,090 square kilometers). It borders the Caribbean Sea between Guatemala and Nicaragua. The west borders the North Pacific Ocean between El Salvador and Nicaragua. Honduras' population in July of 1998 was approximately 5,861,995 people. Ninety percent of the population are of mestizo(mixed Amerindian and European) ethnic origin, 7 percent are Amerindian, 2 percent are Black, and 1 percent are white. Ninety-seven percent of the population is Roman Catholic. There is also a Protestant minority. Spanish and various Amerindian dialects are spoken. The capital city is Tegucigalpa. Honduras's flag consists of three horizontal bands, with a white band in the middle of two blue ones. Five blue stars in the white section represent the members of the former Republic of Central America (Honduras, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Guatemala).

Belize is somewhat smaller than Massachusetts, measuring 8,867 square miles (22,965 square kilometers). The country is bounded on the east by the Caribbean Sea, by Mexico to the north, and by Guatemala to the west. Belize had a population of approximately 230,160 people as of July of 1998.

Seven percent are Garifuna, 44 percent are mestizo (mixed ancestry), 30 percent are Creole, 11 percent are Mayan, and eight percent are members of other ethnic groups. Sixty-two percent of the population belongs to the Roman Catholic Church, 12 percent are Anglican, and six percent are Methodist. Small percentages belong to Mennonite, Seventh Day Adventist, Pentecostal, Jehovah's Witness, and other faiths. The country's official language is English. Spanish, Garifuna, and Mayan are also spoken. After a 1961 hurricane demolished the capital of Belize City, the national capital was moved to Belmopan. Belize's national flag is blue with red bands at the top and bottom. In the center is a white disk with a coat of arms. Pictured on the coat of arms is a shield with two workers in front of a mahogany tree. A scroll on the flag reads Sub Umbra Floreo(I Flourish in the Shade).

The Republic of Guatemala is slightly smaller than Tennessee. It measures more than 40,000 square miles (100,000 square kilometers). With coasts on the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Guatemala is bounded on land by Mexico, Belize, El Salvador, and Honduras. Guatemala's population was about 12 million people in July of 1998. Fifty-six percent of the population is of mestizo ethnic origin. These Amerindian-Spanish people are known locally as Ladinos. The remaining population is Amerindian or primarily Amerindian. The country's religions are Roman Catholic, Protestant, and traditional Mayan. Sixty percent of the population speaks Spanish; the remaining 40 percent speak Amerindian languages. Guatemala City is the nation's capital, and the flag consists of three vertical bands. In the middle of two light blue bands is a white band. On the center band is a coat of arms with national bird. a green-and-red quetzal, the Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

The Republic of Nicaragua is slightly smaller than New York State, measuring 50,464 square miles (130,700 square kilometers) and it is bounded by Costa Rica and Honduras. In 1998, Nicaragua had an estimated population of 4,583,379 people. Sixty-nine percent of the population is mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white ancestry), 17 percent is white, nine percent is black and five percent is Amerindian. Roman Catholics account for 95 percent of the population; the remainder is Protestant.

Spanish is Nicaragua's official language. English and Amerindian-speaking minorities live on the Atlantic Ocean coast. The national capital is Managua, and the flag consists of three horizontal bands.

A white band is in the center of two blue bands. On the white band are a coat of arms and the wordsRepublica de NicaraguaandAmerica Central.Five stars on the band form an X.

History Garifuna history represents the intersection of people from two continents. By the year 1000 A.D., the Arawak people of South America had migrated east to the Caribbean Sea and settled along the coast and islands. They hunted, fished, and farmed cassava, a plant with a starchy root. The Arawaks also traded with the Carib people living along the coast. Intermarriage of the Arawaks and Caribs resulted in a new people called the Island Caribs.

Then Europeans discovered the New World. Christopher Columbus first walked on American soil in 1502 after landing at what is now Trujillo, Honduras. Navigators from other European countries soon followed Columbus. Some claimed New World land for their home countries; others sailed to Africa and enslaved people for labor in the Caribbean. Island Caribs fought to keep their islands. They managed to hold on to two—Dominica and St. Vincent Island (then called Yolome or Yurume).

In 1635, two Spanish ships carried West African peoples captured from the Yoruba, Ibo, and Ashanti tribes of what is now Ghana, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone. Both vessels were shipwrecked near St. Vincent, an island north of Venezuela in the Lesser Antilles. The Africans escaped and swam to shore.

The Island Caribs sheltered the refugees. The mixture of these two groups resulted in the blending of ancestry, traditions, and language. The new people called themselves "Garifuna" or "Karaphuna" in Dominica. There is some debate about the definition of the appelation.Gariis African for food, according to Father Amadeo Bonilla, a Catholic Garifuna priest from Honduras interviewed for this essay. In contrast, the authors ofBelize: A Natural Destination,say that Garifuna roughly translates to "cassavaeating people."

Garifuna chiefs ruled the people, who had set roles in society. Men hunted and fished. Women raised the children and they also tended the farm, raising domestic animals and growing foods such as cassava. As boys grew, they went with the men. The community organized activities such as war raids and celebrations. The Garifuna religion included rites to appease ancestors.

In the eighteenth century French people settled on St. Vincent and co-existed with the Island Caribs.

The British tried unsuccessfully to gain control the island in 1713. The British labeled the Garinagu the "Black Caribs" and referred to the Amerindians as the "Red and Yellow Caribs." That labeling would be used as a tool to discredit Garinagu claims to St. Vincent, according to Mark Anderson, in the paper, "The Significance of Blackness: Representations of Garifuna in St. Vincent and Central America, 17001900."

By 1750, the Garifuna population had increased and was prosperous. However, their way of life was threatened after the 1763 Treaty of Paris gave the British control of St. Vincent. The British knew the fertile land of St. Vincent was ideal for growing sugarcane and tried several strategies to obtain it. These efforts included arguments that the land belonged to Red and Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

Yellow Caribs (the Amerindians) and the Black Caribs had no claim on the land. The situation escalated into war in 1772, with the French joining the Garinagu in the fight against the British. The leader during much of these struggles was Joseph Chatoyer, a chief named paramount chief and king in 1768.

Chatoyer was respected as a leader, military strategist, freedom fighter, and priest. He signed a peace treaty in 1773 that shifted property boundaries. The British continued to press for more land, however, and by 1795 the Garinagu decided to take their land back from the British. Chatoyer led the revolt, going into battle on March 10 with Garifuna and French soldiers. On March 12, he gave a speech in French titled "The 12th Day of March and the First Year of Our Liberty." While historical accounts state that Chatoyer was murdered two days later, various causes of death are listed. In some accounts he was shot in battle, while other sources said he died in a duel.

After Chatoyer's death, the war continued. The French surrendered in 1796, and the Garinagu continued fighting until the following year. They surrendered, and the British exiled 4,338 people to Roatan, one of Honduras's Bay Islands. The British justified their actions by use of Carib labels. They "seized upon the blackness of the Garifuna to question their [ethnic] purity and legitimacy—and to justify their expulsion," Anderson wrote.

The war and imprisonment left the Black Caribs weakened and undernourished. Only 2,026 people reached Roatan on April 12, 1797. The majority left the island and sailed to Honduras. Those who stayed on Roatan established Punta Gorda, the oldest town where Garinagu have lived continuously.

Modern Era On September 23, 1797, the 1,465 Garinagu who left Roatan landed at Trujillo. Garinagu also established villages along the Caribbean coasts of Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Belize. Women continued to tend the family farm while men worked in pursuits ranging from woodcutting to smuggling.

Anderson noted that racial origin was less of an issue for the Garinagu in Central America. "While in St. Vincent, Garifuna stood as a mortal enemy to the settler economy and the plantation economy," he wrote. "In Central America, where labor was scarce ... they became almost universally recognized as a mobile, versatile, and industrious population."

Politically, Mexico's successful struggle for independence from Spain also brought independence in 1821 to some Central American countries. Honduras and Guatemala were among the five countries that merged as the United Provinces of Central America. British Honduras remained under British control.

Spain continued to fight the new alliance, and Garinagu participated in the unsuccessful 1832 battle to overthrow the Central American president. A large number of Garinagu then fled to British Honduras.

They arrived in Stann Creek, now Dangriga, on November 19, 1832.

The union of five countries with varied interests fell apart in 1839. The twentieth century brought greater change when U.S. companies began exporting bananas from Honduras. The Cuyamel Fruit Company made the first shipment in 1911, followed in 1913 by the United Fruit Company. Honduras soon led the world in banana exports and was a world leader for decades. Guatemala became a major exporter, too. With the economy virtually controlled by the United Fruit Company, Guatemala and Honduras were transformed into what some called "banana republics."

For Garinagu during the early 1930s, the United Fruit Company of Honduras and Guatemala provided jobs. In an interview, Clifford Palacio said that employment included work in the fields and also on Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

wharves loading ships. Palacio lives in Los Angeles in 1999 and has long been active in promoting the Garifuna culture.

Several events during the 1930s crippled the banana industry. In the early part of the decade, Panama disease plagued the banana crops. Prices for bananas fell, and processing plants were closed. The start of World War II further reduced trade. As the war continued, hundreds of Garifuna men found work by signing on with the merchant marine of the United States and Great Britain. Both organizations needed sailors because men had enlisted in the military.

The employed men remembered their jobless friends. "These merchant marines surreptitiously allowed their friends and relatives to stow away and many found their way to the U.S. through that illegalmodus operandi," said Clifford Palacio.

Garinagu in British Honduras were British subjects, so they received assignments to aid England during World War II. Several contingents were sent to Scotland and Panama. Clifford Palacio's father went to Scotland and worked in the timber industry to replace Scottish men who went to war. The ship carrying some Garinagu to Scotland was torpedoed. The vessel "barely limped into Liverpool," said Palacio.

British Honduras remained a British colony until 1964, when self-government was approved. The county that is now Belize became independent in 1981, six years after Stann Creek's name was changed to Dangriga, which translates as "standing water." November 19, the anniversary of the 1832 arrival, is celebrated as Garifuna Settlement Day in Belize and in other countries where Garinagu live.

Garinagu also celebrate the April 12 Honduras Arrival Day. The 1997 observance drew Garinagu from the United States and Central America to Honduras. They gathered for the bicentennial celebration of what is now known as the Garifuna Nation—people united not by geographical boundaries but by culture and language.

The First Garinagu In America Although there is no official record of when the first Garinagu arrived in North America, a New York City theater playbill revealed that Garinagu may have migrated during the nineteenth century. The playbill was for an 1823 play about Garifuna hero Joseph Chatoyer, according to an article in a 1995 Garifuna Homecoming Celebration program. Playwright William Henry Brown was believed to be a Garifuna from St. Vincent. His play,The Drama of King Shotoway,was said to be based on eyewitness accounts about the Garifuna war against the British. Brown's play was staged at the African Grove Theatre, which was located at the corners of Mercer and Bleecker streets. Founded in 1821, it was the first African American theater, according to the program.

Significant Immigration Waves It is difficult to determine exactly how many Garinagu migrated to the United States because U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service admissions records are based on country of birth. Ethnic origin is not listed in the records that date back to 1925. Forty-two people from Belize were admitted into the United States that year, and some perhaps were Garinagu. Each year through 1930, 57 or fewer Belizeans were admitted to the country. In 1931, admission records showed 28 people from Belize, 179 from Guatemala, 159 from Nicaragua, and 123 from Honduras.

Garinagu men came to the United States during or just after World War II, according to Clifford Palacio.

Men worked as merchant marines, and sea duty took Garinagu to ports around the world. They returned home with stories of newGarifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision places that inspired other www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

Garinagu men to enlist. Some settled in port cities such as Los Angeles, New York, and New Orleans.

Most worked in the United States and then returned home to their families. Garifuna Americans living in cities ranging from New York to Los Angeles spoke of how military service brought them or their fathers to the United States. In addition, some Garinagu, primarily from Belize, settled in London. During the 1960s Garinagu women began emigrating. In 1961, Palacio says, Hurricane Hattie's destruction in Central America opened the door to legal immigration.

In 1962 INS records showed admissions of 191 Belizeans, 939 Guatemalans, 1,154 Hondurans, and 1,083 Nicaraguans. In comparison, in 1997 the INS admitted 664 Belizeans, 7,785 Guatemalans, 7,616 Hondurans, and 6,331 Nicaraguans.

According to Father Bonillo, an estimated 100,000 Garinagu lived in the United States in 1999. Belizean Garinagu usually settled in Los Angeles. Garinagu from Honduras settled primarily on the East Coast, particularly in New York. Other communities are found in Houston and San Francisco. Palacio estimated Los Angeles's 1999 Garifuna population as between 12,000 and 15,000 people. That year an estimated 60,000 Garinagu lived in New York City, according to Rejil Solis, coordinator of Garifuna Coalition USA. According to Rhodel Castillo, a poet/musician interviewed for this essay, approximately 5,000 to 10,000 live in Chicago.

Acculturation and Assimilation Garinagu in Central America have long been valued as teachers. They are also known for their flair for languages. That was an important skill because Garinagu were dispersed to countries where their language was not the mother tongue. The Garinagu first migrated to Honduras, which was then controlled by Spain. Other Garinagu migrated to what was then British Honduras. The Garinagu spoke Garifuna and learned their country's official language. The Belizean Garinagu came to the United States as English speakers. This gave them some advantages over the Spanish-speaking Garinagu from Honduras.

Not even fluency in some English, however, prepared retired prison chaplain George Castillo for the culture shock of New York City. Reverend Castillo described his immigration experience in his 1996 autobiographyMy Life between the Cross and the Bars.With the Garifuna quest for education in mind, he left Dangriga, Belize, in 1952. At the age of 21, he was astounded by the skyscrapers, traffic, and the fast-paced life. He was amazed that electricity, not kerosenelamps, illuminated homes. Other challenges were in store. "I had never used a telephone, radio, television or kitchen appliance, and wondered if I would ever be able to master them," Reverend Castillo wrote. He did learn, and he found opportunity and advancement in the U.S. Air Force. Military service shortened the time for citizenship, and he fulfilled his dream of entering the seminary. He married and started a family.

Castillo also discovered another reality of American life—discrimination and segregation. The lesson in prejudice came during a bus ride from New York City to Texas. In Mississippi, he was ordered to the back of the bus. When the Castillo family wanted to rent a home in Maine in 1960, their landlady hesitated before accepting them— she would only rent to the Castillos if the white tenant living next door gave permission.

Traditions, Customs, And Beliefs Garifuna traditions, customs, and beliefs reflect the bond of community and respect for elders, both living and dead. As recently as the 1950s Belizean villages Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

would hold a community cleanup. Men used machetes to hack away the growth on roads, and women and children took on other responsibilities. The day ended with a celebration, said Rhodel Castillo.

While marriage is established legally through a civil ceremony or a church service, an older ceremony used to unite couples in Honduras, said Father Amadeo Bonilla. Thetatuniwa wuritagu("the drinking of coffee") brought together the couple and their parents, who were joined by family members and the elder, an older person respected for wisdom. The ceremony started with the elder seated next to an empty chair. The woman's parents brought her to the man. They "gave" her to him. When she sat next to him, those in attendance drank coffee.

One tradition, theDugu,is regarded as a belief by some Garinagu. The Dugu (the Feasting of the Dead) is the most elaborate of three Garifuna ancestral rites. It is also regarded as the most sacred. According to an article by Sebastian and Fabien Cayetano on the Garifuna World website, a Dugu ceremony is scheduled after a request made by a deceased ancestor to abueyi(priest/healer). The rite is scheduled to appease the ancestor. Arrangements are made for food, beverages and performers, who include drummers and singers. The other two ancestral rites are theAmuyadhani(Bathing of the Spirit of the Dead) and theChugu(Feeding of the Dead).

Proverbs Garifuna proverbs bring vivid images of Central American life: "The monkey believes in his own tail" (you can't trust others to do things for you); "Don't say that you will never drink this water again" (Never say never); "If someone hasn't touched your tail, don't turn around" (Mind your own business); "Today for you, tomorrow for me" (What goes around, comes around); "Just the same, not dying, not getting better" (Still the same, no better, no worse); "If you don't get into the water, you don't get wet" (If you don't try, you don't succeed).

Cuisine Coconut is a popular ingredient in Garifuna food. Offerings include coconut candy,pan de coco(coconut bread), coconut water,leche de coco(coconut milk), and coconut soup.Sereis a stew of fish cooked with herbs in coconut cream. A popular dessert is grated banana cooked in sweetened coconut milk.

Also common in the Garifuna diet are vegetables such as sweet potatoes and yucca. The food associated most with Garinagu is cassava bread. It used to take several days to make the flat bread.

Preparation included extracting poisonous juices from the plant before it could be used to make the bread.

Music The internationally acclaimedpuntarock is a modern adaptation of the sacred Garifuna punta music.

Belize is regarded as the "cradle of punta rock," and Belizean Andy Palacio is described as the "King of Punta Rock." He is a former teacher whose commitment to his culture led him to develop and popularize punta rock during the 1980s. He has performed in the United States, France, and other countries. Other punta rock musicians known in the United States, Central America, and the Caribbean include: Herman "Chico" Ramos, Aziatic, Horace "Mahobob" Flores, Paula Castillo, Peter "Titi-man" Flores, and Thamas "Bootsy" Lauriano. The punta rock groups playing in Los Angeles in 1999 included Libayan Baba, Ibanyani Band, Wagiya Band, Gunwin Band, Wahima Band, and SatuyeGarifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision Band. www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

Dances And Songs Garifuna songs tell stories ranging from the loneliness of being far from loved ones to the commemoration of an event. Their dances include the punta dance, which is performed by couples who try to outdo each other with their moves and thehunguhungu,a circle dance. Another dance, performed at Christmas, reflects the history of the Caribbean, according to an article by Sebastian and Fabien Cayetano. Thewanaragua,also known as the John Canoe dance, was performed in the Caribbean, when slaves were allowed to dance and enjoy themselves for an extended time. The dancers wore headdresses and rattles on their knees and painted their faces white or wore masks made from basket material. They visited the homes of their masters. The slaves danced and were rewarded with food and drink. Today the masks are made of screens and depict either male or female faces. Men compose and lead the songs. Some costumes have skirts for the female dancer. This dance is no longer a Christmas tradition in the United States. It can be seen in performances of Garifuna entertainment. However, the Cayetano brothers wrote that in Belize and other areas dancers go from house to house during the Christmas season, scaring children and collecting payments.

Holidays Garinagu observe Christian holidays such as Christmas and Easter. They also celebrate two days related to their history. April 12 is Garifuna Arrival Day, the anniversary of the arrival in Central America.

While the 1997 bicentennial attracted international attention, this day is observed more on the East Coast where Honduran Garinagu migrated. The November 19 Belize Settlement Day is observed with a daylong celebration on the closest weekend. The observance in Los Angeles starts with a Garifuna language Catholic Mass. The Garifuna Choir sings and dancers perform sacred dances. The celebration in cities including Chicago and New York features speeches, dancing, music, and food.

Health Issues There were no documented health and mental health problems for Garifuna Americans beyond those that face other Americans. These include the lack of affordable health care, according to Dr. Jorge Bernardez, a Honduran Garifuna who was practicing in Los Angeles in 1999. Garinagu may consult abueyi(traditional healer) when modern medicine proves ineffective, Dr. Bernardez said in an interview.

The strong Garifuna community bond extends to concern about health issues in other countries. The AIDS crisis in Honduras prompted Garifuna Mirtha Colon of New York to found Hondurans Against AIDS in 1992. The organization focuses on AIDS/HIV education to the Garifuna community in Central America and New York. HIV was "prevalent in one adult in 100" in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to the World Health Organization's June of 1998 "Report on the Global HIV/AIDS Epidemic."

Another issue surfaced when members of New York Garinagu groups met for retreats during the late 1990. "There was guilt, anger and frustration that we were deported [in 1797] and we never knew that.

A couple years ago, we started rebuilding our history," said Mirtha Colon.

Language Garifuna spellings vary because there is no common orthography (method of spelling), which is spoken in five Central American countries. For instance, the Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

name of the Garifuna leader Chatoyer is sometimes spelled Satuye. Garifuna was for years an oral tradition, with history relayed to others through speech, dance, and song. Gender plays several roles in the Garifuna language. As with languages like Spanish and French, there are masculine and feminine words. Words in the Garifuna language can also identify the gender of the speaker. A man would identify the sea asbarawa,while a woman would saybarana,said Garifuna poet Rhodel Castillo. He traced the gender differences to the intermarriage of Carib men to Arawak women. However, it would not be incorrect for a man to say the female word.

Some pronunciation tips for speaking Garifuna have been provided by Pamela Munro, a linguistics professor at the University of California, Los Angeles. Most Garifuna consonants are pronounced as in English.

Additional consonants includech(pronounced as inchurch,sometimesshinship.) Therandhsounds are sometimes deleted by speakers. For vowel,ais pronounced as infatherorsofa, eas inbedorego, ias inpoliceorbit, oas inOhio, uas inLulu.The sixth Garifuna vowel, ü (u diaresis, u umlaut), is written as a slashed i. To approximate the pronunciation, pronounceuwith the lips spread wide (not rounded), as they would be when pronouncingi.Nasal vowels are pronounced like oral vowels, except that air is released through the nose rather than through the mouth, said Professor Munro. They are written with n following the vowel letter: in en an un onün.

The first vowel of a two-syllable word is stressed. The second vowel of a words with three or more syllables is stressed. Any word that does not follow these rules must have its stress marked. Stress is written if it falls on the second syllable of a two-syllable word or on the first syllable of any longer word.

Stress is written with an acute accent on the stressed vowel.

Greetings And Popular Expressions Common Garifuna greetings and expressions include:Mábuiga—Hello;Buíti binafi—Good morning;Buíti amidi—Good afternoon;Buíti ranbá weyu—Good evening;Buíti gúyoun—Good night;Ayóu—Goodbye;Seremei—Thank you;Úwati mégeiti—You're welcome;Belú—Come in (to the house, used in place of "Welcome");Buída lámuga lidi b?n—Good luck;Adüga ba—Congratulations (Literally "You made it");Buídu lá buweyasu—Have a good trip;Bungíu bún—God bless you (when someone sneezes);Bungíu buma—Go with God;Bungíu buma súwan dán—God be with you always;Magadei bámuga—Get well soon;Buíti báüsteragüle—Happy birthday;Mábuiga Fedu— Merry Christmas;Búmagien láu sún ísieni—(Sincerely, as in the close of a letter;Buídu lámuga básugurani ugúyen lábu súwan dán—Best wishes today and always.

Family and Community Dynamics For more than two centuries, the mother was the focus of the home in Garifuna society. She raised the children and tended the farm while men went away to hunt or fish. As the economy changed, men had to accept jobs that took them away from the village—and sometimes out of the country. This matrifocal arrangement placed women as heads of the households. According to Sarah England, a doctoral candidate inanthropology at the University of California-Davis in 1999, this situation gave women independence and also established them as the "spiritual and maternal glue that holds society together." Other characteristics of matrifocality include the remittance of money by immigrants to mothers back home, allocating the care of children to women relatives and the formation of "femalecentered mutual aid societies. England found in her 1998 paper "Gender Ideologies and Domestic Structures Within the Transnational Space of the Garifuna Diaspora" that when Garifuna women migrated to the Untied States some of these practices Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

continued. Garifuna women in the United States banded together for support, and working women gave remittances to their mothers, as they sent their children back home to be cared for by female relatives.

Garifuna American men and women continue to maintain a strong community bond. Their efforts focused on transmitting the Garifuna heritage and helping Garinagu in the United States. This was demonstrated in Los Angeles during the 1970s. Belizeans "Don Justo" Flores and Christola Ellis-Baker founded the Garifuna Sick Aid Association. The group provided financial assistance to members when faced with costs associated with illness and death. The organization also worked to maintain Garifuna culture, traditions, and customs. They organized the first Garifuna Settlement Day celebrations during the 1960s to commemorate the arrival of the Garinagu to Belize in 1832.

Belizean Anita Martinez founded the Wagiameme ("Still Us") Performing Troupe and cofounded Project Help. The group initially helped a woman who needed kidney dialysis. Since she had few relatives, the community came together and helped. The woman recovered and returned home. Project Help continues to offer financial assistance.

As of 1999 the Los Angeles community has a Garifuna choir, a pageant, a language study group, soccer clubs, dance groups and square dance groups, a dinner dance, and a fraternity. Garinagu have also worked with the American consul of Belize to sponsor trips to Belize for the Settlement Day celebration. Groups in other cities such as Chicago branch out to work on immigration, health and other issues.

Education In Los Angeles during the late 1970s, the Concerned Belizean Association gave a plaque to every high school and university graduate, including Garifuna graduates. However, by mid-1999, only Garifuna graduates were acknowledged in an annual newsletter.

In New York, programs of Mujeres Garinagu en Marcha (MUGAMA) include an outreach to the Spanishspeaking community. English as a second language classes were started in 1990. Implementation of Spanish-language GED in Spanish in 1996 made it easier for people to get their high school diplomas.

Since 1996, MUGAMA has held summer cultural programs for children. Each June, MUGAMA sends letters of congratulations to Garifuna graduates. The group also issues two scholarships annually.

The Role Of Women MUGAMA illustrates the matrifocal Garifuna tradition that Sarah England described. The organization was founded in 1989 to showcase Garinagu during the March International Month of the Woman. The group recognizes Garifuna women during March. MUGAMA helps organize the celebration associated with Garifuna Arrival Day and provides educational and cultural programs. MUGAMA's center has been the site of forums on employment, education, immigration, domestic violence, and child abuse.

Interaction With Others Garifuna identity with African Americans in various ways. They attend Catholic services where drums and dance are part of the service. They celebrate their culture during African American History month in February. Furthermore, some museums and universities include Garifuna displays in programs in exhibits related to African American history. In addition, because of their unique Afro-Latin heritage, Hispanics.

Garinagu also identify with Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

Religion The majority of Garinagu are Roman Catholic, and a highlight of their worship is the Garifuna Mass.

The Mass opens with a procession that symbolizes a welcome and that life is a procession to heaven, said Father Bonilla. Another procession precedes the Gospel reading. During the offertory procession, the people give thanks by presenting gifts to God. The Mass ends with a final procession that is both a "great goodbye" but a reminder to return again for Mass.

A dramatic example of Mass is the thanksgiving service that opens the November 19 Belizean Settlement Day celebration. The service starts at 9:00 A.M. and the service and songs are in Garifuna.

Liturgical dances during the processions serve as a forms of prayer.

Another Garifuna tradition is a novena, the recitation of the rosary for nine days after a death. Garifuna teacher Clifford Palacio implemented that tradition in Los Angeles in 1979. Those gathered sang hymns in Garifuna, Spanish, English, and Latin. The activity usually culminates in abeluria,an evening rite that includes punta dancing, choral singing, drumming and storytelling. There is an abundance of Garifuna food served.

Employment and Economic Traditions Garinagu work in occupations ranging from real estate to religious life. Sarah England found during her research that Garifuna women in New York worked in factories and as home attendants. Men continued to work in the marine industries, including employment on cruise ships. Garinagu across the country continue to gravitate towards education. According to Clifford Palacio, many in Los Angeles work as teachers at Catholic elementary schools. The military continues to draw Garinagu, with sometimes a second or third generation Garifuna on active duty.

Many Garinagu work as nurses and several practice medicine as doctors. In addition, they are also represented in religious groups. Sister Ruth Lambey is a Catholic nun belonging to the Holy Family order. Garifuna Americans ordained to the priesthood in 1999 include Fathers Martin Avila in San Francisco and Milton Alvarez in Chicago. Brother Thomas Herman Joseph ministered in Chicago, and Deacon Santiago Lambey served as an ordained layman in Los Angeles.

Politics and Government Military Military service has long been a tradition for Garinagu, but it is difficult to determine how many Garifuna Americans served in the military. Under the U.S. Department of Defense's statistics for the ethnic background of active duty personnel Garinagu are classified under the broad category of Latin American ancestry. The figures do provide an overview for service that would include Garinagu as of March 31, 1999.

In the U.S. Army at that time, 3,287 men and 623 women were of Latin American ancestry on active duty. Of these, 170 men and 42 women were officers. In the U.S. Navy were 1,076 Latin American men and 193 women. Forty women and 206 men were officers. On duty with the Marine Corps on March 31,199 were 1,172 men and 73 women of Latin American Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

ancestry. Seventy-two men and one woman were officers. On active duty with the Air Force were 59 men and 18 women of Latin American ancestry. Seven women and 32 men were officers. Coast Guard service attracted the greatest number of people of Latin American ancestry. On active duty on March 31, 1999 were 5,594 men and 907 women. Of these, 480 men and 90 women were officers.

Relations With Former Countries The Garifuna Americans' strong ties to their former countries were best illustrated by the 1997 celebration that marked the 200th anniversary of the Garifuna arrival in Honduras. People from Central America, the United States, and other places planned the celebration held in Honduras. They traveled to Roatan for the re-creation of the arrival from St. Vincent. Garinagu from different countries met together as the Garifuna Nation, a people bound by their ancestry.

However, that transnational connection started before the bicentennial celebration. Honduran Garinagu who migrated to New York City remained activity involved in politics back home, according to Sarah England. That involvement included 1993 fund-raising efforts in New York City to support a Honduran mayoral candidate. The money was used for buses to take voters to the polls, England wrote in her 1999 paper, "Negotiating Race and Place in the Garifuna Diaspora: Identity Formation and Transnational Grassroots Politics in New York City and Honduras."

These transnational people visit their former countries and make remittances to relatives living there.

Some Garinagu living in the United States told England they were saving money to buy a home in Honduras.

Garinagu from around the globe are also connected through the Garifuna World website. The site contains information about history, entertainment, travel, and other topics. The click of a mouse brings samplings of punta rock. The "People Connection" features a chat room, bulletin board, and archives that provide a virtual library of Garifuna information. In 1999, there were letters of congratulations for MUGAMA's tenth anniversary. Joseph Flores, the son of "Don Justo" Flores, wrote of the fledgling Garifuna celebration in Texas. Another posting in May of 1999 demonstrated how far Garinagu have traveled. A woman married to a Garifuna wrote from Southeast Asia. The couple named their son Chatoyer, and they wanted more information about the hero.

Belizean scholar Dr. Joseph Palacio once asked if Garifuna culture would survive migration. Clifford Palacio offered his assessment in May of 1999. "Our culture will survive, given the determination in which we hold on to our traditions and spiritual beliefs," he said.

Individual and Group Contributions Cultural Promotion Dr. Jorge Bernardez (1958– ) was born in Manali, Honduras, and is board-certified in family medicine.

He lives in California and is well known for promoting the Garifuna language and culture. His children speak the language. His book,Wabagari: Wagucha, Wechun, Wererun(Our Life: Roots, Culture and Language) was scheduled for publication in the fall of 1999.

Clifford Palacio (1930– ) was born in Seine Bight, Belize, and has long been active in promoting the Garifuna culture in Los Angeles. His efforts included organizing the Garifuna Settlement Day Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

celebration. During the 1990s he conducted weekly Garifuna language study sessions.

Dance Manuela Sabio, a secondary education teacher in New York City, founded Wanichigu Dance Company in 1988 to teach Garifuna traditions and values to youths. The company's name means "Our Pride," and the troupe performed August 17, 1997 at New York City's Lincoln Center Out of Doors Festival.

Anita Martinez (1951– ) was born in Belize. In Los Angeles, she founded the Wagiameme Performing Troupe and is co-founder of Project Help. She is a volunteer with Project Success, a program that targets at-risk students. She and her daughter, Shantel Martinez (1980– ) are co-directors of the troupe whose name means AStill Us" in English. Wagiameme consists of female dancers between the ages of 14 and 21. They perform dances and skits portraying Garifuna life. In addition to performances at the November 19 Settlement Day celebration, the group's performances included the Bob Marley Reggae Festival in Long Beach.

Education Jocyelin Palacio-Cayetano, Ph.D. (1961– ) was born in Dangriga, Belize, and in 1999 was the director of outreach activities for the IMMEX (Interactive Multimedia Exercises) project at the University of California, Los Angeles. IMMEX is a Windows-based problem-solving software program used in the classroom.

Film, Television, And Theater Antonieta Maximo (1942– ) was born in La Lima, Honduras, and immigrated to New York during the 1970s. She was active in New York theater during the 1970s and the 1980s. She appeared in Broadway and off-Broadway productions. She won the best supporting actress award from the Organization of Latin American Actors for her work inContrastesduring the late 1970s. Maximo also wrote the play's nominated theme song, "Me Llamen En Vagabundo" ("They Call Me A Vagabond"). Other theater credits include an appearance in the playThe Motion of History.She appears briefly in the 1992 movieMalcolm X.She played a doctor in the 1980s movie Spanish-language movieAmigos(Friends).

After noticing a lack of awareness about her home country's arts, Maximo concentrated on promoting Honduran culture. That effort frequently spotlighted Garinagu. She founded the Honduran American Cultural Association in 1986. That year, the Honduran government gave her the prestigious José Cecilio del Valle award for promoting the country's culture outside Honduras. In addition, Maximo paints and writes music and poetry. She wrote, directed, and performed in the 1984 production ofDonas.Garinagu played most of the roles. She began showcasing culture and other Honduran subjects onConversando con Antonieta Maximo,(Conversing with Antonieta Maximo) a half-hour television talk show. The weekly program debuted in 1994. Guests included painters, artists, writers, the archbishop of Honduras, doctors, politicians, and community leaders. In 1999, Maximo was working on a documentary about the Garifuna arrival at Honduras. She planned to complete it at the end of the year.

LITERATURE Justin Mejia Flores (1918-1994) was born in Dangriga, Belize, and was known as "Don Justo." He was a member of the HondurasGarifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision National Soccer Team during www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

the early 1950s. A renowned musician in Central America and the United States, Don Justo made and played several instruments. He wrote, produced, and released several records with his band El Ritmo Caribe. He was a founding member of the annual November 19 Garifuna Settlement Day Celebration of Los Angeles during the early 1960s. While working as a machinist in Los Angeles, he wrote his first book.Tumba Le,published in 1977 was a fictional account of life, love, sports, and fun in a Garifuna village. Other books includedThe Garifuna Story—Now and Then; the first Garifuna dictionary compiled and published by a Garifuna; the first Garifuna calendar; andThe Story of Mary and The Christ Child in Garifuna;The Anthropological Study of the Garifuna Language,andThe Life and Obituary of Aunt Dominica.

Rita Palacio (1935– ) was born in Dangriga, Belize, and her poem, "The Garifuna Woman" is found on the Garifuna World Website.

Music Rhodel Castillo (1959– ) was born outside Dangriga, Belize, and is a poet who sets many of his works to music. His poem "Our Children Must Know" is heard at the beginning of the 1998 documentary,The Garifuna Journey.His albumThe Punta Rock Medleywas released in 1998 and was working on a second album during 1999. He founded the Progressive Garifuna Alliance.

Social Issues Reverend George Castillo (1932– ) was born in Dangriga, Belize, and is a United Church of Christ minister. In 1973 he began 20 years of service as a chaplain in the Federal Bureau of Prisons systems.

He wrote about that service in his 1996 bookMy Life Between the Cross and Bars.Since retiring in 1993, he has given lectures and workshops on subjects such as the importance of marketable skills for prisoners, humane prison treatment, and support for families.

Mirtha Colon (1951– ) was born in Honduras and is the founder of Hondurans Against AIDS in 1992.

She is president of the New York organization provides AIDS/HIV education and support in Central America and New York. She works in New York as a social worker.

Dionisa Amaya (1933– ) was born in Honduras and is one of three founders of MUGAMA (Mujeres Garinagu en Marcha). She is a retired guidance counselor and has been involved in Garifuna community activities in New York since 1974.

Science And Technology Leonard Cayetano (1961– ) was born in Cirque Arena, Toledo, Belize, and in 1999 was the director of operations and production at Earthlink Internet service.

Identical twins Tomas Alberto Avila, a mechanical engineer, and Jose Francisco Avila, an accountant, established a global link for Garinagu through the Internet in 1996. It was expanded to the Garifuna World website in 1997. Audio clips allow visitors to hear Garifuna music.

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Media TELEVISION Channel 34, Manhattan Neighborhood Network.

Un Conversando Con Antonieta Maximo(Conversing with Antonieta Maximo) is a half-hour talk show with a Honduras focus. Host Antonieta Maximo, a Honduran Garifuna, has been on the air since 1994. Her guests have included the archbishop of Honduras, the Honduran ambassador, artists, writers, and doctors. The program airs at 7:30 p.m. Saturdays.

Contact:Antonieta Maximo.

Address:537 West 59th Street, New York, New York 10019-1006.

Telephone:(212) 396-3752.

RADIO WHPK-FM (88.5).

Belizean Rhythmsis a half-hour weekly broadcast from the University of Chicago. Belizean host Randolph Coleman brings listeners the musical sounds of his homeland. The show airs at 6:00 P.M. Saturdays, and regularly features "news, views, interviews, and recipes."

Contact:Randolph Coleman.

Address:Reynolds Club, 5706 University Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60637.

Telephone:(773) 702-8289.

INTERNET Garifuna World Website Contact:Tomas Alberto and Jose Francisco Avila.

Address:P.O. Box 6619, Johnsville Station, New York, New York 10128-0011.

Telephone:(800) 859-1426.

Online:http://www.garifuna-world.com.

Organizations and Associations The Garifuna umbrella organization of 1999 started out for the most part as a group of friends who had migrated to the same city. They met together to celebrate holidays such as the Nov. 19 Belize Settlement Day and the April 12 Arrival to Honduras Day. The groups organized community celebrations and also united to help their community with issues including education, health, and immigration. As more groups formed to address issues, Garifuna Americans in the 1990s formed Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

umbrella groups to coordinate communication among groups in the community. Groups sent delegates to the umbrella organization meetings.

Garifuna Coalition USA. Founded in May 1998 as the umbrella group for Garifuna organizations in New York City. One year later, the coalition encompassed 14 organizations including MUGAMA (see below).

Activities in 1998 include an annual retreat. Membership in groups overlaps, with members from various groups participating in the April 12 Honduras arrival commemoration.

Contact:Rejil Solis, Coordinator.

Address:2189 Pitkin Avenue, Number 3-B, Brooklyn, New York, 11200.

Telephone:(718) 385-0577.

Garifuna Settlement Day Group.

Started in the 1960s in Los Angeles to celebrate Settlement Day, the group by 1999 was a nonprofit organization. Representatives in mid-1999 included the Garifuna Choir, the Honduran Sociedad Negra Hondurena de California (the Society of Black Hondurans of California), the Youth Group, UBAFU (Power), and Project Help.

Contact:James Castillo, President.

Address:P.O. Box 11690, Los Angeles, California 90011.

Telephone:(323) 234-8202.

MUGAMA (Mujeres Garinagu en Marcha).

Founded in 1989, the group's name translates as "Garinagu Women Marching." Honduran Garinagu Dionisia Amaya, Lydia Hill, and Mirtha Sabio founded the group to recognize the accomplishments of Garifuna women in the New York tristate area. The organization branched out and its activities include awarding scholarships and offering English as a Second Language classes.

Contact:Dionisia Amaya.

Address: 420 Watkins Street, Brooklyn, New York 11212.

Telephone:(718) 485-6484.

Progressive Garifuna Alliance.

Founded in 1991, the alliance is dedicated to preserving and advancing the Garifuna culture.

Represents the approximately 5,000-10,000 Garinagu in Chicago. Activities include staging the Nov. 19 Belize Settlement Day celebration, educating the public, and holding town meetings to inform the community about issues such as immigration. Alliance members perform Garifuna dances and music and give talks on their culture at area festivals and museums.

Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

Contact:Rhodel Castillo, Founder.

Address:4943 South Champlain Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60615.

Telephone:(773) 548-9870.

Museums and Research Centers In 1999, a group in New York formed to create a Garifuna culture center, which will be the first of its kind in the United States. However, both public and university museums have held exhibits about the Garinagu. Sometimes the exhibits are tied into the February celebration of Black History Month.

Generally, these exhibits have included cultural demonstrations that include dance and food. Another feature is the screening of the no set exhibit.

The Garifuna Journey A traveling exhibit centered around a 46-minute documentary of the same name produced by filmmakers Andrea Leland and Kathy Berger. The documentary was filmed in Belize and involved Garinagu from that country and the United States. The documentary has been part of multimedia exhibits at museums. A study guide was under development in 1999.

Contact:Andrea Leland or Kathy Berger, Leland/Berger Productions.

Address:1200 Judson Avenue, Evanston, Illinois 60202.

Telephone:(847) 864-7752.

Sources for Additional Study Anderson, Mark. "The Significance of Blackness: Representations of Garifuna in St. Vincent and Central America, 1700-1900."Transforming Anthropology: Journal of the Association of Black Anthropologists,Volume 6, Numbers 1 and 2, 1997. A Unit of the American Anthropological Association.

Castillo, Reverend George.My Life Between The Cross and The Bars.Shalimar, Florida: G&M Publications, 1996.

Garifuna World Website.http://www.garifunaworld.com.

England, Sarah. "Gender Ideologies and Domestic Structures Within the Transnational Space of the Garifuna Diaspora."Selected papers on Refugees and Immigrant Issues,Volume 6. Arlington, VA: American Anthropological Association Committee on Refugees and Immigrants, 1998.

——. "Negotiating Race and Place in the Garifuna Diaspora: Identity Formation and Transnational Grassroots Politics in New York City and Honduras."Identities: Global Studies in Culture and Power6 (1) 1999.

Gollin, James D., and Ron Mader.Honduras: Adventures in Nature.Santa Fe, NM: John Muir Publications, 1993.

González, Nancie. "Garifuna Settlement in New York: A New Frontier,"International Migration Review13, No. 2, 1975.

Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

Humphrey, Chris.Honduras Handbook.Chico, CA: Moon Publications, 1997.

Merrill Tim, editor.Guyana and Belize: Country Studies.Library of Congress, Federal Research Division. Washington, D.C. : Library of Congress, 1993.

Mahler, Richard, and Steele Wotykins.Belize: A Natural Destination.Santa Fe, NM: John Muir Publications, 1993.

Munro, Pamela. "The Garifuna Gender System."Trend in Linguistics, Studies and Monographs108.

Berlin: Walter de Gruyter and Company, Offprint, 1997.

Norton, Natascha, and Mark Whatmore.Cadogan Guides: Central America.Old Saybrook, CT: The Globe Pequot Press, 1993.

Read more: http://www.everyculture.com/multi/Du-Ha/Garifuna-Americans.html#ixzz4cGz2PbKC

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Garifuna-American announces committee to run for office in New York Aug 18, 2009 by fojcc Bronx community leader, Jerry Castro, announced he has created an exploratory committee to run for office in the State of New York.

Mr. Castro, who has served as Executive Director of the Garifuna Coalition, Government Liaison, and the Director of Community Relations for the State Attorney General’s office, has been sought to be a candidate for office; Most notably a seat in the state legislature. Mr. Castro will become the first Garifuna-American to seek such position within the 50 states of the United States.

In addition to Mr. Castro’s professional experience, he also worked as a Community Organizer in the Bronx and in Washington DC. In the Bronx, he organized tenants to know their rights and parents to be involved in their children education. In nation’s capital of Washington DC, he worked tenants and community organizations to pressure the Mayor of Washington DC to restore monies and include the Housing Production Trust Fund in the District Capital Budget.

Politically, Mr. Castro was a member of one of Bronx County powerful political youth organization, Bronx Young Democrats. This organization has produced leaders and legislators that includes: NYS Assemblyman Carl Hesttie, NYS Assemblyman Ruben Diaz, Jr., NYS Senator Jose M. Serrano and New York City Council Majority Leader, Joel Rivera. In addition, Mr. Castro has been appointed to local planning board (#2-Bronx), served as New York City Department of Youth Community Development's Neighborhood Advisory Board (#3 Bronx) as its Vice Chair. He has worked as volunteer in many electoral local and presidential campaigns that includes Fernando Ferrer for Mayor (2001 and 2005), Al Gore for President (2000), Carl McCall for Governor (2002), John Kerry for President (2004), Spitzer for Governor (2006) and Barack Obama for President (2008).

“The committee has two main important functions”, said Mr. Castro. “One is to raise money to support the campaign and the message is going to carry and voter registration."

Friends of Jerry Castro Committee has scheduled a number of events around the country to reach its goal of raising money beginning in the Bronxon June 15 , Brooklynon June 21, July 4 in Detroit, July 5 in Chicago and July 12 in Houston, Texas.

Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

Garifuna Legislative Day in Albany Organizing Committee Tomás Ávila 03/21/17 Committee 1. José Francisco Avila 2. Rosemary Ordoñez-Jenkins 3. Sulma Arzu-Brown 4. Aquina Valentin 5. Mirtha Colon 6. James Lovell 7. Rosita Alvarez 8. Paula Castillo 9. Edson Arzú 10. Sara Nuñez Mejia 11. Marcia Gomez 12. Evelyn Arauz Chamorro 13. Thurito Martinez 14. Franco Mena 15. Susana Mena 16. Cándido Nuñez 17. Andrew Núñez 18. Karen Blanco 19. Felix Gamboa 20. Budari Palacios 21. Linda M. Lino 22. Barbara Lopez 23. Xiomara Esmeralda Arriola 24. Martha Aparicio, Media Administration 1. Planning and Fundraising 2. Marketing and Promotions Transportation 1. Bus 2. Fee 3. Food Arrival to Albany 1. Capitol Tour 2. Lunch 3. Group Photo 4. Assembly 5. Senate Reception 1. Speakers Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

2. Entertainment 3. Citations 4. End/Return

Official Sponsors 1. Rubén Díaz 2. Luis Sepulveda 3. Marcos Crespo 4. Michael Blake 5. Víctor Pichardo 6. Rafael Salamanca 7. Ruben Diaz, Jr.

Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g

Garifuna Pride - Our Voice - Our Vision www.ga rif unac oalitio n.or g