Send us Fan Mail

In this high-stakes episode of The Garifuna Experience, host José Francisco Ávila shifts the conversation from cultural advocacy to political accountability. As we move into the heart of the 2026 Bronx Primary season, we are mapping the "Garifuna Community of Interest" and proving that our 100,000-strong concentration in the Bronx is the ultimate tiebreaker in New York City politics.

We take a deep dive into the battlegrounds of Assembly Districts 77, 84, 86, and 87, specifically highlighting the intersection of heritage and power in neighborhoods like West Farms, Highbridge, and University Heights.

In this episode, we explore:

• The Power of Place: Why local primaries in 2026 are more impactful for our daily lives than a Presidential year.
• Accountability over Advocacy: Moving beyond symbolic "Heritage Month" resolutions to demand Data Equity and a Complete Count in the 2030 Census.
• The LUCHA Receipt: How the $30 million secured by the Puerto Rican Hispanic Task Force must be leveraged to fund Garifuna-led non-profits.
• The Changing Landscape: A side-note on the rising political influence of the Bangladeshi community in the East Bronx and what it means for multi-ethnic coalitions.
• Board of Elections in the City of New York
• New York State Board of Elections

The Garifuna voice is no longer hidden—it is heard, it is counted, and it is powerful. Tune in to learn how to use our 2026 Garifuna Community Candidate Scorecard to hold leadership accountable at the ballot box on June 23rd.

Resources:

• Subscribe on your favorite podcast app
• Apple Podcasts 
• Spotify
• iHeartRadio
• YouTube
• Amazon Music
• Subscribe to our newsletter 
• The Happy Land Memorial Walking Tour
• The Garifuna Experience in NYC 
• Garifuna Heritage Walking Tour (Bronx

Books by José Francisco Ávila

Pan-Garifuna Afro-Latino Power of Pride:: My Quest for Racial, Ancestral, Ethnic and Cultural Identity

Send us Fan Mail

On March 25th, 1990, the Bronx was shaken by a tragedy that would forever change the Garifuna diaspora. The Happy Land Social Club fire claimed 87 lives—most of them young Garifuna immigrants seeking a better life. But from the ashes of that devastating night, a movement was born.

In this powerful episode of The Garifuna Experience, host José Francisco Ávila explores how a site of immense grief transformed into a landmark of resistance and a catalyst for Garifuna political identity in the United States.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Night the Music Stopped: Recalling the cultural sanctuary of Happy Land and the immediate impact of the 1990 arson on the Bronx community.
• From Invisibility to Identity: How the tragedy forced the city to recognize the unique Garifuna heritage of the victims, moving beyond generic labels.
• National Recognition (H. Res. 1123): We break down the historic resolution recently submitted by Rep. Ritchie Torres, designating March 25th, 2026, as a National Day of Remembrance.
• Mapping Our History: The launch of the "Six to Celebrate"  The Garifuna Diaspora The Bronx brochure in partnership with the Historic Districts Council (HDC)—a new walking tour guidebook that marks the enduring Garifuna presence in New York City.
• The Next Generation: Why these landmarks are essential for the youth in our fight for land rights, language preservation, and cultural survival.

The Happy Land Memorial is more than a monument; it is a testament to a people who refuse to be erased. Join us as we honor the ancestors and celebrate the resurgence of a community that continues to drum, dance, and demand justice.

Resources:

•  Subscribe on your favorite podcast app
• Apple Podcasts 
• Spotify
• iHeartRadio
• YouTube
• Amazon Music
• Subscribe to our newsletter 
• The Happy Land Memorial Walking Tour
• The Garifuna Experience in NYC 
• Garifuna Heritage Walking Tour (Bronx

Books by José Francisco Ávila

Pan-Garifuna Afro-Latino Power of Pride:: My Quest for Racial, Ancestral, Ethnic and Cultural Identity

Send us Fan Mail

Are we being counted, or are we being erased?

In this landmark episode of The Garifuna Experience Podcast, we step into the halls of Congress to dissect the inaugural Congressional Afro-Latino Roundtable. Led by Rep. Ritchie Torres and Rep. Adriano Espaillat, this historic convening marked a turning point in federal advocacy for the Black diaspora.

The Garifuna community lives at a complex intersection of Afro-Indigenous identity, migration, and policy neglect. For decades, federal data collection through the U.S. Census has struggled to accurately capture the reality of Afro-Latino lives. This "statistical erasure" isn't just a paperwork error—it’s a barrier to justice that impacts everything from local Bronx school funding to international land rights in Central America.

In this episode, we explore:

• The Hook: Why the "combined" race and ethnicity question in the new Census guidelines could hide anti-Black racism.
• The Power of the Checkbox: Why the 2024 Census revisions to race and ethnicity questions are sparking a heated debate among scholars like Dr. Nancy López and Dr. Tanya Kateri Hernández.
• The Roundtable Highlights: Key takeaways from community leaders, including Guerline Jozef of the Haitian Bridge Alliance and Arnold Ciego of Hijos de Livingston, on why we must be"counted, consulted, and included."
• Expert Analysis: Why Dr. Nancy López and Dr. Tanya Kateri Hernández argue that visibility is not just symbolic—it is a prerequisite for justice.

Join us as we bridge the gap between local New York activism and federal foreign policy. It’s time to move beyond symbolic representation and demand the data transparency required for true equity.

Resources:

•  Subscribe on your favorite podcast app
• Apple Podcasts 
• Spotify
• HeartRadio
• YouTube
• Amazon Music
•  Subscribe to our newsletter 
• The Garifuna Experience in NYC | Bronx walking tour
• The Garifuna Experience in NYC 
• Garifuna Heritage Walking Tour (Bronx
• Join the Garifuna Complete Count Committee

Books by José Francisco Ávila

Pan-Garifuna Afro-Latino Power of Pride:: My Quest for Racial, Ancestral, Ethnic and Cultural Identity

Send us Fan Mail

" Did you know that right here in New York, we celebrate the first and only official Garifuna Heritage Month in the world?."

In this milestone episode of The Garifuna Experience, host José Francisco Ávila marks the 17th anniversary of Garifuna Heritage Month in New York. While we celebrate the vibrant music, food, and Afro-Indigenous traditions that define us, this year’s message is a clarion call for a different kind of visibility: Political Power.

With over 250,000 Garifuna residents in New York City—and 100,000 in the Bronx alone—why is our community almost entirely absent from the halls of government? José breaks down the urgent need for the 2030 Census and why accurate data is the most effective tool we have to secure the resources, redistricting, and representation we deserve.

In this episode, we explore:

• The Sacred Timeline: Reflecting on March 11th (Deportation from St. Vincent) and April 12th (Arrival in Roatán, Honduras).
• The Representation Gap: A sobering look at why only one Garifuna individual holds local office in NYS despite our massive population.
• Census 2030 Mobilization: How the Garifuna Complete Count Committee is building a national template for political organizing.
• Honoring Our Heroes: Remembering the legacy of Paramount Chief Joseph Chatoyer and the lives lost in the Happy Land Social Club fire.

It is time to move from a cultural platform to a political infrastructure. Whether you are a Baby Boomer passing the torch or a Gen Z "torchbearer" ready to lead, this episode is your roadmap to the next decade of Garifuna progress.

Resources:

• Subscribe on your favorite podcast app
• Apple Podcasts 
• Spotify
• HeartRadio
• YouTube
• Amazon Music
• Subscribe to our newsletter 
• The Garifuna Experience in NYC | Bronx walking tour
• The Garifuna Experience in NYC 
• Garifuna Heritage Walking Tour (Bronx
• Join the Garifuna Complete Count Committee

Books by José Francisco Ávila

Pan-Garifuna Afro-Latino Power of Pride:: My Quest for Racial, Ancestral, Ethnic and Cultural Identity

Send a text

"If you aren't in the data, you don't exist in the budget."

In this powerful kickoff to Garifuna Heritage Month 2026, host José Francisco Ávila bridges the 229-year gap between the shores of St. Vincent “Yurumein” and the streets of the Bronx, Brooklyn and Harlem. This episode explores the concept that civic engagement—specifically the fight for a "Complete Count" in the 2030 Census—is the modern-day continuation of the ancestral resistance of 1797.

What we cover in this episode:

• The Great Migration of 1797: Honoring the 2,248 ancestors who refused to let the Garifuna story end at deportation, instead turning a forced exile into a legacy of survival across Belize, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.
• The Resistance: March 14 is the day we honor Paramount Chief Joseph Chatoyer, who died fighting for our land, on March 14, 1795.
• Happy Land Social Club fire: A spotlight on the Bronx as the "largest Garifuna village in the world." We discuss why political representation and the "Six to Celebrate" historic landmarks are vital to our local power.
• Data as a Weapon: Why the 2030 Census is our modern-day battlefield. José explains how an accurate count directly impacts funding for our hospitals, schools, and community centers.

As we celebrate our heritage this month, we remind our community: Our History is Our Power. It is not enough to be seen on the dance floor; we must be counted on the record.

Resources:

• Subscribe on your favorite podcast app
• Apple Podcasts 
• Spotify
• HeartRadio
• YouTube
• Amazon Music
• Subscribe to our newsletter 
• The Garifuna Experience in NYC | Bronx walking tour
• The Garifuna Experience in NYC 
• Garifuna Heritage Walking Tour (Bronx
• Join the Garifuna Complete Count CommitteeBooks by José Francisco Ávila

Books by José Francisco Ávila

• Pan-Garifuna Afro-Latino Power of Pride:: My Quest for Racial, Ancestral, Ethnic and Cultural Identity

Send a text

"Nueva York perdió un escaño en el Congreso en 2020 por solo 89 personas. No podemos permitirnos que la historia se repita."

En este episodio urgente de The Garifuna Experience, nos sentamos con la Asociación del Censo del Estado de Nueva York para hablar sobre la batalla de alto riesgo para el Censo de 2030. Aunque 2030 parece lejano, las decisiones tomadas en Albany este mes determinarán si nuestra comunidad será vista o invisible durante la próxima década.

Desglosamos el programa técnico—pero fundamental—LUCA (Actualización Local de Direcciones del Censo). Si tu apartamento en el sótano, ático o casa multifamiliar no aparece en el Archivo Oficial de Direcciones Maestras para 2027, ni siquiera recibirás un formulario de censo. Discutimos por qué esta vivienda "oculta" es la primera línea de la lucha por la representación garífuna.

En este episodio, tratamos:

• La lección de "89 personas": Qué tan cerca estuvimos de mantener nuestro escaño en 2020 y por qué cada persona cuenta.
•  Los 15 millones de dólares se preguntan: Por qué el gobernador Hochul y los legisladores estatales deben financiar ahora la divulgación comunitaria.
• La Prueba Operativa 2026: Por qué el plan de la Oficina del Censo de usar formularios solo en inglés y menos sitios de campo es una señal de alerta importante para nuestra comunidad.
• Tu llamada a la acción: Cómo contactar con tu representante antes de la fecha límite del 3 de marzo.

El futuro de nuestras escuelas, hospitales y poder político está en juego. No tenemos una segunda oportunidad en el Censo. Sintoniza y aprende cómo proteger la representación de Nueva York.

Toma acción:

• Encuentra a tu miembro de la Asamblea: Directorio de Miembros de la Asamblea 
• Encuentra a tu senador estatal Encuentra a mi senador
• Firma la carta: Firma organizacional de la Conferencia de Liderazgo
• Descargue la  plantilla de correo electrónico para representantes del Estado de Nueva York antes del 3 de marzo

Recursos:

• Subscribe on your favorite podcast app
• Apple Podcasts 
• Spotify
• iHeartRadio
• YouTube
• Amazon Music
• Subscribe to our newsletter 
• The Garifuna Experience in NYC 
• The Happy Land Memorial Walking Tour 

Libros de José Francisco Ávila

• El Poder del Orgullo Pan-Garífuna Afrolatino: Mi búsqueda de identidad racial, ancestral, étnica y cultural 

Send a text

"New York lost a Congressional seat in 2020 by just 89 people. We cannot afford to let history repeat itself."

In this urgent episode of The Garifuna Experience, we sit down with the New York State Census Partnership to discuss the high-stakes battle for the 2030 Census. While 2030 feels far away, the decisions made in Albany this monthwill determine whether our community is seen or rendered invisible for the next decade.

We break down the technical—but critical—LUCA (Local Update of Census Addresses) program. If your basement apartment, attic, or multi-family home isn't on the official Master Address File by 2027, you won't even receive a census form. We discuss why this "hidden" housing is the frontline of the fight for Garifuna representation.

In this episode, we cover:

• The "89 People" Lesson: How close we came to keeping our seat in 2020 and why every single person counts.
• The $15 Million Ask: Why Governor Hochul and State Legislators must fund community-based outreach now.
• The 2026 Operational Test: Why the Census Bureau's plan to use English-only forms and fewer field sites is a major red flag for our community.
• Your Call to Action: How to contact your representative before the March 3rd deadline.

The future of our schools, hospitals, and political power is on the line. We don't get a second chance at the Census. Tune in and learn how to protect New York’s representation.

Take Action:

• Find your Assembly Member:  Assembly Member Directory 
• Find your State Senator Find My Senator
• Sign the Letter:  Leadership Conference Organizational Sign-on
• Download the  Email Template for NYS Representatives by March 3rd

Resources:

• Subscribe on your favorite podcast app
• Apple Podcasts 
• Spotify
• iHeartRadio
• YouTube
• Amazon Music
• Subscribe to our newsletter 
• The Garifuna Experience in NYC 
• The Happy Land Memorial Walking Tour 

Books by José Francisco Ávila

• Pan-Garifuna Afro-Latino Power of Pride: My Quest for Racial, Ancestral, Ethnic and Cultural Identity

Send a text

En este episodio de The Garifuna Experience Podcast, el presentador José Francisco Ávila desvela uno de los capítulos más significativos—aunque silenciados—en la historia de la diáspora africana. Aunque los libros de historia suelen atribuir a inmigrantes italianos y corporaciones estadounidenses la industrialización de la costa norte hondureña, la verdad reside en el "Hilo Invisible" del poder económico garífuna.

Antes de que Standard Fruit Company (ahora Dole Food Company) se convirtiera en un gigante global, el pueblo garífuna fue el arquitecto original del comercio en La Ceiba. Desde la fundación de los primeros asentamientos como Perú y Satuye hasta las sofisticadas redes comerciales con Martinica, los garífunas fueron una sociedad culta, multilingüe y rica en tierras.

En este episodio, exploramos:

•  Los fundadores de La Ceiba: Conoce a visionarios como Celestino García, Francisco "Papa" Núñez y Maria Matilde Gotay, quienes trazaron los caminos de "Laru Beya" y establecieron los primeros polos económicos de la región.
• La conexión siciliana: La relación entre los garífuna y Francisco Pablo Tarantino Caruso, y cómo allanó el camino para los hermanos Vaccaro.
• El Gran "Préstamo No Garantizado": El asombroso relato histórico de cómo los líderes garífunas proporcionaron la tierra, el crédito y la influencia local que permitieron a la Compañía Hermanos Vaccaro lanzar sus primeros envíos, sin que se devolviera ni un solo céntimo en los pagos de arrendamiento.
• La evolución corporativa: Siguiendo la línea desde las costas garífunas hasta el cambio de marca de Standard Fruit en 1923 y su eventual adquisición por Castle & Cooke (Dole).

Únete a nosotros mientras recuperamos la narrativa de la Costa Norte. Esto no es solo una historia de trabajo; es una historia de capital no acreditado y un legado de liderazgo visionario que cambió para siempre el curso de la historia centroamericana.

Recursos:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• HeartRadio
• YouTube
• Amazon Music
• Suscríbete a nuestro boletín
• La experiencia garífuna en Nueva York 
• La Ruta a Pie del Memorial Happy Land
• La Ceiba, sus raíces y su historia, 1810-1940

Libros de José Francisco Ávila

• El Poder del Orgullo Pan-Garífuna Afrolatino: Mi búsqueda de identidad racial, ancestral, étnica y cultural
• Ancestros Garífuna: Descifrando a historia Garífuna a través del ADN

Send a text

"The history of the 'Banana Republic' begins with a loan that was never repaid."

In this episode of The Garifuna Experience Podcast, host José Francisco Ávila pulls back the curtain on one of the most significant—yet silenced—chapters in the history of the African Diaspora. While history books often credit Italian immigrants and American corporations for the industrialization of the Honduran North Coast, the truth lies in the “Unseen Thread” of Garifuna economic power.

Before the Standard Fruit Company (now Dole Food Company) became a global titan, the Garifuna people were the original architects of commerce in La Ceiba. From the founding of the first settlements like Peru and Satuye to the sophisticated trade networks with Martinique, the Garifuna were a cultured, multilingual, and land-rich society.

In this episode, we explore:

•  The Founders of La Ceiba: Meet the visionaries like Celestino García, Maria Matilde Gotay and Francisco "Papa" Nuñez who carved the "Laru Beya" paths and established the region's first economic hubs.
• The Great "Unsecured Loan": The staggering historical account of how Garifuna leaders provided the land, credit, and local influence that allowed the Vaccaro Brothers Company to launch its first shipments—without a single cent ever being returned in lease payments.

Join us as we reclaim the narrative of the North Coast. This isn't just a story of labor; it is a story of uncredited capitaland a legacy of visionary leadership that changed the course of Central American history forever.

Resources:

• Apple Podcasts 
• Spotify
• HeartRadio
• YouTube
• Amazon Music
• Subscribe to our newsletter 
• The Garifuna Experience in NYC | Bronx walking tour
• The Garifuna Experience in NYC 
• The Happy Land Memorial Walking Tour 
• Garifuna Heritage Walking Tour (Bronx
• La Ceiba, sus raíces y su historia, 1810-1940, Author:Antonio Canelas Díaz

Books by José Francisco Ávila

• Pan-Garifuna Afro-Latino Power of Pride: My Quest for Racial, Ancestral, Ethn
• Garífuna Ancestry: The DNA Quest to Decipher the Garifuna Distant Past

Send a text

In this powerful bonus episode, host José Francisco Ávila takes us back to the vibrant energy of the 1980s—a time of "Mental Emancipation" fueled by the Black Power movement, the defiant lyrics of Bob Marley, and the political earthquake of Rev. Jesse Jackson’s "Rainbow Coalition."

José reveals how Jackson’s historic 1988 presidential campaign served as the direct catalyst for organizing the Garifuna community in New York City. From the first pivotal meeting on February 5, 1989, at the Club Cubano Interamericano in the Bronx, to the modern-day fight for visibility, this episode bridges our history with our future.

Tune in to hear:

• How the "Black is Beautiful" era redefined Garifuna identity in the diaspora.
• The legacy of pioneers like Ms. Dionisia “Nicha” Amaya Bonilla and Ms. Lydia Sacaza-Hill.

·       Why the Census 2030 Garifuna Complete Count Committee is the next frontier in our struggle for dignity and representation.

"Representation is not given—it is organized." Join the movement today.

Resources:

•  Subscribe on your favorite podcast app
• Apple Podcasts 
• Spotify
• HeartRadio
• YouTube
• Amazon Music
• Subscribe to our newsletter 
• The Garifuna Experience in NYC | Bronx walking tour
• The Garifuna Experience in NYC 
• The Happy Land Memorial Walking Tour 
• Garifuna Heritage Walking Tour (Bronx
• Join the Garifuna Complete Count Committee

Books by José Francisco Ávila

• Pan-Garifuna Afro-Latino Power of Pride: My Quest for Racial, Ancestral, Ethn
• Garífuna Ancestry: The DNA Quest to Decipher the Garifuna Distant Past