The Garifuna Experience Podcast

Jose Francisco Avila
  • 5.0 (3)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL

Mabuiga! Welcome to The Garifuna Experience Podcast — the definitive voice for the Garifuna Community.  GALENT Media & Publishing | The Garifuna Experience Podcast and Newsletter Editorial Mission Statement Overview: GALENT Media & Publishing is an independent news and multimedia organization dedicated to the primary newsgathering, reporting, and analysis of issues affecting the Garifuna and Afro-Latino diaspora. Through our flagship platform, The Garifuna Experience Podcast and Newsletter, we serve as a critical journalistic bridge between the global diaspora and the local civic landscapes of New York City and New York State. Our Journalistic Purpose Our mission is to amplify underrepresented voices through rigorous, authentic storytelling and investigative narratives that drive prosperity, power, and progress. We are committed to providing our audience with: Original Newsgathering: Primary coverage of legislative developments, civic initiatives (such as Census 2030), and community-led social movements.Accountability Journalism: Providing a platform for direct engagement with elected officials and candidates, specifically through our "2026 Election Spotlight" and "Know Your Representative" series.Cultural Advocacy: Reporting on the preservation of Garifuna language, landmarks, and economic equity within the multicultural fabric of New York. Editorial Integrity & Independence GALENT Media & Publishing operates under the principles of editorial independence. Our content is designed to educate, engage, and mobilize the Garifuna community toward informed civic participation. We do not engage in lobbying; our primary function is the dissemination of news and the cultivation of an informed public sphere for the Garifuna people and the broader Afro-descendant community. Subscribe today and help us keep the drums beating for generations to come.

  1. 4D AGO

    Episode 37 - The Unseen Thread: Garifuna History in the African Diaspora

    Send us a text In this powerful episode of The Garifuna Experience Podcast, host José Francisco Ávila takes up the challenge issued by Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams to “re-release the shackles off our mental bodies” by uncovering the hidden chapters of Garifuna history. While many associate the start of the African experience in the Americas with 1619, we pull back the curtain on a timeline that begins nearly a century earlier. We explore "The Unseen Thread"—the historical connections that link the Garifuna people to the broader African Diaspora, from the shores of Honduras in 1540 to the stages of Manhattan in 1823. This episode isn't just a history lesson; it’s a toolkit for advocacy, designed to help parents, educators, and activists bring this "powerful history" into the classrooms of New York City and beyond. In this episode, you will learn: The 1540 Arrival: Why the arrival of Africans in Honduras 79 years before Jamestown changes everything we know about Black history.The First Black Drama: How a Garifuna Chief became the hero of the first play written by a Black playwright in the U.S. in 1823.The Pioneers of Civil Rights: How the Garifuna founded organized land-rights movements 27 years before the NAACP.The Global Legacy of T.V. Ramos: A tribute to the man who established the 3rd historical Black holiday in the Americas, often cited as a predecessor to the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.Call to Action: We’ve provided a formal Advocacy Toolkit in our show notes, including a downloadable one-pager and a template letter to send to your local school board or principal to demand inclusive curriculum. Join the Conversation: Use the hashtag #UnseenThread and #GarifunaExperience to share your favorite "little-known fact" from today's episode. Listen now and help us change the narrative. Sungubei Lidan Aban – Unity is Strength! Resources: Subscribe on your favorite podcast appApple Podcasts SpotifyHeartRadioYouTubeAmazon MusicSubscribe to our newsletter The Garifuna Experience in NYC | Bronx walking tourThe Garifuna Experience in NYC The Happy Land Memorial Walking Tour Garifuna Heritage Walking Tour (BronxAdvocacy Toolkit - Template: Formal Request for Inclusive CurriculumBooks by José Francisco Ávila Pan-Garifuna Afro-Latino Power of Pride: My Quest for Racial, Ancestral, Ethn

    16 min

  2. JAN 30

    Episode 36 - The Torch Exchange: Boomers and X Bridging Wisdom and Power for 2030

    Send us a text Recruiting the Builders of the Garifuna Leadership Project In this episode, José Francisco Ávila issues a call to action for the "Political Elders" and professionals of the Garifuna community. As we approach the 2030 Centennial, we are moving from being a "hidden demographic" to a visible force in NYC. Discover how the Mentorship Matrix and the concept of Sacred Time are creating a sustainable pipeline for 100 new leaders. Whether you are a Gen Z seeker or a veteran builder, this is how we secure our seat at the table. Resources: Subscribe on your favorite podcast appApple Podcasts SpotifyHeartRadioYouTubeAmazon MusicSubscribe to our newsletter The Garifuna Experience in NYC | Bronx walking tourThe Garifuna Experience in NYC The Happy Land Memorial Walking Tour Garifuna Heritage Walking Tour (BronxGarifuna Leadership Project Mentorship Matching SurveyBooks by José Francisco Ávila Pan-Garifuna Afro-Latino Power of Pride: My Quest for Racial, Ancestral, Ethnic and Cultural IdentityGarífuna Ancestry: The DNA Quest to Decipher the Garifuna Distant Past

    6 min

  3. JAN 27

    Episode 35 - Passing the Torch: Garifuna Millennials and Gen Z Leading the Way

    Send us a text Hidden Voices: The Garifuna Demographic Undercounted and Underrepresented  Host: José Francisco Ávila Summary: In New York City, the Garifuna community is a sleeping giant. With over 200,000 residents—100,000 in the Bronx alone—we are one of the city’s most vibrant demographics. Yet, there is a staggering gap in power: out of those hundreds of thousands, only one Garifuna individual currently holds local political office in New York State. In this episode of The Garifuna Experience Podcast, host José Francisco Ávila explores how we move from being a "hidden demographic" to a political powerhouse. Inspired by the historic youth-led victory of Zohran Mamdani, this episode lays out the roadmap for the Garifuna Leadership Project  and our mission to train 100 new leaders in by  December 2026. In this episode, you will learn: The Representation Crisis: Why cultural recognition isn't enough and why we need data-driven demographic visibility.The Road to 2030: Our strategic plan to celebrate the centennial of Garifuna establishment in NYC with true political representation.The Pipeline of Power: How the GLP is lowering barriers for Millennial and Gen Z candidates through technical training in NYC Campaign Finance (C-SMART) and strategic mentorship.Building the "Talent Bench": Our tactics for identifying leaders in nonprofits, tech, and grassroots organizing using platforms like TikTok and Instagram.The torch is being passed. It’s time for the next generation to lead the way in driving Power, Prosperity, and Progress for the Garifuna people. Connect with the Movement: Subscribe/Rate/Review: Help us amplify "Hidden Voices" by leaving a review!Join the Garifuna Leadership Project : Interested in running for office or joining a local board?  Click HereSungubei Lidan Aban – Unity is Strength! Resources: Subscribe on your favorite podcast appApple Podcasts SpotifyHeartRadioYouTubeAmazon MusicSubscribe to our newsletter The Garifuna Experience in NYC | Bronx walking tourThe Garifuna Experience in NYC The Happy Land Memorial Walking Tour Garifuna Heritage Walking Tour (Bronx

    7 min

  4. JAN 20

    Episode 34 - Mapping the Garifuna Community of Interest Profile

    Send us a text How does a community move from being "hidden in plain sight" to becoming a recognized political force? In this pivotal episode, host José Francisco Ávila breaks down the strategic roadmap for the New York City Garifuna community as we approach the 2031 Decennial Redistricting. We are shifting the focus from cultural celebration to political self-determination. With over 250,000 Garifuna residents in New York City—and a 100,000-strong concentration in the Bronx—our community has the density and the drive to demand a seat at the table. In this episode, we explore: Defining a "Community of Interest": What it is, why it matters for electoral maps, and how it keeps our neighborhoods together.The Census Challenge: Navigating the complexities of Afro-Indigenous and Afro-Latinx identity to ensure we aren't fragmented across rigid data categories.The Bronx Stronghold: Identifying the specific geographic boundaries—from Tremont Avenue to 135th Street—that define our political heartland.The 2032 Vision: Marking the centennial of Garifuna settlement in NYC by achieving a historic benchmark: direct political representation.Civic Innovation: We aren't just drawing maps; we’ve launched an AI-Powered Advocacy Toolkit to help community members draft formal testimony and letters to the Districting Commission instantly.This is more than a podcast; it’s a call to action. Learn how defining our "Community of Interest" profile today will drive the power, prosperity, and progress of our people for the next decade. Listen, subscribe, and join the movement. Stay united, stay proud. Sungubei Lidan Aban Follow the Show: New episodes every Tuesday  Resources:  Subscribe on your favorite podcast appApple Podcasts SpotifyiHeartRadioYouTubeSubscribe to our newsletter The Garifuna Experience in NYC | Bronx walking tourThe Garifuna Experience in NYC The Happy Land Memorial Walking Tour Garifuna Heritage Walking Tour (BronxNet Video)Books by José Francisco Ávila Pan-Garifuna Afro-Latino Power of Pride: My Quest for Racial, Ancestral, Ethnic and Cultural IdentityGarífuna Ancestry: The DNA Quest to Decipher the Garifuna Distant Past

    8 min

  5. JAN 13

    Episode 33 - The Road to Census 2030 Starts Now!

    Send us a text Why are we talking about 2030 in 2026? Because the blueprint for our community’s power over the next decade is being drawn TODAY. In this vital episode of The Garifuna Experience Podcast, hosts José Francisco Ávila (Chairman of the Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc.) and Gregoria Flores Núñez (Executive Director of Garifuna Community Services, Inc.) pull back the curtain on the multi-year battle for Garifuna visibility. The U.S. Census is more than a population count—it is a $1.5 trillion roadmap that determines the funding for our schools, the quality of our healthcare, and the strength of our political voice. For the Garifuna people, being "invisible" in official data means being ignored in the city budget. In this episode, we discuss:  The launch of the Garifuna Complete Count Committee and why grassroots organizing must start five years early.The Identity Gap: Analyzing why thousands of Garífunas were missed in 2020 and how we are fixing the "Hispanic vs. Race" classification hurdle.Legislative Advocacy: Our work with the newly established NYC Office of the Census and our support for the "New York Counts Act."Data as Power: How an accurate count directly translates to better resources for New York City and beyond.How to Join Us: Why we need you to become a "Garifuna Census Ambassador" today. (Click here to join)“If they don't count us, they won't fund us—and if they don't fund us, they won't hear us.” Don’t let our community be sidelined for another ten years. Tune in to learn how you can help secure our collective prosperity and progress. Resources:  Subscribe on your favorite podcast appApple Podcasts SpotifyiHeartRadio YouTubeAmazon Music Subscribe to our newsletter The Garifuna Experience in NYC | Bronx walking tourThe Garifuna Experience in NYC The Happy Land Memorial Walking Tour Garifuna Heritage Walking Tour (BronxNet Video)The U.S. Census BureauJoin the Garifuna Complete Count CommitteeBooks by José Francisco Ávila Pan-Garifuna Afro-Latino Power of Pride: My Quest for Racial, Ancestral, Ethnic and Cultural Identity

    11 min

  6. JAN 6

    Episode 32 - From the Oscars to Our Roots: The Legacy and Future of Garifuna

    Send us a text In this episode, we bridge the gap between mainstream Hollywood accolades and the independent spirit of Garifuna filmmaking. As we prepare for the 2026 awards season, we reflect on how Garifuna narratives have moved from the background of the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema to the forefront of international festivals. Key Takeaways: Awards Season Intel: A breakdown of the 83rd Golden Globes (Jan 11, 2026) and the 98th Oscars voting window.The Pioneer: Celebrating Juan José Laboriel(1906-1997), who starred in over 28 films during Mexico's cinematic heyday.Language Preservation: Highlighting Garifuna in Peril (2012), the first feature film with majority Garifuna dialogue.Modern Excellence: Discussion of the short film Lumalali Niwani (2025), which recently won Best International Student Short and Best Cinematography at the Latino Film Market Fest in NYC.Films Mentioned: La Selva de Fuego (1945)Law & Order" Heaven (TV Episode 1991)The Garifuna Journey (1998)El Espíritu de mi Mamá (1999)Garifuna in Peril (2012)Wayunagu (2017)Niraü 20217Lumalali Niwani (2025)"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" Harm (TV Episode 2Resources: Apple Podcasts SpotifyiHeartRadioYouTubeThe Garifuna Experience in NYC | Bronx walking tourThe Garifuna Experience in NYC The Happy Land Memorial Walking Tour Garifuna Heritage Walking Tour (BronxNet Video)Garifuna International Indigenous Film Festival (GIIFF)IMDb: Garifuna FilmographyBooks by José Francisco Ávila Pan-Garifuna Afro-Latino Power of Pride: My Quest for Racial, Ancestral, Ethnic and Cultural IdentityGarífuna Ancestry: The DNA Quest to Decipher the Garifuna Distant Past

    19 min

  7. JAN 1 · BONUS

    2026 Season Kickoff Teaser

    Send us a text Happy New Year 2026! We are kicking off the year with a special milestone episode. Just six months ago, The Garifuna Experience Podcastlaunched with a singular mission: to serve as a catalyst for Prosperity, Power, and Progress within the Garifuna community.  Today, we reflect on how far we’ve come and pull back the curtain on the massive expansion coming in 2026. In this episode, we revisit the highlights of our first 31 episodes—from the historical drama of King Shotaway to the vibrant celebrations of Garifuna Settlement Day in Belize. We also share the incredible data behind our growth, reaching listeners in 36 countries and 180 cities, proving that the Garifuna diaspora is more connected than ever before. In this episode, we discuss: The 2025 Impact: A look at our journey from launch to 1,000+ downloads.Our Global Footprint: How the Garifuna narrative is resonating from the Bronx to the global stage.The Top 5 Countdown: A recap of the episodes that defined our first six months.Vision 2026: The launch of The Garifuna Experience Podcast Network, our shift into long-form storytelling, and the move toward video-forward, vlog-style content.Featured "Top 5" Episodes Mentioned: The Trailer – Where the mission began.Episode 4 – The Drama of King Shotaway.Episode 1 – Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress.Episode 2 – From Potential to Power: Our Call to Action.Episode 25 – Settlement Day Celebration in Belize.Join the Movement: As we evolve into a multi-show network, we invite you to be part of the progress. We are moving beyond short-form to build deeper relationships through long-form conversations and archival preservation. The Garifuna Experience is more than a podcast; it is a profound medium for sharing narratives and building communities across global borders and generations.

    2 min

  8. 12/30/2025

    Episode 31- Wanaragua (Yankunu): The Masked Dance of Defiance and Christmas

    Send us a text Dive into the spirit of a Garifuna Christmas as host José Francisco Ávila unveils the Wanaragua (or Jankunu), a vibrant system of masked processionals performed from December 25th to Epiphany (January 6th). More than just a seasonal spectacle, the Wanaragua is a unique synthesis of African, English Mummer's Play, and Amerindian traditions. Discover how Garifuna men use colorful regalia, powerful drumming, and stylized movements to playfully mock and resist past British military oppressors, all while powerfully affirming their identity. This episode explores: The three cultural streams that birthed the Wanaragua.The significance of the double role reversal and its connection to the Second Garifuna War.The intricate dance-drum conversation between the dancer and the primero drummer as they interpret the movements (tremblings, salinda, banquatta).The symbolic costume and the contrast between the dance’s humor and the serious nature of the social commentary songs it carries (themes of love, loss, and community).Tune in to understand why the Wanaragua is a profound expression of Garifuna resilience and cultural heartbeat. Sungubei Lidan Aban! Resources:  Subscribe on your favorite podcast appApple Podcasts  SpotifyiHeartRadioYouTubeSubscribe to our newsletter The Garifuna Experience in NYC | Bronx walking tourThe Garifuna Experience in NYC The Happy Land Memorial Walking Tour Garifuna Heritage Walking Tour (BronxNet Video)Books by José Francisco Ávila Pan-Garifuna Afro-Latino Power of Pride: My Quest for Racial, Ancestral, Ethnic and Cultural IdentityGarífuna Ancestry: The DNA Quest to Decipher the Garifuna Distant Past

    10 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Mabuiga! Welcome to The Garifuna Experience Podcast — the definitive voice for the Garifuna Community.  GALENT Media & Publishing | The Garifuna Experience Podcast and Newsletter Editorial Mission Statement Overview: GALENT Media & Publishing is an independent news and multimedia organization dedicated to the primary newsgathering, reporting, and analysis of issues affecting the Garifuna and Afro-Latino diaspora. Through our flagship platform, The Garifuna Experience Podcast and Newsletter, we serve as a critical journalistic bridge between the global diaspora and the local civic landscapes of New York City and New York State. Our Journalistic Purpose Our mission is to amplify underrepresented voices through rigorous, authentic storytelling and investigative narratives that drive prosperity, power, and progress. We are committed to providing our audience with: Original Newsgathering: Primary coverage of legislative developments, civic initiatives (such as Census 2030), and community-led social movements.Accountability Journalism: Providing a platform for direct engagement with elected officials and candidates, specifically through our "2026 Election Spotlight" and "Know Your Representative" series.Cultural Advocacy: Reporting on the preservation of Garifuna language, landmarks, and economic equity within the multicultural fabric of New York. Editorial Integrity & Independence GALENT Media & Publishing operates under the principles of editorial independence. Our content is designed to educate, engage, and mobilize the Garifuna community toward informed civic participation. We do not engage in lobbying; our primary function is the dissemination of news and the cultivation of an informed public sphere for the Garifuna people and the broader Afro-descendant community. Subscribe today and help us keep the drums beating for generations to come.

Information

  • Creator
    Jose Francisco Avila
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Garifuna Experience Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Garifuna Experience Podcast