The Garifuna Experience Podcast

Jose Francisco Avila
  • 5.0 (4)
  • 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. Episode 43: The Fight for Visibility at the Congressional Afro-Latino Roundtable

    3D AGO

    Episode 43: The Fight for Visibility at the Congressional Afro-Latino Roundtable

    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 appApple Podcasts SpotifyHeartRadioYouTubeAmazon Music Subscribe to our newsletter The Garifuna Experience in NYC | Bronx walking tourThe Garifuna Experience in NYC Garifuna Heritage Walking Tour (BronxJoin 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

    13 min
  2. Episode 42: The Power of the Count – Celebrating Garifuna Heritage Month

    MAR 10

    Episode 42: The Power of the Count – Celebrating Garifuna Heritage Month

    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 appApple Podcasts SpotifyHeartRadioYouTubeAmazon MusicSubscribe to our newsletter The Garifuna Experience in NYC | Bronx walking tourThe Garifuna Experience in NYC Garifuna Heritage Walking Tour (BronxJoin 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

    9 min
  3. Episode 41: From Yurumein to the 2030 Census Our history is Our Power

    MAR 3

    Episode 41: From Yurumein to the 2030 Census Our history is Our Power

    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 appApple Podcasts SpotifyHeartRadioYouTubeAmazon MusicSubscribe to our newsletter The Garifuna Experience in NYC | Bronx walking tourThe Garifuna Experience in NYC Garifuna Heritage Walking Tour (BronxJoin the Garifuna Complete Count CommitteeBooks by José Francisco ÁvilaBooks by José Francisco Ávila Pan-Garifuna Afro-Latino Power of Pride:: My Quest for Racial, Ancestral, Ethnic and Cultural Identity

    8 min
  4. Episodio especial - URGENTE: Actúa ahora para proteger un censo justo y preciso en 2030

    FEB 28

    Episodio especial - URGENTE: Actúa ahora para proteger un censo justo y preciso en 2030

    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 senadorFirma la carta: Firma organizacional de la Conferencia de LiderazgoDescargue la  plantilla de correo electrónico para representantes del Estado de Nueva York antes del 3 de marzoRecursos: Subscribe on your favorite podcast appApple Podcasts SpotifyiHeartRadioYouTubeAmazon MusicSubscribe 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

    9 min
  5. Special Episode - URGENT: Act Now To Protect a Fair & Accurate 2030 Census

    FEB 28

    Special Episode - URGENT: Act Now To Protect a Fair & Accurate 2030 Census

    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 SenatorSign the Letter:  Leadership Conference Organizational Sign-onDownload the  Email Template for NYS Representatives by March 3rdResources: Subscribe on your favorite podcast appApple Podcasts SpotifyiHeartRadioYouTubeAmazon MusicSubscribe 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

    8 min
  6. Episodio 40: La inversión garífuna sin acreditar y a menudo olvidada que construyó la Standard Fruit Company

    FEB 24

    Episodio 40: La inversión garífuna sin acreditar y a menudo olvidada que construyó la Standard Fruit Company

    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 PodcastsSpotifyHeartRadioYouTubeAmazon MusicSuscríbete a nuestro boletínLa experiencia garífuna en Nueva York La Ruta a Pie del Memorial Happy LandLa Ceiba, sus raíces y su historia, 1810-1940Libros de José Francisco Ávila El Poder del Orgullo Pan-Garífuna Afrolatino: Mi búsqueda de identidad racial, ancestral, étnica y culturalAncestros Garífuna: Descifrando a historia Garífuna a través del ADN

    9 min
  7. Episode 40: The Uncredited and Often Forgotten Garifuna Investment that Built the Standard Fruit Company.

    FEB 24

    Episode 40: The Uncredited and Often Forgotten Garifuna Investment that Built the Standard Fruit Company.

    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 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 (BronxLa Ceiba, sus raíces y su historia, 1810-1940, Author:Antonio Canelas DíazBooks by José Francisco Ávila Pan-Garifuna Afro-Latino Power of Pride: My Quest for Racial, Ancestral, EthnGarífuna Ancestry: The DNA Quest to Decipher the Garifuna Distant Past

    8 min
  8. How Jesse Jackson’s Vision Ignited the Modern Garifuna Movement

    FEB 20 · BONUS

    How Jesse Jackson’s Vision Ignited the Modern Garifuna Movement

    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 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 (BronxJoin the Garifuna Complete Count CommitteeBooks by José Francisco Ávila Pan-Garifuna Afro-Latino Power of Pride: My Quest for Racial, Ancestral, EthnGarífuna Ancestry: The DNA Quest to Decipher the Garifuna Distant Past

    7 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 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
    53
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Garifuna Experience Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Garifuna Experience Podcast