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 50: The Census, Redistricting, the Supreme Court, and the Fight for Garifuna Representation

    1D AGO

    Episode 50: The Census, Redistricting, the Supreme Court, and the Fight for Garifuna Representation

    Send us Fan Mail How do Supreme Court rulings on redistricting directly impact the Garifuna Diaspora? In this milestone 50th episode of The Garifuna Experience Podcast, host José Francisco Ávila breaks down the critical intersection of the U.S. Census, voting rights, and the fight for fair Afro-Indigenous representation. We dive deep into the recent 6–3 Supreme Court ruling that struck down Louisiana’s second majority-Black congressional district, dismantling vital protections of the Voting Rights Act. While this may seem like a local legal battle, it has massive, seismic implications for distinct cultural communities across the nation. In this episode, we discuss: Garifuna VOICE: Our strategic roadmap to the table of political power.The 2031–2032 Redistricting Process: Why we need a dedicated Task Force to prevent the fragmentation of our communities.The High Stakes of the Voting Rights Act: How the dilution of minority votes directly impacts critical issues like immigration reform, language access, economic equity, and healthcare.Our democracy is not self-executing—it requires continuous action. Tune in to learn how we can mobilize, protect our identity, and ensure that our voices are heard at the highest levels of government. Take Action: Organize: Support local grassroots organizations fighting gerrymandering and voter suppression.Mobilize: Check your voter registration status and show up for local, state, and national elections.Advocate: Join the Garifuna Complete Count Committee to make sure that The Garifuna Demographic is counted, so that we can be represented. Resources: Subscribe on your favorite podcast appSpotifyiHeartRadioYouTubeAmazon MusicSubscribe to our newsletter The Happy Land Memorial Walking TourThe Garifuna Experience in NYC Garifuna Heritage Walking Tour (BronxGarifuna CoalitionBooks by José Francisco Ávila Pan-Garifuna Afro-Latino Power of Pride:: My Quest for Racial, Ancestral, Ethnic and Cultural Identity

    9 min
  2. Episode 49: Garifuna VOICE, Voting and Organizing to Increase Civic Engagement

    APR 28

    Episode 49: Garifuna VOICE, Voting and Organizing to Increase Civic Engagement

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Garifuna Experience Podcast, host José Francisco Ávila unveils a bold blueprint for the Garifuna community to move from the margins of New York City politics to the center of the table. As we approach the historic 2032 centennial of Garifuna arrival in NYC, we are transitioning from a "hidden demographic" to a decisive Political Power Bloc. José introduces Garifuna VOICE (Voting and Organizing to Increase Civic Engagement), a non-partisan initiative designed to transform "occasional voters" into a disciplined, habitual force. In this episode, we discuss: The "Kingmaker" Strategy: How a unified bloc of 100,000 Garinagu in the South Bronx can decide the margin of victory in key City Council and State Assembly districts.Overcoming Apathy: Addressing the historical and cultural reasons behind political hesitancy and how to reclaim our power in the diaspora.The 2030 Mandate: Why the upcoming Census and Redistricting are the most important battles for our "Afro-Indigenous" soul and federal resources.Engaging Gen Z & Millennials: Why Garifuna heritage isn't just a relic of the past, but the engine for our political future.It’s time to move from Advocacy to Accountability. We aren’t just asking for a seat at the table—we are building the room. Listen now and join the movement. Stay United, Stay Proud. Sungubei Lidan Aban. Resources: Subscribe on your favorite podcast appSpotifyiHeartRadioYouTubeAmazon MusicSubscribe to our newsletter The Happy Land Memorial Walking TourThe Garifuna Experience in NYC Garifuna Heritage Walking Tour (BronxGarifuna CoalitionBooks by José Francisco Ávila Pan-Garifuna Afro-Latino Power of Pride:: My Quest for Racial, Ancestral, Ethnic and Cultural Identity

    7 min
  3. Episode 48: Generations of Change: The 100-Year March to Garifuna Representation

    APR 21

    Episode 48: Generations of Change: The 100-Year March to Garifuna Representation

    Send us Fan Mail In this landmark episode of The Garifuna Experience Podcast, host José Francisco Ávila traces the arc of a century—from the first wave of migration in 1932 to the strategic vision for 2032. For nearly 100 years, the Garifuna community has been a vibrant cultural pillar of New York City, yet often remained "hidden in plain sight." In Episode 48, we explore the critical transition from community activism to electoral power. We revisit the painful origins of the 1930s migration, the hard-won lessons of the first Garifuna-American political campaigns, and the historic milestone of Rosemary Ordonez-Jenkins. Join us as we break down the 2030 Garifuna Representation Goal and discuss why moving from a "Hidden demographic" to a "unified political power bloc" is the key to securing equitable resources and ensuring our Afro-Indigenous voices shape the future of New York. In this episode, you’ll hear about: The Historical Spark: How political turmoil in 1932 launched the Garifuna journey to the U.S.Lessons from the Ring: An honest look at the "doomed" 2010 campaign and the vital role of campaign committees.The Blueprint for Success: How the Garifuna Roundtable is identifying "gateways" to insider politics.The Road to 2032: Our strategic vision for the Garifuna centennial in New York City.Tune in to discover how we are building civic capacity and long-term sustainability for the next generation of Garifuna leaders. Resources: Subscribe on your favorite podcast appApple Podcasts SpotifyiHeartRadioYouTubeAmazon MusicSubscribe to our newsletter The Happy Land Memorial Walking TourThe Garifuna Experience in NYC Garifuna Heritage Walking Tour (BronxBooks by José Francisco Ávila Pan-Garifuna Afro-Latino Power of Pride:: My Quest for Racial, Ancestral, Ethnic and Cultural Identity

    10 min
  4. Episode 47: The Garifuna Caucus: The Case for Garifuna Representation

    APR 14

    Episode 47: The Garifuna Caucus: The Case for Garifuna Representation

    Send us Fan Mail In this hard-hitting investigative episode, host José Francisco Ávila pulls back the curtain on the political reality of the Garifuna community in New York City. For nearly a century, the Garifuna people have enriched the fabric of the Bronx and beyond with vibrant culture and resilience. But as we approach the 2030 centennial of the Garifuna establishment in NYC, a glaring question remains: Where is our seat at the table? We move beyond the "Three Cs"—Costumes, Cuisine, and Celebrations—to demand Accountability. Despite a population of 250,000 in New York State, why has there been only one Garifuna individual elected to local office in 94 years? In this episode, we explore: The Congressional Garifuna Caucus: An investigation into the first-ever caucus of its kind. Is it a powerhouse for change or a committee in name only?The Gatekeepers & Allies: The roles of Congressman Ritchie Torres and Assemblymember Karines Reyes, and the tireless advocacy of Bronx icon Mirtha Colón.The Road to 2030: A direct call to action for Millennials and Gen Z to move from the sidelines to the ballot box.It’s time to shift the strategy from being "celebrated" to being a "represented" in the budget deliberations. Join us as we map out the journey from visibility to true political empowerment. Resources: Subscribe on your favorite podcast appApple Podcasts SpotifyiHeartRadioYouTubeAmazon MusicSubscribe to our newsletter The Happy Land Memorial Walking TourThe Garifuna Experience in NYC Garifuna Heritage Walking Tour (BronxU.S. Congressman Ritchie Torres And Garifuna Activist, Mrs. Mirtha Colon, Create Garifuna Caucus (Being Garifuna)Books by José Francisco Ávila Pan-Garifuna Afro-Latino Power of Pride:: My Quest for Racial, Ancestral, Ethnic and Cultural Identity

    12 min
  5. Episode 46: The Midterm Elections – Why Every Two Years Matters

    APR 7

    Episode 46: The Midterm Elections – Why Every Two Years Matters

    Send us Fan Mail While the Presidential election gets the "big stage" every four years, the real engine of community change runs on a two-year cycle. In this essential explainer episode of The Garifuna Experience, host José Francisco Ávila breaks down the mechanics of the Midterm Elections and why they are the ultimate tool for Garifuna political accountability. Many of us are busy with work and family, asking: "Does my one vote even count in an 'off-year'?" The answer is a resounding yes. Because turnout is typically lower in Midterms, the organized Garifuna vote in the Bronx becomes a massive "power multiplier" that can shift the direction of the entire state. In this episode, we break down: The Ballot Blueprint: From all 435 U.S. House seats to the critical state legislators in our Districts.Checks and Balances: How Midterms act as a steering wheel to balance the power of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches.The "Everyday" Impact: Why Midterm results decide the funding for SNAP benefits, school budgets, childcare, and transit—the issues that hit our kitchen tables every single day.Your Action Roadmap: Practical steps to take before, during, and after the election to move Board of Elections in the City of New YorkNew York State Board of ElectionsThe Midterms aren't a distraction—they are the decision. Join us as we demystify the process and prepare the Garifuna diaspora to be the "tiebreaker" in the 2026 cycle. Resources: Subscribe on your favorite podcast appApple Podcasts SpotifyiHeartRadioYouTubeAmazon MusicSubscribe to our newsletter The Happy Land Memorial Walking TourThe Garifuna Experience in NYC Garifuna Heritage Walking Tour (BronxBooks by José Francisco Ávila Pan-Garifuna Afro-Latino Power of Pride:: My Quest for Racial, Ancestral, Ethnic and Cultural Identity

    8 min
  6. Episode 45: The Power of Place: Mapping Garifuna Political Destiny

    MAR 31

    Episode 45: The Power of Place: Mapping Garifuna Political Destiny

    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 YorkNew York State Board of ElectionsThe 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 appApple Podcasts SpotifyiHeartRadioYouTubeAmazon MusicSubscribe to our newsletter The Happy Land Memorial Walking TourThe Garifuna Experience in NYC Garifuna Heritage Walking Tour (BronxBooks by José Francisco Ávila Pan-Garifuna Afro-Latino Power of Pride:: My Quest for Racial, Ancestral, Ethnic and Cultural Identity

    10 min
  7. Episode 44: The Happy Land Tragedy: A Community’s Unforgettable Scars and Resurgence

    MAR 24

    Episode 44: The Happy Land Tragedy: A Community’s Unforgettable Scars and Resurgence

    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 appApple Podcasts SpotifyiHeartRadioYouTubeAmazon MusicSubscribe to our newsletter The Happy Land Memorial Walking TourThe Garifuna Experience in NYC Garifuna Heritage Walking Tour (BronxBooks by José Francisco Ávila Pan-Garifuna Afro-Latino Power of Pride:: My Quest for Racial, Ancestral, Ethnic and Cultural Identity

    10 min
  8. Episode 43: The Fight for Visibility at the Congressional Afro-Latino Roundtable

    MAR 17

    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
See All (60)

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
    60
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Garifuna Experience Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Garifuna Experience Podcast