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

    4D AGO

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

    4D AGO

    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
  3. 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
  4. Cómo la visión de Jesse Jackson impulso el movimiento moderno garífuna: desde 1988 hasta el censo de 2030

    FEB 20 · BONUS

    Cómo la visión de Jesse Jackson impulso el movimiento moderno garífuna: desde 1988 hasta el censo de 2030

    Send a text En este poderoso episodio extra, el presentador José Francisco Ávila nos transporta de vuelta a la vibrante energía de los años 80, una época de "Emancipación Mental" impulsada por el movimiento Black Power, las letras desafiantes de Bob Marley y el terremoto político de la "Rainbow Coalition" del reverendo Jesse Jackson. José  Francisco revela cómo la histórica campaña presidencial de Jackson en 1988 sirvió como el catalizador directo para organizar la comunidad garífuna en la ciudad de Nueva York. Desde el primer encuentro decisivo el 5 de febrero de 1989, en el Club Cubano Interamericano del Bronx, hasta la lucha moderna por la visibilidad, este episodio une nuestra historia con nuestro futuro. Sintoniza para escuchar: Cómo la era de "Black is Beautiful" redefinió la identidad garífuna en la diáspora.El legado de pioneras como la Sra. Dionisia "Nicha" Amaya Bonilla y la Sra. Lydia Sacaza-Hill.Por qué el Comité de Conteo Completo Garífuna del Censo 2030 (Haz clic para inscribirte) es la próxima frontera en nuestra lucha por la dignidad y la representación."La representación no se concede —se organiza." Únete al movimiento hoy mismo. Recursos: Suscríbete a tu app de podcast favoritApple PodcastsSpotifyiHeartRadioYouTubeAmazon MusicSuscríbete a nuestro boletínLa experiencia garífuna en Nueva York | Recorrido  a pie por el BronxLa experiencia garífuna en Nueva York La Ruta a Pie del Memorial Happy LandÚnete al Comité de Conteo Completo Garífuna del Censo 2030 (Haz clic para inscribirte)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

    8 min

  5. FEB 17

    Episode 39: The Unseen Thread: Garifuna Excellence in the National Football League

    Send a text From the coastal town of Dangriga to the rugged streets of Brownsville, the Garifuna spirit is leaving an indelible mark on the gridiron. In this episode of our special series, Hidden Voices: The Garifuna Demographic—Undercounted and Underrepresented, we pull back the curtain on the "Unseen Thread" connecting Garifuna heritage to the pinnacle of American sports: the National Football League (NFL). As the world prepares for Super Bowl LX, Host José Francisco Ávila honors Black History Month by spotlighting two titans who have carried the Garifuna flag into the record books: Brian Flores: The defensive mastermind and Minnesota Vikings coordinator. We explore his journey from the Glenmore Plaza projects in Brooklyn to the NFL sidelines, fueled by the iron-clad work ethic of his Honduran Garifuna parents.Rakeem "Nacho" Nuñez-Roches: The history-maker. Learn about the infectious energy and pride of the first Belizean-born player to be drafted into the NFL and the first Garifuna Belizean-American to win a Super Bowl Championship.This isn't just a sports story—it’s a story of the American Dream, the power of the "village," and the resilience of a culture that refuses to be sidelined. Whether you're a football fanatic or a student of the African Diaspora, this episode is a masterclass in excellence, identity, and the strength of ancestral roots. Listen & Subscribe: Join us as we celebrate the legends who are writing their own stories and ensuring the Garifuna voice is heard loud and clear in the stadiums of the world. 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

    9 min

  6. FEB 10

    Episode 38 - Dionisia Amaya-Bonilla “Mama Nicha” – The Matriarch of the Modern Garifuna Movement

    Send a text In this powerful episode of The Garifuna Experience Podcast, host José Francisco Ávila pays tribute to a woman whose legacy is woven into the very fabric of the Garifuna diaspora: Dionisia Amaya-Bonilla, known affectionately as "Mama Nicha." From her humble beginnings in La Ceiba, Honduras, to being honored on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, Mama Nicha’s journey is a masterclass in resilience and community building. We explore her transition from a housekeeper in Texas to a Master’s-educated guidance counselor and activist who transformed New York City's educational landscape for Garifuna youth. In this episode, we discuss: The "Awakening": How the tragic Happy Land Social Club fire became the catalyst for the modern Garifuna advocacy movement.MUGAMA: The founding of Mujeres Garinagu en Marcha and its role in securing bilingual education recognition for the Garifuna language in NYC schools.Hidden Voices: The inclusion of Mama Nicha’s story in the NYC Department of Education curriculum and why demographic representation is a matter of civil rights.A Personal Legacy: José shares intimate reflections on his partnership with Mama Nicha—the woman who became his "spiritual mother" and the "glue" of a global community.As we celebrate Black History Month, join us in honoring a pioneer who proved that "nothing is impossible" and ensured that the Garifuna voice would never be "hidden" again. Resources Mentioned: Book: Pan-Garifuna Afro-Latino Power of Pride by José Francisco ÁvilaNYC DOE Curriculum: Hidden Voices: Latines in United States HistoryThe Garifuna Advocacy Toolkit for Parents and EducatorsResources: 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, Ethnic IdentityGarifuna Ancestry: The DNA Quest to Decipher the Garifuna Distant Past.

    9 min

  7. FEB 3

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

    Send 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

  8. JAN 30

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

    Send 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
See All (48)

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
    48
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Garifuna Experience Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Garifuna Experience Podcast