The Garifuna Experience Podcast
Dive into the heart of New York City's vibrant Garifuna community, the largest diaspora outside of Central America. This podcast amplifies authentic Garifuna voices, explores their rich history, and navigates contemporary issues, all while showcasing how Garifunas are driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress in NYC and the Diaspora.
Perfect for cultural enthusiasts, curious locals, and travelers seeking an authentic NYC experience.
The Garifuna Experience Podcast
Episode 21 - Beyond the Narrative: The Garifuna American Law Enforcement
Episode 21: Beyond the Narrative: The Garifuna American Law Enforcement Association, Inc.
Host: José Francisco Ávila
The Garifuna Experience in NYC Podcast goes "Beyond the Narrative" to highlight the powerful impact of The Garifuna American Law Enforcement Association, Inc. (GALEA).
Join host José Francisco Ávila as he explores how GALEA—a non-profit founded in 2017 by NYPD's Police Officer Jorge Rochez and Detective Sidney Valerio—is changing the landscape of public service in New York City.
Inside This Episode:
- Service and Unity: Discover how members of Garifuna heritage across various agencies (NYPD, FDNY, NYC Corrections, and more) united to form a beacon of support and cultural pride.
- Mission to Bridge: We break down GALEA's vital mission to strengthen relationships between the Garifuna community and law enforcement through outreach, cultural awareness, and mutual respect.
- Leadership Spotlight: Get to know GALEA President Stivin Benedith and the organization's dedication to mentorship, advocacy, and professional development.
- Legacy Building: Learn why joining GALEA is an investment in your career, your culture, and the future of Garifuna representation, driving Power, Prosperity, and Progress in the diaspora.
Tune in to hear how our community members are serving, protecting, and championing Garifuna identity in the heart of NYC's civic life.
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- The Garífuna Experience in NYC | Bronx walking tour
- The Garifuna Experience in NYC
- The Happy Land Memorial Walking Tour
- Garifuna Heritage Walking Tour (BronxNet Video)
- Garifuna-American in Law Enforcement Association Inc
Books by José Francisco Ávila
Soundtrack
HOST: Hello, and welcome back to The Garifuna Experience Podcast! I’m your host, José Francisco Ávila.
Today, we’re going deep—beyond the typical narrative—to explore The Garifuna Impact on NYC’s Civic Landscape. We’re highlighting our community members who’ve stepped into public service, specifically the dedicated members of The Garifuna American Law Enforcement Association, Inc. This is a powerful story of service, advocacy, and cultural pride that's changing the face of law enforcement in the city.
What is The Garifuna American Law Enforcement Association, Inc.? A Force for Unity
HOST: The Garifuna American Law Enforcement Association, Inc. is a Non-Profit organization made up of uniformed members from various New York City agencies. It’s an association that represents our heritage within the departments that serve and protect us.
It was formed in 2017 by two visionaries: Police Officer Jorge Rochez, from the NYPD Counter-Terrorism Unit, and Detective Sidney Valerio, from the NYPD Bias Incident Investigation Unit. They saw a need and answered the call.
The Association quickly gathered uniformed members of Garifuna Heritage from virtually every major agency, including:
- The New York Police Department (NYPD)
- The New York City Fire Department (FDNY)
- Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) / Ambulance Technicians
- The New York City Department of Correction (NYCD)
- And U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
HOST: Now, let's hear the core principle that drives everything they do—their mission statement.
Building Bridges: The Garifuna American Law Enforcement Association Mission
HOST (Reading the mission, with gravitas): "Garifuna American in Law Enforcement Association is dedicated to strengthening the relationship between the Garifuna community and law enforcement. We achieve this through community outreach, law enforcement liaison, and cultural awareness. their goal is to foster mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation between these two important groups. We believe that through education, communication, and collaboration, we can create a safer and more harmonious community for all.”
HOST: That is a mission focused on Building Bridges. The Garifuna American Law Enforcement Association has a clear objective: to assist in recruiting professional officers and community leaders who can provide guidance to the Garifuna community. They are actively working to improve the leadership skills and sense of social identity for our people within the department and the country.
And it’s not just about the community. The Garifuna American Law Enforcement Association offers continuous support to its officers and members, focusing on their individual needs and unique situations. They are a critical resource network, linking communities and disseminating vital information.
The Spark: How The Garifuna American Law Enforcement Association Got Started
HOST: So, how did this all begin? In 2017, two dedicated law enforcement professionals, Police Officer Jorge Rochez and Detective Sidney Valerio, saw a profound need within their community and decided to take action.
Together, they rallied uniformed members of Garifuna descent from the New York police Department and beyond, igniting a powerful movement. Their vision birthed The Garifuna American Law Enforcement Association, a beacon of unity and empowerment. The impact quickly transcended the boundaries of just the Police Department, drawing in passionate leaders like Assistant Deputy Warden Idi Guity of the New York City Department of Corrections, Candido Nunez, of The New York City Fire Department (FDNY), Esther Ford, of the Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) / Ambulance Technicians, Yermin Marin of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection among others.
Today, The Garifuna American Law Enforcement Association A is a powerful testament to the strength of diversity within law enforcement, boasting members from a wide array of uniformed agencies who share a common mission: to serve, protect, and uplift their communities with pride and a deep cultural purpose.
Leadership Spotlight: President Stivin Benedith
HOST: Now, let's talk about the man leading this charge: President Stivin Benedith.
Stivin embodies the heart and soul of The Garifuna American Law Enforcement Association. His unwavering commitment to fostering trust and understanding between the Garifuna community and law enforcement makes him the driving force behind the association’s transformative mission.
His dedication extends far beyond mere leadership; it’s a flame of unity that radiates through every initiative and outreach effort, igniting a flame of unity and empowerment within both the uniformed ranks and the vibrant Garifuna community. Through his tireless advocacy and strategic guidance, Stivin has cultivated a culture of inclusivity and collaboration, where the voices of Garifuna officers are not just heard, they are celebrated. His vision is one of justice, equity, and harmony, inspiring generations to come to bridge divides and forge a brighter future together.
Why Join the Garifuna American In Law Enforcement Association? A Force for Service, Culture, and Growth
Joining the Garifuna American In Law Enforcement Association is more than just membership; it is an active investment in your career, your culture, and your community. For individuals passionate about justice, empowerment, and cultural representation, it offers a powerful platform to lead and transform.
You may contact the Garifuna American In Law Enforcement Association at
(Short, impactful music sting/sound effect here)
Outro
HOST (Warm, appreciative, slightly reflective): And that wraps up another illuminating episode of The Garifuna Experience Podcast. Thank you for joining me on this important journey.
The Garifuna are more than just a footnote in history; we are a vibrant, living culture, a testament to the power of resilience and the strength of identity. The Garifuna American Law Enforcement Association is proof that our heritage is a force for good in one of the world's greatest cities.
Remember, the future of the Garifuna people is in our hands, and we are driving Power, Prosperity, and Progress. Until next time, stay united, stay proud. Sungubei Lidan Aban Ayo!
HOST: Thank you for listening. Find new episodes of The Garifuna Experience Podcast every Tuesday. Follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Garifuna Experience Podcast! Your support helps us share our vital Garifuna experience with more people around the world.
Soundtrack
