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.
Episodes
24 episodes
Episode 22 - The History of Garifuna Community Organizing in New York City
The Garifuna Experience in NYC Podcast takes you back to the foundation, tracing the evolution of Garifuna civic strength in the diaspora. Host José Francisco Ávila chronicles how our community successfully transformed from informal Home...
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Episode 22
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13:25
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 ÁvilaThe Garifuna Experience in NYC Podcast goes "Beyond the Narrative" to highlight the powerful i...
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Episode 21
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8:41
Episode 20 - Garifuna: A Living Cultural Afro-Indigenous Treasure
Episode DescriptionCelebrate International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples with host José Francisco Ávila as we journey into the powerful and persistent world of the Garifuna people. Far more than a historical footnot...
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Episode 20
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16:03
Episode 19 - The Garifuna Educational Journey: From Village Schools to the Doctorate
Join host José Francisco Ávila as he explores the profound and inspiring history of Garifuna progress through education. This episode traces the community's journey from the immense sacrifices made by early generations—sending chi...
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Episode 19
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17:49
Episode 18 - Garifuna Literary Arts
Host José Francisco Ávila dives deep into the power and necessity of Garifuna Literary Arts. For a people whose history was often deliberately erased from official records, the written word is not just culture—it's rec...
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Episode 18
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9:49
Episode 17 - Happy Heavenly 56th Birthday Aurelio Martínez Suazo
Join us as we celebrate the life and legacy of a Garifuna icon, the late singer, composer, and politician Aurelio Martínez Suazo, on what would have been his 56th birthday.In this special episode, we explore one of his greatest artistic ...
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Episode 17
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8:28
Episodio Especial - Catarino Castro Serrano: Historiador de la Independencia de Honduras
Este episodio especial de The Garifuna Experience Podcast conmemora la vida de Catarino Castro Serrano (1892-1939), una figura importante en la historia hondureña y el primer intelectual y congresista garífuna documentado.L...
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16:54
Episode 16: Honduras' Independence Historian: Catarino Castro Serrano
In this episode, The Garifuna Experience Podcast commemorates the life of Catarino Castro Serrano (1892-1939), a significant figure in Honduran history and the first documented Garifuna intellectual and congressman.Listener...
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Episode 16
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11:35
Episode 15 - The Garinagu and Belize’s Independence Movement
On this episode of The Garifuna Experience Podcast, host José Francisco Ávila explores the extraordinary journey of the Garinagu people and their vital role in the history of Belize.We'll uncover the story of the Garinagu's unwelc...
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Episode 15
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16:34
Episode 14 - Thomas Vincent Ramos: "Father of Garifuna History"
Explore the life and legacy of Thomas Vincent Ramos, a true pioneer and visionary leader. This episode, "Father of Garifuna History," delves into Ramos's journey as a Garifuna historian, civil rights activist, and journalist. Discover ho...
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Episode 14
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12:00
Episode 13 - Garifunas and the Central America Independence Revolutions
In this episode, we dive into the often-overlooked history of the Garifuna people and their role during the tumultuous Central American independence revolutions of the early 19th century. As Central American nations began their fi...
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Episode 13
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10:46
Episode 12 - Hispanic Heritage Month and the Garifuna Diaspora
This episode of The Garifuna Experience Podcast dives into the complexities of Hispanic Heritage Month through the unique lens of the Garifuna people. Host José Francisco Ávila explores how the broad term "Hispanic" can often over...
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Episode 12
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13:31
Episode 11 - Art & Identity- Visual Expressions of Garifuna Culture in NYC
Explore the vibrant world of Garifuna visual art in Episode 15: Art & Identity: Visual Expressions of Garifuna Culture in NYC. Hosted by José Francisco Ávila, this episode goes beyond the well-known music and dance to highlight how p...
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Episode 11
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9:05
Episode 10: Threads of Heritage: Weaving Culture into NYC's Fashion Scene
In this episode of The Garifuna Experience Podcast, host José Francisco Ávila unveils a bold new initiative: Garifuna Fashion Weekend 2026. This special event, timed to coincide with Garifuna-American Heritage Month, is designed t...
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Episode 10
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10:34
Episode 9: NYC Restaurant Week and the Urgent Need for a Garifuna Restaurant!
NYC Restaurant Week is in full swing, but host José Francisco Ávila notices a heartbreaking absence on the list of participating restaurants: a proper Garifuna restaurant. In this impassioned episode, José explores why a dedicated, sit-down Gar...
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8:08
Episode 8: NYC Cultural/Creative Industries and the Travel Trade
NYC isn't just a destination; it's a living, breathing tapestry of cultures. On this episode of "The Garifuna Experience in NYC Podcast," host José Francisco Ávila reveals how the vibrant Garifuna community is stepping up to become a powerful f...
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Episode 8
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9:23
Episode 7: The Garifuna Experience in NYC: A Destination Brand
In this episode, host José Francisco Ávila unveils the ambitious strategy to brand New York City as the global epicenter of Garifuna arts and culture. Going beyond tradition, Ávila details the journey from his early efforts to promote Garifuna ...
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Episode 7
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16:21
Episode 6 - Shaping a Vibrant Future: Celebrating Garifuna Heritage Month
In this celebratory and forward-looking episode of The Garifuna Experience in NYC Podcast, host José Francisco Ávila invites you to join the festivities as we honor Garifuna Heritage Month!Beyond parades and cultural displays, this speci...
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Episode 6
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21:31
Episode 5 - UNESCO's Recognition, Preservation, and Enduring Legacy of Garifuna Culture
In this deeply significant episode of The Garifuna Experience in NYC Podcast, host José Francisco Ávila delves into a cornerstone of Garifuna identity: the profound impact of UNESCO's official recognition of our culture as a Masterpiece of t...
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Episode 5
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19:07
Episode 4 - A Cultural landmark - The Drama of King Shotaway
In this pivotal episode of The Garifuna Experience Podcast, host José Francisco Ávila unearths a remarkable, nearly 200-year-old piece of New York City history. We dive into 'The Drama of King Shotaway,' a groundbreaking play from 1823, ...
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Episode 4
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16:29
Episode 2 - From Potential to Power: Our Call to Action
In Episode 2, we build upon the foundational theme introduced in our first episode. This time, we shift from understanding to action. We'll explore how recognizing our collective potential is just the beginning. The real transformat...
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Episode 2
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9:21
Episode 3 - The Garifuna Paradox
In Episode 3, we delve into the compelling Garifuna Paradox. Despite the Garifuna community's rich cultural heritage, recognized by UNESCO as a masterpiece of oral and intangible heritage, they remain underrepresented in New York City's thrivin...
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Episode 3
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11:32
Episode 1 - Our Overarching Theme: Garifunas Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress
Welcome to the first episode of our podcast! In this episode, we lay the groundwork for everything we'll discuss. We'll introduce our overarching theme and explain why we chose it. More than just a topic, this theme is a lens throug...
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Episode 1
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7:42
