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PODCAST

The Garifuna Experience Podcast

Jose Francisco Avila

Mabuiga! Welcome to The Garifuna Experience Podcast — the definitive voice for the Garifuna Community.GALENT Media & Publishing | The Garifuna Experience Podcast and NewsletterEditorial Mission StatementOverview: 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

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All Episodes

15:33

Episode 37 - The Unseen Thread: Garifuna History in...

The Garifuna Experience Podcast ·

2026/02/03

Send us a textIn 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

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5:37

Episode 36 - The Torch Exchange: Boomers and X...

The Garifuna Experience Podcast ·

2026/01/30

Send us a textRecruiting the Builders of the Garifuna Leadership ProjectIn 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

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7:21

Episode 35 - Passing the Torch: Garifuna Millennials...

The Garifuna Experience Podcast ·

2026/01/27

Send us a textHidden Voices: The Garifuna Demographic Undercounted and Underrepresented Host: José Francisco ÁvilaSummary: In New York City, the Garifuna community is a sleeping giant. With over 200,000 residents—100,000 in the Bronx alone—we are one of the city’s most vibrant demographics. Yet, there is a staggering gap in power: out of those hundreds of thousands, only one Garifuna individual currently holds local political office in New York State.In this episode of The Garifuna Experience

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7:55

Episode 34 - Mapping the Garifuna Community of...

The Garifuna Experience Podcast ·

2026/01/20

Send us a textHow does a community move from being "hidden in plain sight" to becoming a recognized political force? In this pivotal episode, host José Francisco Ávila breaks down the strategic roadmap for the New York City Garifuna community as we approach the 2031 Decennial Redistricting.We are shifting the focus from cultural celebration to political self-determination. With over 250,000 Garifuna residents in New York City—and a 100,000-strong concentration in the Bronx—our community

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10:58

Episode 33 - The Road to Census 2030 Starts Now!

The Garifuna Experience Podcast ·

2026/01/13

Send us a textWhy are we talking about 2030 in 2026? Because the blueprint for our community’s power over the next decade is being drawn TODAY.In this vital episode of The Garifuna Experience Podcast, hosts José Francisco Ávila (Chairman of the Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc.) and Gregoria Flores Núñez (Executive Director of Garifuna Community Services, Inc.) pull back the curtain on the multi-year battle for Garifuna visibility.The U.S. Census is more than a population count—it is a $1.5 trillion

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18:33

Episode 32 - From the Oscars to Our Roots: The Legacy...

The Garifuna Experience Podcast ·

2026/01/06

Send us a textIn this episode, we bridge the gap between mainstream Hollywood accolades and the independent spirit of Garifuna filmmaking. As we prepare for the 2026 awards season, we reflect on how Garifuna narratives have moved from the background of the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema to the forefront of international festivals.Key Takeaways:Awards Season Intel: A breakdown of the 83rd Golden Globes (Jan 11, 2026) and the 98th Oscars voting window.The Pioneer: Celebrating Juan José

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2:04

2026 Season Kickoff Teaser

The Garifuna Experience Podcast ·

2026/01/01

Send us a textHappy New Year 2026!We are kicking off the year with a special milestone episode. Just six months ago, The Garifuna Experience Podcastlaunched with a singular mission: to serve as a catalyst for Prosperity, Power, and Progress within the Garifuna community. Today, we reflect on how far we’ve come and pull back the curtain on the massive expansion coming in 2026.In this episode, we revisit the highlights of our first 31 episodes—from the historical drama of King Shotaway to the vibrant

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10:09

Episode 31- Wanaragua (Yankunu): The Masked Dance of...

The Garifuna Experience Podcast ·

2025/12/30

Send us a textDive into the spirit of a Garifuna Christmas as host José Francisco Ávila unveils the Wanaragua (or Jankunu), a vibrant system of masked processionals performed from December 25th to Epiphany (January 6th).More than just a seasonal spectacle, the Wanaragua is a unique synthesis of African, English Mummer's Play, and Amerindian traditions. Discover how Garifuna men use colorful regalia, powerful drumming, and stylized movements to playfully mock and resist past British military

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7:31

Episode 30 - Traditional Fedu

The Garifuna Experience Podcast ·

2025/12/23

Send us a textIn this episode, host José Francisco Ávila dives deep into the Traditional Fedu, a cornerstone of Garifuna cultural identity and celebration, particularly in New York City. The Fedu, meaning "celebration" or "traditional women's dance," is powered by the fundamental Hüngühüngü rhythms. Listen to learn:The dual role of Fedu as both a communal holiday celebration (Christmas, New Year's) and a spiritual ritual.The three pillars of the Fedu: live drumming

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12:43

Episode 29 - Activating the Garifuna Economy: Our...

The Garifuna Experience Podcast ·

2025/12/16

Send us a textThe future of Garifuna prosperity is in our hands! Host José Francisco Ávila lays out a powerful, multi-faceted strategy to champion Garifuna entrepreneurship in NYC and beyond. This episode introduces the #BuyGarifunamovement—more than a hashtag, it's a commitment to creating an economic multiplier effect that builds generational wealth.Learn why Garifuna entrepreneurs face unique hurdles, and discover our ambitious plan to provide solutions: from launching a new Garifuna-Owned

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5:52

An Immigrant's Journey 56 Years Later: From Honduras...

The Garifuna Experience Podcast ·

2025/12/11

Send us a textJoin me as I celebrate the 56th anniversary of the Avila family's migration to the United States. In this touching episode, I retrace our steps from December 1969—traveling by train across Honduras and flying into the biting cold of a Boston winter to reunite with my father.We reflect on the "Vision of Tito Avila," my father’s prophetic advice on citizenship, and honor the legacy of our pioneer, Tia Berta. From the 1965 Immigration Reform Act to the modern struggles at

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6:02

Episode 28 - Pororó a Guatemalan Garifuna Tradition

The Garifuna Experience Podcast ·

2025/12/09

Send us a textJoin José Francisco Ávila for a festive exploration of The Pororó, a unique and enduring Guatemalan Garifuna tradition!Discover how the Garifuna community celebrates the Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe on December 12th with a magnificent three-day festival. We delve into the captivating cultural fusion of the Pororó—from the collective, circle dance accompanied by traditional Garifuna instruments, to the beautiful incorporation of Queqchi indigenous costumes (the huipil and cut).Learn

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13:58

Episode 27: Remembering the Great Andy Vivien Palacio

The Garifuna Experience Podcast ·

2025/12/02

Send us a textThis week, we pause to honor the life and profound legacy of a man whose vision, music, and activism continues to shape our identity: Andy Vivien Palacio (1960–2008).Andy was not just an artist; he was a cultural champion whose journey was galvanized by a truly formative experience in the 1980s—a moment he described as a “real wake-up call” when he witnessed the near-disappearance of the Garifuna language in Nicaragua.The Man Who Gave Belize Its 'National Sound'In this

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9:24

Episode 26 - Garifuna Settlement Day in Guatemala

The Garifuna Experience Podcast ·

2025/11/25

Send us a textJoin host José Francisco Ávila for an inspiring journey to the Caribbean coast of Guatemala as we celebrate Garifuna Settlement Day, observed every year on November 26th.This episode honors the historic arrival of the Garifuna people and their enduring legacy in Livingston ("LaBuga"). We explore the profound cultural significance of this national holiday, including the vibrant Yurumein Ceremony, which re-enacts the landing with drums and traditional music on the beach.We also

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7:19

Garifuna Settlement Day Celebration in Nicaragua

The Garifuna Experience Podcast ·

2025/11/18

Send us a textGarifuna Settlement Day in Nicaragua: The Legacy of Orinoco and the Sambola FamilyJoin host José Francisco Ávila for a special episode honoring Garifuna Settlement Day in Nicaragua. Celebrated every November 19th since its official recognition by Executive Decree in 2006, this is a story of enduring cultural roots and political achievement.This week, we trace the incredible journey of the Garifuna people:The first documented arrivals in 1830 at Greytown (San Juan del Norte).The major

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7:05

Episode 25 - Garifuna Settlement Day Celebration in...

The Garifuna Experience Podcast ·

2025/11/18

Send us a textThe Trailblazing Legacy of Thomas Vincent Ramos: The Birth of Garifuna Settlement DayJoin host José Francisco Ávila as we trace the incredible historical journey of the Garifuna people—from their forced exile on St. Vincent in 1797 to their resilient settlement across Central America.This episode delves deep into the significance of Garifuna Settlement Day (November 19th in Belize) and the extraordinary life of civil rights activist Thomas Vincent Ramos. Discover how Ramos, a true

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11:01

Episode 24: Garifuna Distinguished Service in the...

The Garifuna Experience Podcast ·

2025/11/11

Send us a textOn this Veterans Day episode, host José Francisco Ávila pays tribute to the remarkable, yet often overlooked, legacy of Garifuna soldiers in the U.S. Military. Discover the 200-year warrior tradition of the Garifuna people—from resisting colonial powers in St. Vincent (Paramount Chief Joseph Chatoyer at the Carib Wars in 1795) and fighting in Central American independence wars (like Juan Francisco Bulnes at the Battle of La Trinidad in 1827) to serving in every major U.S. conflict

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9:51

Episode 23 - Why NYC Garifuna Political...

The Garifuna Experience Podcast ·

2025/11/04

Send us a textThe Garifuna community in New York City is on a mission to shift from a community of presence to a community of power.Host José Francisco Ávila dives into the critical importance of increasing Garifuna political visibility and influence, arguing that a seat at the decision-making table is non-negotiable for securing resources and fighting systemic challenges.Hear about the Garifuna political trailblazers—like Rosemary Ordonez-Jenkins and Gustavo Santos—who are opening doors. More

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13:25

Episode 22 - The History of Garifuna Community...

The Garifuna Experience Podcast ·

2025/10/28

Send us a textThe 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 Hometown Associations to powerful, modern non-profit organizations.What You'll Uncover: The Pioneers: Learn about the earliest formalized groups like The Carib American Association, Inc. (1946), and how the Hometown Associations served as vital social

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8:41

Episode 21 - Beyond the Narrative: The Garifuna...

The Garifuna Experience Podcast ·

2025/10/21

Send us a textEpisode 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 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

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