As we approach the centennial of Garifuna migration to New York City (1932 – 2032), we see the 2023 Garifuna-American Heritage Month, is an inflection point in the promotion of greater knowledge of and interest for the heritage, culture, and contribution of Garifuna people to the development of society. Following are 5 Facts About Garifuna-American Heritage Month. 

1. What does Garifuna-American Heritage Month Celebrate?
 Garifuna-American Heritage Month promotes greater knowledge of and interest for the heritage, culture, and contribution of Garifuna people to the development of society.

2. When is Garifuna-American Heritage Month Celebrated?
 Garifuna-American Heritage Month is celebrated from March 11th to April 12th every year, since 2008. Garifuna-American Heritage Month was first celebrated by proclamation of Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrión, Jr, on March 11, 2009, by request of the Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc., as an integral part of its efforts to raise awareness about the Garifuna Community in New York City and promote the self-determination and unification of the New York Garifuna community through grassroots organizing and community building. 

On Thursday March 9, 2023, 6 PM - 9 PM Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson will launch the 15th Annual Garifuna American Heritage Month, at Bronx County Building, Rotunda, 851 Grand concourse, Bronx, NY 10451. Each year since 2010, New York Governors David A. Paterson, Andrew M. Cuomo, and Kathy Hochul have issued a proclamation declaring March 11, to April 12, as Garifuna-American Heritage Month in the State of New York.  

3. Why does Garifuna-American Heritage Month begin on March 11?
 Like National Hispanic Heritage Month, Garifuna-American Heritage Month starts mid-month because its timing coincides with the observance of the anniversary of the forcible deportation of the Garifuna People by the British from St Vincent and the Grenadines on March 11th, 1797, and their settlement in Central America on April 12th, 1797. 

4. Why Is the Date of Garifuna-American Heritage Month Important?
 Garifunas in New York observe March 11 to April 12 as Garifuna-American Heritage Month, in commemoration of the 226 Anniversary of the Forcible Transfer by the British of the Garifuna People from their Ancestral Homeland St Vincent “Yurumein” (presently known as St. Vincent and the Grenadines), to Central America in 1797. The day of March 11 is significant because in 1797, our Garifuna Ancestors embarked as One People, on a convoy of ten British ships, on a 33 days and 33 nights forced voyage across the Caribbean Ocean, which arrived at Roatan on April 12, 1797! Never Forget! March 14 commemorates the 228th anniversary of the death of Right Excellent Joseph Chatoyer Paramount Garifuna Chief in battle against the British, on March 14, 1795. March 25 commemorates the 33rd Anniversary of the tragic date, someone set fire to the Happy Land Social Club and committed the most horrific murder in New York City until 9/11. Seventy four of the 87 victims were Hondurans; more than 70 percent of the Honduran victims were also of Garifuna descent. During the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak in April 2020, sixty-five Garifuna people died at the peak of the Pandemic, over two hundred Garifunas, have died in New York City. The month concludes on April 12 in commemoration of the 225th anniversary of the Garifuna Arrival and Settlement to Central America. On April 12, 1797, two thousand twenty-six (2,026) Garifunas disembarked from the British ships, on the island of Roatan, Honduras. 

5. How to Celebrate Garifuna-American Heritage Month?
 Through many events and activities throughout the month, such as seminars, a Garifuna Gastronomy Festival, Garifuna concert etc., people gain a greater appreciation of Garifuna history and traditions, and of the role Garifuna-Americans have played, and will continue to play, in New York’s society. People can use this celebration to show the importance of Garifunas in the U.S. by donating to Garifuna charities, learning about Garifuna history, culture and honoring influential Garifunas who have made an impact on society. 

Happy Garifuna-American Heritage Month!