Mission

The mission of the Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc. shall be to serve as a resource, a forum, and advocate for Garifuna issues and a united voice for the Garifuna community.

The Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc. is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, nonsectarian 501(c) (3) tax-exempt organization headquartered in the South Bronx. It was founded on May 9th, 1998 and incorporated on May 28, 1999.  The mission of the Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc. is to advocate for the rights of Garifuna immigrants and strengthen civic participation within the community by nurturing local leadership through educational and cultural programs that bring together community members across racial and ethnic lines. It seeks to improve the social, economic, civic and cultural conditions of New York’s Garifuna Community. 

Its advocacy efforts have served as the focal point of Garifuna Culture in New York City, providing programs aimed towards bridging generations and diverse cultural groups together.

The advocacy efforts helped uplift the Garifuna Community from obscurity to the pinnacle of recognition in New York City through accomplishments such as:

In 2008 The Garifuna Coalition developed an initiative to raise awareness and appreciation of the Garifuna Community and its contribution to the culture and society of New York City.

This initiative led to Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion issuing a proclamation declaring March 11 to April 12, 2009 as “Garifuna-American Heritage Month in the Bronx, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., has continued this tradition. 

In 2010 Assemblyman Michael Benjamin introduced a Resolution in the New York State Assembly, Memorializing Governor David Patterson to declare Garifuna-American Heritage Month in the State of New York. In addition, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg issued a proclamation. 

In 2011 Senator Ruben Diaz, Sr. introduced a Resolution in the New York State Senate, Memorializing Governor Andrew Cuomo to declare r

In 2014 New York City council woman Vanessa L. Gibson, issued the first proclamation in the New York City Council.

On April 10, 2014, Congressman Jose E. Serrano presented a Tribute to Garifuna-American Heritage Month in the House of Representatives.

On April 8, 2016, Assemblyman Luis R. Sepulveda presented bill No. A09791, on the other hand Senator of Ruben Diaz has introduced Bill No. S07175, proposing an amendment of Section 801 of the New York State Education Act to include the History of the Garifuna People. 

2017 Assembly Resolution No. 196 New York City Council Resolution  1358-2017 Recognizing April 12th annually as Garífuna Heritage Day. 

J973 NY State Senatre Memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to declare March 11, 2017, to April 12, 2017, as Garifuna-American Heritage Month in the State

These achievements have laid a solid foundation for future generations to follow for their own social and economic mobility.

By actively sponsoring music, dance and other arts and cultural events, promoting social activities, the Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc., helps ensure that the Garifuna’s proud and unique heritage is alive and well.