The Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc. serves as an advocate for Garifuna issues and a united voice for the Garifuna community in New York City. It promotes the self-determination and unification of the New York Garifuna community through grassroots organizing and community development.

The Happy Land Social Club tragedy, the killing of a fellow countryman by a New York City Policeman are considered as turning points for the Garífuna Immigrant Community – a time to pause and assess the meaning of over 70 years of struggle and development in this great city, while looking forward to a future brimming with promise and hope. But for most of the past seven decades, Garifunas have not experienced reflection and renewal. Instead, they have witnessed shocking images of a community in crisis.

In answer to these alarming conditions that beset their society, “Garifuna Pride, Our Voice – Our Vision” stands as a voice for the Garifuna Immigrant Community to bear on all facets of the New York society. Conveying a clear message from the Garifuna people:

We are all Citizens and Garifunas want a healthy and prosperous city. The travails of our city affect Garifunas as much as other citizens, sometimes with even greater severity. In turn, the concerns and needs of the Garifuna community bear on all facets the New York society.

Garifunas want to be part of the solution. For many years, the local media and citizens have portrayed Garifunas as a disorganized immigrant group in The Bronx. But Garifunas have made many outstanding contributions to New York and the Bronx and these contributions have been ignored or forgotten.

The vitality, talent and commitment of the Garifunas constitute a tremendous resource for our city. Recognizing that Garifunas’ issues are New York’s issues, we stand ready to work as full partners with all segments of The Bronx’s society to address our current ordeals and fulfill the promise of a bright future.