Somos la unica estacion comunitaria en el internet que promociona y apoya la musica Garifuna 24 horas al dia, 7 dias a la semana. Escuchanos hoy y pasa la bola! This is the only Community Radio Station on the net that plays Garifuna music 24/7! Somos la unica estacion comunitaria en el internet que toca musica Garifuna 24/7. Keimo Tia! Wafeduha! Wabinaha!
UPCOMING EVENTS FOR THE 19TH OF NOVEMBER CELEBRATION IN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - EVENTOS A CELEBRARSE CON MOTIVO DEL ARRIVO DE LOS GARINAGU A BELICE
New Species of bat found in the island of Saint Vincent & The Grenadines which scientists want to name "Garifuna"
Through the centuries, Garifuna people have endured a series of physical and verbal attacks from being labeled cannibals to being called baby eaters and carobees. Throughout history, our name has been linked to cannibalism and witchcraft . Unfortunately, our ancestors did not get a chance to debunk such slanders that were told to them and written about them. We, the decedents of Garinagu, have continued to endure these insults even to the present day.
What’s in a name? Some of you may ask. I remember the stories that my father told me about the Garifuna people in Belize being called such horrible names as “salt head carib dog and baby eaters.” My father used to tell me how hurtful being called those names was. My father also told me about being called a “nigger” to his face for the very first time when he came to America. His argument was that “It never bother him because being called a nigger was not as bad as being called a dog, a cannibal and telling somebody that they eat babies. We Garinagu cannot relate to the meaning of the word Nigger” Our name “Garifuna” is what was given to us by our ancestors. Being Garifuna is the intangible essence of who we are as a people; our language, our values, our spiritual beliefs, our food and our culture. Do we want our name, our identity and our children to be forever linked to a bat?
I am curious about how our brothers and sisters in St. Vincent allowed this to happen? I am sure that some government official had prior knowledge of this proposed name for the new species of bats. I hope that this is not another way to attract tourism in the region on the backs of the Garinagu . There is no excuse for the ignorance of this researcher regarding Garifuna history in St. Vincent. If Mr. Larsen thinks that it is an honor to be named after a bat, then let the honor be his and let the bat be named after his forefathers. Naming this new species of bats “Garifuna” is shameful , insulting and a total disrespect to our ancestors. If I am not mistaken, I believe that some species of bats are cannibals. I wonder if this particular bat that bears the name “Garifuna” is a cannibal bat, wouldn’t that be an irony and further add insult to injury. My father used to tell me. “ If you don’t stand for anything then you will fall for anything.” This is the time to take a united stand for the honor of our ancestors, for our self-respect and for the future of our children. I stand in unity with the Garifuna community in outrage and I call for our Nation to take a stand up against this mockery of our name and identity. If you are concerned about this issue, please sign this petition which will be sent to the university funding this project, to Mr. Larsen and to the Government of St. Vincent & The Grenadines:
The statement above, reflects only the views of Cheryl Noralez and does not necessarily reflects the views of GAHFU’s board of directors and/or its officers, staff and associates.
Letter from Peter Larsen to Cheryl in response to her email:
Dear Cheryl,
I feel horrible that our name choice for the new species of bat has outraged the Garifuna Community. I am deeply saddened by this because naming a new species after someone, or a community, is a very respectful and honorable thing in the scientific community. Discovering and naming a new animal is typically rare and choosing a name is a special opportunity. There are over 1,000 species of bats throughout the world. These are very interesting and amazing mammals. The new species of bat that we discovered is remarkable. To the best of our knowledge it only occurs on St. Vincent. It is beautiful and it is an important component of the ecology of St. Vincent. I really wish that all those who are upset could see this animal. I would hope that after seeing it and understanding more about bats and about the biodiversity of St. Vincent that everyone would be happy with the name. I am truly sorry and sad that this has been taken as an insult to the Garifuna Community. Many species of animals, including many bats, have been named after loved ones, prominent scientists, cultures, etc. We really did want the new species to be a source of pride not only for those on St. Vincent, but for the Garifuna Community throughout the world. We are shocked at the outrage this has caused because this was honestly supposed to be a very positive and kind gesture. No disrespect was meant in any way. I will talk with my coauthors on the paper to see how we can help resolve this. Again, please accept my deepest apologies. Sincerely, -Peter Larsen
Dear Mr. Peter Larson,
I appreciate your response to my initial email. However, the feedback that I am getting from individuals and leaders in the Garifuna community regarding your apology is not good. The vast majority in the community have expressed that in your efforts to apologize you continue to highlight and justify your reasons for naming this new species of bat “Garifuna” by referring to it as being an honor in the scientific community. Mr. Larson you have to take into consideration that we the Garifuna people do not live in your scientific community; we live in our communities and you Mr. Larson have to mindful that the Garifuna people do not view this as an honor. In contrary, we view naming this bat species “Garifuna” as offensive and a dishonor to our ancestor, history and culture.
Last night I was engaged in a telephone conference call with leaders and concerned individuals from the community to discuss this issue. According to the article from http://www.dailytoreador.com/news/article_67870f22-9aae-11e0-bf81-001a4bcf6878.html “the researchers spent a long time deciding the name of the new species, Siles said, but settled on the name “Garifuna”, the name of the natives of St. Vincent Island”. The key word there is that researchers agreed to name this new species “Garifuna” and you did take into account the impact your decision to this naming of the species would be on the Garifuna people. Mr. Larson you were quoted in that same article “The name that you choose is really important because it is a permanent record in literature,” he said. The ramification of you naming this bat “Garifuna” has and will be viewed as disrespect to our ancestors as well as the Garifuna Nation and our future generation. The consensus in the community is that you and your coauthors should agree first of all change the name of this new bat species and edit or remove any literature and publications which refers to this bat species as “Garifuna”. The suggestion from the community is that you should name this bat species “Buriri” which is the name for bat in the Garifuna language. Mr. Larson if you are indeed remorseful and you truly intended that naming this species after the Garifuna people ” to be a source of pride not only for those on St. Vincent, but for the Garifuna Community throughout the world” then renaming the species “Buriri” will achieve both goals and be a first step towards a resolution to this issue.
Dear Ms. Noralez,
I sincerely appreciate your comments. Based on comments from the editor in chief of the journal where the description is being published it is my understanding that Peter and his co-authors have been given permission to retract the name garifuna and replace it with búriri. Peter is one of the most dedicated and conscientious young scientists that I know and I am certain that the response to the naming of the bat has caused him considerable concern and anxiety. You are quite correct in stating what might be considered a great honor by the scientific community, could be viewed in a totally different light by another group of people having a different culture, values and background. This has been the most important lesson that I (and I am sure Peter) have learned from this experience and one that I will pass on to my own graduate students. If we ever name a species after a person, culture, or group of people, we will be sure to contact them a priori to guarantee that we have not offended anyone in any way. I believe that Peter's actions in retracting and renaming the bat will demonstrate his integrity and desire to 'do the right thing'.
Again, thank you for contacting me. I have been in email contact with a number of folks from the Garifuna culture over the past several days, and I appreciate all the communications I have had.
With warmest regards,
Lou Densmore
Llewellyn D. Densmore, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair
Department of Biological Sciences
and Director, TTU/HHMI Science Education Program at CISER
GAHFU, INC. proudly presents the Ballet Nacional Folklorico Garifuna de Honduras Thursday the 15th and Sunday the 18th of September 2011 at the world-famous Celebrity Centre International in Holywood, California. De vuelta a Hollywood, California por demanda popular el Ballet Nacional Folklorico Garifuna de Honduras el Jueves 15 y el Domingo 18 de Septiembre del 2011 en el famoso Celebrity Centre International (323) 898-6841
Daphne Gotay fue nominada por GAHFU para representar a la comunidad Garifuna de Izabal, Guatemala en el evento Miss Guatemala Nuestra Belleza Chapina en Los Angeles, CA. Daphne Gotay was nominated by GAHFU to represent the Garifuna commnunity of Izabal, Guatemala in Miss Guatemala Our Beauty of Los Angeles, CA.
10th Year Anniversary of this proclamation by the California Legislature Assembly - Mike Daivs,
My assistant and I will be in LA representing a couple of clients in immigration court this Friday. I plan to stay through the weekend and wondered if you could pass this information on to your list to let them know that I will be holding low cost consultations on immigration and bankruptcy law and addressing a bit of foreclosure issues. Folks can contact me either by phone (510) 288-8686 or by email at sgelobter@yurumeinlaw.com or sharron@gelobter.net. I hope you all are well and perhaps to see you this weekend. Let me know if there is anything fun happening. I'd to attend some cultural events. Best wishes,Sharron
ATTORNEY IMMIGRATION LITIGATION BANKRUPTCY NDCA Yurumein Law Firm 1736 Franklin Street, 10th Floor Oakland, CA 94612 TEL: (510) 288-8686 FAX: (775) 522-6586 sgelobter@yurumeinlaw.com www.yurumeinlaw.com
GAHFU Received The Afro-Community Empowerment Award From CSUN
Written by Rony Figueroa Friday, 29 April 2011 21:24
On Friday, April 29, 2011 The Central American Studies Program and The Central American Research and Policy Institute at California State University, Northridge celebrated its 10th year anniversary; the only one of its kind in the nation. Garifuna American Heritage Foundation United, Inc. was selected to be the recipient of the Afro-Community Empowerment Award in recognition of its hard work in the Garifuna community of Los Angeles. Beatriz Cortez, Ph.D., Director and Douglas Carranza, Ph.D., Program Coordinator presented the plaque to GAHFU’s president & founder Ms. Cheryl L. Noralez.
The Central American Studies Program was inaugurated in Fall 2000 to empower the Central American community in the United States, to open spaces of global citizenship and dialogue between academia and society that contribute to the construction of a Central American transnational identity and to promote an understanding and appreciation of the Central American cultures, ethnicities and experiences.
There were several people and organizations awarded during the celebration but the organization that stole the show was GAHFU’s Garifuna Folkloric Drumming & Dance Ensemble directed by Erica Zuñiga Chipman. They danced a combination of Hüngü Hügü, Paranda and Punta to the sweet beat of the drums and the sisira. The drummers were also given the honor of leading the participants in a procession as they marched to the banquet area.
GAHFU would like to dedicate this acknowledgement and award to our ancestors and to the Garifuna people throughout the diaspora. This is a copy of Cheryl L. Noralez’s acceptance speech:
Congratulation to the Central American Studies Program and the Central American Research and Policy Institute here at CSUN for celebrating their ten year anniversary. I would like to thank Dr. Beatriz Cortez and Dr. Douglas Carranza for always inviting and welcoming the Garifuna community to this lovely campus. I am honored to accept the Afro-Community Empowerment Award on behalf of Garifuna American Heritage Foundation United and the Garifuna community. It is a privilege to know that within this establishment of higher education students are being taught and exposed to the Garifuna culture so rich history. The Garifuna people have a history that span across the Americas from the Orinoco, the Lesser Antilles to Central and North America. The Garifuna people have lived in exile for over 214 years in Central America but yet our language, our spirit and the core of whom we are as a people are still intact. Unfortunately, history has a way of repeating itself, just as our ancestors fought for their land and to live in peace 214 years ago in our homeland of St. Vincent /Yurumein we find ourselves facing this same fight today in Guatemala, Belize, Nicaragua and in Honduras for our sacred and indigenous land rights. It is important that we do not let history repeat itself. It is only by getting involved, being organized and having a voice that we can continue to educate people about who Garinagu are and the crimes that are being committed against them in their adopted countries of origin. Again, thank you to the Central American Studies Program for always embracing the Garifuna people and for recognizing the diversity throughout Central America. Garinagu wagia!!
El dia 29 de Abril del 2011, se celebraron los diez años del aniversario de la facultad de estudios centroamericanos, el unico en Los Estados Unidos, en la Universidad del Estado de California, Northridge. El evento fue concebido por su lider, la profesora Dra. Beatriz Cortez y su colega el Dr. Douglas Carranza. Ambos profesores y su comite organizador conformado de estudiantes de la de la misma facultad montaron una buena presentacion en uno de los teatros ubicados dentro del campus. Fueron varios los galardonados pero el grupo etnico que mas sabor le puso a la presentacion de premios, fue el elenco Garifuna, representado por la gran familia GAHFU. GAHFU fue galardonado con el Afro-Community Empowerment Award por su arduo trabajo en la comunidad Garifuna no solamente dentro del casco urbano de Los Angeles sino a travez de la Republica Norteamericana. Nuestra gente se dio presencia y lograron demostrar que los Garinagu si tienen representacon, voz y voto dentro de la academia. La señora Cheryl L. Noralez, Presidenta y Fundadora de la organizacion se expreso en palabras muy elocuentes a la audiencia compuesta de lideres comunitarios y de padres de familia asi como estudiantes universitarios. GAHFU, Inc. tuvo la oportunidad de dar una presentacion por medio de una pantalla gigante con unas graficas llenas de vida y denotando la unidad de los Garinagu quienes viven y gozan de una buena hermandad y comunidad en la ciudad de Los Angeles. Los miembros de GAHFU les gustaria dedicar este reconocimiento a toda la comunidad Garifuna no solo de Los Angeles sino del mundo para que sigamos en nuestra lucha de mantener nuestra cultura y formas de vida no importando el lugar en donde estemos. Ademas, queremos exortar y animar a personalidades dentro de la diaspora Garifuna como Miriam Miranda, Celeo Alvarez y Luther Castillo para que sigan adelante en la lucha de la defensa de nuestras tierras no solamente en Honduras sino en todo centroamerica. Adelante hermanas y hermanos. Garinagu Wagia!! Atentamente;
From: Cheryl L. Noralez, GAHFU, Inc. President & Founder
Long Beach, CA 90806
E-mail: garifunaheritagefoundation@yahoo.com
(323) 898-6841 (562) 218-9743
Re: GAHFU To Be Bestowed With The Afro-Community Empowerment Award
GAHFU, Inc. is pleased to inform you that we have been invited to participate in the X Anniversary Celebration of the establishment of the Central American Studies Department at Sierra Hall – Whitsett Room (SH451) on Friday, April 29, 2011 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm, GAHFU, Inc. inside California State University, Northridge campus.
GAHFU, Inc. has been selected to be the recipient of the Afro-Community Empowerment Award to be bestowed at the X Anniversary Celebration. Beatriz Cortez, Ph.D., Director and Douglas Carranza, Ph.D., Program Coordinator also requested a special PowerPoint presentation on what our organization has been doing in and around the Garifuna community. In addition, they also requested that the Garifuna Cultural Drumming and Dance Ensemble do a presentation during celebration. Erica Zuniga, Director of Arts & Cultural Performances for GAHFU is preparing for this presentation.
The Central American Studies Program was inaugurated in Fall 2000 to empower the Central American community in the United States, to open spaces of global citizenship and dialogue between academia and society that contribute to the construction of a Central American transnational identity and to promote an understanding and appreciation of the Central American cultures, ethnicities and experiences.
Garifuna American Heritage Foundation United, Inc. is working towards openning the doors for more Garifuna students to enter this program and become experts in the studies of Garifuna.
Yours truly;
Cheryl Noralez, President & Founder
INDIVISIBLE: AFRICAN-NATIVE AMERICAN LIVES IN THE AMERICAS
BLACK MEN SOUL Embajadores Culturales de Honduras Tegucigalpa Municipio del Distrito Central REPUBLICA DE HONDURAS, C.A www.blackmensoul.com
Correo- rochezbro@blackmensoul.com
Teléfono: Para su publicación inmediata (504) 2558-9714; 9976-2078; 9981-1195 CON «LA MARCHA DE LOS 214 TAMBORES» INAUGURARÁ HONDURAS MES DE LA HERENCIA AFRICANA EN ABRIL 2011 Tegucigalpa, M.D.C., Honduras. - La Delegación Musical Black Men Soul (www.blackmensoul.com), Embajadores Culturales de Honduras, junto a organizaciones, patronatos, y asociaciones garífunas nacionales e internacionales, anuncia «La marcha de los 214 tambores», acto que abrirá el Mes de la Herencia Africana en Honduras, en el Año Internacional de los Afrodescendientes el viernes 1° de abril de 2011 en la ciudad de Tegucigalpa.
La épica comparsa, visión del Prof. Horacio Martínez o «Libari Hunkó», la concertó una confederación de entes y particulares el martes 18 de enero del año en curso en el Centro de la Cultura Garínagu de Honduras. Concentrará a 5,000 artistas de los clubes de danza provenientes de comunidades garífunas desde Plaplaya, Roatán, hasta Maska. A compás del
El acto enaltecerá el Año Internacional de los Afrodescendientes; y exigirá apoyo para la herencia cultural garífuna del país. La inscripción para las organizaciones nacionales e internacionales que deseen sumarse a esta causa está abierta al público. Puede comunicarse a los correos o teléfonos arriba indicados. garawon o tambor, caracoles (wadábu) y maracas (sísira) se pondrá en vitrina la cultura designada por la UNESCO Obra Maestra del Patrimonio Oral e Intangible de la Humanidad, enviando al mundo un mensaje de unidad, integración, y armonía. Delegación Musical Black Men Soul, Embajadores Culturales. Con operaciones en EE.UU. México y Honduras. _________________________________________________________________________ Zona 2 Bloque 24 Oficina 4519 ZM 6 Colonia Kennedy Tegucigalpa M.D.C, Honduras C.A. , Tel.(504)2228-0306, (504)9976-2078, (504)-9981-1195 rochezbro@blackmensoul.com, rochezbro@hotmail.com BLACK MEN SOUL Embajadores Culturales de Honduras Tegucigalpa Municipio del Distrito Central REPUBLICA DE HONDURAS, C.A www.blackmensoul.com ORGANIZACIONES INSCRITAS HASTA LA FECHA 1) Delegación Musical «Black Men Soul»
2) Organización Fraternal Negra de Honduras (OFRANEH)
3) Centro de la Cultura Garínagu de Honduras (CENCULGAR)
4) Comité Cívico del Gran Valle de Sula
5) Asociación de Mujeres Negras de Honduras (ASOMUNH)
6) Fundación de Mujeres Garífunas en Marcha de Trujillo
7) Fundación Luagu Hatuadi Wadúheñu («Por la salud de nuestros pueblos»)
8) Juventud Garífuna Luwéyuri Aníchigu (JUGALA)
9) Federación de Patronatos de Iriona
10) Organización Nacional de Jóvenes Garínagu (NANIGU)
11) Organización La Esperanza de Mujeres Garífunas (OLAMUGAH)
12) Sociedad Hondureña Activa en Nueva York (SHANY)
13) Colaboración Planetaria (COPLANET)
14) Bronx Film World Inc.
15) Asambleísta Demócrata del Estado de Nueva York, Nelson Castro.
GAHFU
March 10, 2011
Ms. Cheryl Noralez, President
Garífuna American Heritage Foundation United (GAHFU)
Los Angeles
Dear Ms. Noralez,
The Central American Studies Program and the Central American Research and Policy Institute (CARPI) at California State University, Northridge are proud to announce the celebration of our X Anniversary. We celebrate ten years of accomplishments by our faculty, our students, and our Alumni.
Our Anniversary celebration will take place at the California State University, Northridge, in Sierra Hall, at the Whitsett Room (SH 451) at 6:00pm on Friday, April 29, 2011. As part of the celebration we will revisit our history, our accomplishments, and discuss our plans for the future. In addition, we will have the opportunity to award members and organizations linked to the Central American community, and linked to our students, our faculty, and our program, with recognitions for their contributions to the work that we do in our institution, as well as to our common struggle to achieve full rights for all members of our community.
On behalf of the Central American Studies Program and the Central American Research and Policy Institute (CARPI) we are proud to announce that we have selected you as the recipient of the bestowed at our X Anniversary Celebration. We hope that you will accept this award in recognition of your contributions to provide visibility and empowerment to the Afro-Central American community in Los Angeles through GAHFU's educational and cultural programs.
Other honorees will include Ms. Marlyn García from Time Warner Cable for her contributions to develop our scholarship program and for her sustained support of our events and programming; the Central American Resource Center (CARECEN)-Los Angeles for its contributions to citizen activism and rights in the Central American Community; the Multi-Ethnic Immigrant Worker Organizing Network (MIWON), for its contributions to move forward immigration reform; The National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON) for its contributions to fight for dignified labor for Central American day laborers in the United States; Mr. Marvin Villanueva, for his contributions to enhance the educational experience of our students at CSUN; Mr. Rafael Escamilla for his contributions to provide visibility to the Central American community through the beauty of his art; and to Mariana Francisco Xuncax, for her contributions to provide language translation and cultural services that enable members of the Indigenous communities from Central America to obtain medical services in the Diaspora.
As you know, the Central American Studies Program was inaugurated in Fall 2000. Since then, its mission has been trifold: to empower the large and growing Central American community in the United States by promoting academic excellence, community involvement, and cultural diversity; to open spaces of global citizenship and dialogue between academia and society that contribute to the construction of a Central American transnational identity; and to promote an understanding and appreciation of the diverse Central American cultures, ethnicities, experiences, and worldviews from an interdisciplinary global perspective. To this day, it continues to be the only Central American Studies Program in the nation, and the only one to offer a Bachelor in Central American Studies anywhere.
The Central American Research and Policy Institute (CARPI) was established in the Fall 2001 for the purpose of developing research, policy and knowledge supporting the socioeconomic, cultural and civil development of the transnational Central American community. In addition, CARPI works towards the establishment of an ongoing relationship with other entities in the United States and Central America. Policy development and academic research address issues of common concern such as immigration, civil society, economic development, and cultural identity of Central Americans. CARPI's current projects include the III Central American Cultural Studies Congress (which will take place in June 2-5, 2011), the Central American Library Editorial Project, the Central American Virtual Archives Project, and a project to further Cooperation with Central American Universities, among others.
Your acceptance will allow us to honor your work and commitment, and will assist us in ensuring a successful event. We would very much appreciate if you confirm your acceptance of this award and your attendance to this event no later than Friday, March 25, 2011. Please feel free to invite other members of GAHFU to accompany us in this celebration. On behalf of the Central American Studies Program and the Central American Research and Policy Institute (CARPI) at California State University, Northridge we thank you for your leadership, your commitment, and your contributions to further the cause of immigration reform and to build a more dignified life for this community of future citizens.
In solidarity,
Douglas Carranza, Ph.D. Beatriz Cortez, Ph.D. Program Coordinator Director Central American Studies Central American Research & Policy Institute California State University, Northridge California State University, Northridge
OK, I admit I had nothing better to do on a lovely Sunday afternoon in the middle of January a heartbeat away from downtown Los Angeles. Aurelio Martinez was in town and because I had missed the Saturday evening opener, there was no way in hell I’d also miss Sunday’s matinee staged inside the elegantly adorned Getty Museum Auditorium high above the western sideline overlooking the LA basin. Ten minutes removed from the I10-405 Interchange, I pulled into the parking lot at Getty Drive, stood in line patiently for the incredibly picturesque tram ride up to the Museum and waited for Aurelio to strut his stuff. I’m here to tell you he did not disappoint. He never ever does! Not this guy.
Aurelio, his ever present guitar and six piece ensemble took center stage at about 3:45pm and for 90 minutes subsequently, it was a musical journey deep into Garifuna territory. The Laru Beya(Beachside) Tour was in full throttle as Aurelio transitioned vocally from his oldest hits to his newest CD effort flawlessly. Opening the show with "Laru Beya’ and "Weibayuwa’ songs from the Laru Beya CD to set the stage, long time followers soon very quickly identified with his Garifuna Soul anthems like ‘Dugu’ and my personal favorite "Yalifu.’ Enticingly, he drew the audience into a frenzy, inviting a few brave souls onto the side of the stage. Now the show was in full swing – either one sat in complete awe of his frenetic pace on stage, the frantic twangs on the guitar and his gyrating paranda interpretations or stood and cheered wildly while singing or clapping along. It was sheer pandemonium in the theatre and to add to the drama, he would perform a one on one with his primero player – a very capable fellow by the name of Celso Nunez. Just when you thought Aurelio had given his all, he put the guitar down to do a solo behind a set of shining unsuspecting congas on the right side of the stage. He beat the living skin off those drums and then it was show time. He danced his butt off, grabbed the Maracas player and baited him into wowing the crowd with his assortment of shimmy-shaking, foot speed empowering punta machinations. News flash – this tour is awesome and is only likely to impress even more so as the tour moves on to other venues. If there was one glaring flaw, it was that the mix engineer virtually buried the guitar sounds coming from Ivan Duran and Sam Harris, that was so very unfortunate because they too can bring it if you will. Backing vocals as a whole were also much too subdued. Quite likely those shortcomings will get corrected down the road.
Martinez is an incredibly gifted performer, but his vocal range is even more impressive as he normally sings in a high key reminiscent of the Stevie Wonders and Michael Jacksons. He’s also become quite adept at engaging the audience despite his very limited use of the English language. He’s sharp, witty, playful and masterful on stage and yet, off stage, he’s a cool customer, very composed and can talk at length about the plight of his Garifuna people in his country of Honduras and indeed the economic and political plight of the Garinagu worldwide. After the concert he made an impromptu stop at the Blazer Garifuna Learning Center where he made an impassioned plea to the attendees to shore up the culture from language erosion. He wore his politician’s hat to push for more education and economic survival of the culture that has served him so well. Very few of his fans would even be aware he was the first Garifuna elected to office as a Congressman in Honduras. Aurelio unabashedly has taken the reins as the Cultural Ambassador for Garifuna music and continues to tour worldwide in that regard moving the baton further along. Andy Palacio was one of his best friends and still is his musical idol, such that Aurelio pays tribute to him at every step of the way. In his mind’s eye he is merely carrying the baton where Andy left off. That is no mean feat, but Martinez seems quite capable of shouldering the load, doing it in Garifuna, Spanish and English as necessary.
The tour then, is a culmination of a journey that took the combined efforts of Stonetree Records and its Manager Ivan Duran through three or more continents including stops in Belize, Honduras and Senegal to record Laru Beya. The resulting CD is a fusion of present day Afropop, Afrocentric rhythmic riffs from the guitars, mixed with Garifuna drums, a sprinkling of horns, a hint of hip-hop - the sum of which is a pleasant departure from strict punta/paranda tunes with which we’ve all become familiar from Garifuna Soul and previous albums, a clear indication Aurelio is not afraid to experiment and push the boundary of his music. I will critique this CD in detail in the near future. Until then I’ll be listening to it a number of times very carefully. Maybe, just maybe, this is the new direction the music is headed. Only time and the sometimes fickle reaction of fans will tell. Share your thoughts at sellisrecords@gmail.com
William R Cayetano
Nota cortesia del Lic. Mario Gerardo Ellington Lambe (Labuga, Guatemala)
HISTORICO ACONTECIMIENTO PARA EL PUEBLO GARIFUNA DESCUBRIMIENTO DE LAS CUEVAS DE SAN MARTIN EN LABUGA, LIVINGSTON, IZABAL
Una gran bendición de parte de nuestro Creador, Bungiu Uguchili Sunti Gabufu, con la mediación de Nuestros Ancestros, mediante ceremonias garífunas Iñurahanei, durante los días del 12 al 14 de Enero de 2011, en el marco de las celebraciones del Día de Nuestro señor de Esquipulas, se llevó a cabo un HISTÓRICO ACONTECIMIENTO para el Pueblo Garífuna, para Labuga Lívingston, Izabal, Guatemala, Centro América y para la Humanidad, el DESCUBRIMIENTO DE LAS CUEVAS DE SAN MARTIN. Sin duda alguna es un acontecimiento de suma importancia para la historia y la ciencia.
Las Cuevas de San Martín, están ubicadas en el área conocido en idioma garífuna como Gangadiwali, Lichüguogu, Labuga, Siete Altares, Lívingston, Izabal, Guatemala, Centro América; su proceso de descubrimiento se inició el 12 de Enero de 2010, mediante ceremonias y ritos desde la espiritualidad garífruna.
Las Cuevas de San Martín, desde la Cosmovisión y Espiritualidad Garífuna, constituyen un Templo, un Santuario de los Hiyuruwas, Seres Espirituales, quienes han dado la autorización para su acceso en forma ordenada.
Participaron en las ceremonias de descubrimiento el Buyei Esteban Palacios, Ebu Fermín Arzú, Ebu Mariano Gotay, Ebu German Baltazar, Mario Ellington, Magno Baltazar, David Leiva, Menelio Moreira, Gregory Lucas, Humberto Bermúdez, Francisco González Renato Leiva y Oscar Nuñez.
El día Domingo 23 de enero de 2011, a partir de las 6:00 hrs, se realizará una ceremonia de presentación a la comunidad de las Cuevas de San Martín. El punto de reunión será el Dabuyaba, Templo Ceremonial.
Watch the video documentary of the visit of the creator of Punta Rock, Mr. Pen Cayetano & The Turtle Shell Band, to GAHFU's Garifuna Language & Culture Academy in Los Angeles, CA.
Chief Joseph Chatuye Statue #21 comes to visit GAHFU's Garifuna Language & Culture Academy. La estatua del Jefe Supremo Joseph Chatuye de visita a nuestra academia Garifuna en Los Angeles, CA.
BALLET NACIONAL FOLKLORICO GARIFUNA DE HONDURAS
EN ESTE DIA DE GRACIAS LES FELICITO POR SU GRAN ACTUACION PUDE VERLOS ACA EN LOS ANGELES NUEVAMENTE CRISANTOS ME SORPRENDE CON SU TALENDO Y LA DISCIPLINA DE TU GRUPO ARTISTICO SON UN ORGULLO PARA LOS HONDURENOS GRACIAS POR TODO.
MILTON QUINTANILLA
EN ESTE DIA DE GRACIAS LES FELICITO POR SU GRAN ACTUACION PUDE VERLOS ACA EN LOS ANGELES NUEVAMENTE CRISANTOS ME SORPRENDE CON SU TALENDO Y LA DISCIPLINA DE TU GRUPO ARTISTICO SON UN ORGULLO PARA LOS HONDURENOS GRACIAS POR TODO.
MILTON QUINTANILLA
Your presence will give you the licenses to talk about a ballet folklorico as one that has authority, not as a scribe. Please, just go see it; tomorrow is the last show. If in the event you don't like it, I'll give you back your money. Honorable Consul General of Belize in Los Angeles Mr. Roland Yorke
Photos courtesy of Helen Laurie, GAHFU's Community Liaison
El Ballet Nacional Foklorico Garifuna de Honduras Sacudio A Hollywood Con Su Tormenta De Cultura
El Ballet Nacional Foklorico Garifuna de Honduras bajo la tutela del profesor Armando Crisanto Melendez logro hacer dos presentaciones muy importantes en el escenario mas bello de Hollywood y en donde muchas estrellas de cine y television se hacen presentes, el famoso Celebrity Centre International. La primer show extravanza fue el Sabado 20 de Noviembre a partir de la 1:00 pm y la otra y ultima presentacion en Hollywood fue el Martes 23 de Noviembre 6:30pm. El Ballet Nacional Folklorico Garifuna de Honduras nunca habia llegado a Los Angeles, California y su presencia desperto mucha alegria y nacionalismo en los corazones de miles de hondureños que viven y trabajan en esta parte de Los EEUU. Ademas, toda la comunidad catracha le brindo su apoyo a la organizacion Garifuna GAHFU, Inc. la cual estaba a cargo de todos los pormenores que se susitaron durante su visita.
GAHFU, Inc. organizo una semana llena de actividades para que cuando el ballet llegara, ellos pudieran lograr llegar a ciertos lugares claves en donde la cultura Garifuna fuse apreciado como debe de ser. La siguiente lista es de los nombres de los lugares que ellos visitaron. Viernes de madrugada Univision estudios de television para una entrevista y show en vivo. La Universidad de California en Los Angeles UCLA para una presentacion de un taller de cultura y danza dentro de la biblioteca Chales E. Young Research Library. Viernes noche, una cena de bienvenida de parte de la comunidad hondureña y en especial para el nombramiento de la Sra. Vivian Panting como Comisionada Presidencial para La Migracion. Sabado de mañana, un desayudo Garifuna en el establecimiento de Wadabu Wagucina Restaurante. Luego, primera presentacion del ballet en el Celebrity Centre International de Hollywood. Por la noche, el Restaurante Casa Honduras, nos brindo una cena baile en donde el elenco pudo relajarse un poco despues de una presentacion exitosa ese dia. El Domingo 10:00 am, con mucho exito se celebro la misa de accion de gracias con motivo de la llegada del Garifuna a Guatemala. Esta misa se llevo a cabo en St Malachy Catholic Church en el Sur de Los Angeles con la presencia de los miembros de la comunidad Garifuna Guatemalteca, el elenco del ballet nacional folklorico Garifuna de Honduras y Garinagu de Belice y Honduras respectivamente. Despues de la misa, se llevo a cabo un convivio en el Centro de Cultura Garifuna Moha’s en donde se les brindo comida y bebidas ademas de un ambiente de hermandad a todos los asistentes. Hubo tambor y mucha hermandad celebrando el Dia del Garifuna Guatemalteco – Yurumein.
El Dia Lunes 22 de Noviembre, se viajo hasta la ciudad de Northridge, CA para participar en el 6to Foro Anual Comunitario Garifuna. Los miembros del elenco tuvieron la oportunidad no solamente de bailar y cantar sino de tambien recibir una catedra de historia y cultura Garifuna departe de los expositores Garinagu de Belice y Honduras como el Sr. Ruben Reyes, Carlos Domingo Alvarez, Dale Aranda y la Sra. Anita Martinez. El foro Garifuna fue todo un exito y todos los expositores y el ballet recibieron un reconocimiento en forma de un certificado de parte el director del Programa de Estudios Centroamericanos, el Dr. Carranza.
Por la noche, fueron llevados a Honduras Kitchen del Sr. Rafael Larios para recibir una cena y poder relajarse despues de un canzado dia. Martes por la mañana, el desayuno Garifuna fue servido en su habitacion del Historico Hotel Mayfair del Centro de Los Angeles. Un suculento almuerzo fue preparado por el buen Hondureño y compatriota de todos, el Sr. Luis Reyes, en su lugar de habitacion. Inmediatamente despues del almuerzo, el elenco fue llevado hacia el Celebrity Centre International de Hollywood para su preparacion en su ultima presentacion por la noche.
De antemano, GAHFU, Inc. quisiera enviar un saludo de agradecimiento fraternal a la ex-consul de Honduras en Los Angeles, la señora Vivian Panting por ser la primer persona en proporcionarnos $500 de ayuda monetaria y una lista de personas, negocios y coporaciones que tambien donaron para poder albergar, alimentar y transporter al elenco del ballet. Ademas, queremos agradecer al consulado general de Honduras en Los Angeles y su consul la señora Astrid Bustillos y a todo el plantel de trabajo por tambien hacernos llegar su contribucion economica. A las organizaciones hondureñas que se hacercaron para cooperar en la planeacion y organizacion de bienvenida para el ballet, mil gracias; especialmente al señor presidente de Hondrueños Unidos de Los Angeles Don Leoncio Velasquez, quien tambien es el nuevo presidente electo de COFECA (comite organizador de la feria centroamericana), por su incansable apoyo y su ayuda en coordinar y transportar la camioneta del grupo de artistas durante los 6 dias. A la señora Cecilia Rodriguez de Alianza Hondureña de Los Angeles, Xiomara Ayes-Fields de La Casa del Hondureño, Gelen Arias por su insaciable sed de ayudar en todo respect. A la hondureña de corazon, señora Cecilia Bogran de Univision por brindarnos una entrevista en vivo el Viernes 19 desde las 3:00 de la mañana en los estudios de television de una empresa lider. Ella tuvo al ballet en vivo durante todo el segmento de noticias visto por mas de 20 millones de personas en el area Angelina. A la periodista hondureña Dunia Elvir de Telemundo gracias por su entrevista en los estudios de television, tambien. Un agradecimiento muy especial tambien para la señora Patricia Panting de Catrachos News, un periodico lider dentro del casco urbano de Los Angeles, mil gracias por su tremenda portada del ballet hondureño.
El reconocimiento va tambien para los consules generals de Belice el Sr. Roland Yorke por su reconocimiento dado no solamente al ballet sino tambien para el profesor Crisanto. Asi mismo, al Dr. Cadrin E. Gill de San Vicente & Las Granadinas por su aporte economico y reconocimiento al ballet. El consulado general de Honduras atravez de su consul Olimpia Astrid Bustillos, vice consules y personal de su oficina, muchas gracias por su ayuda y reconocimiento atravez de un certificado.
Redactado por el Vice Presidente de GAHFU, Inc., Rony Figueroa
COMENTARIOS DEJADOS EN CORREO ELECTRONICO O PAGINAS DE INTERNET:
Your presence will give you the licenses to talk about a ballet folklorico as one that has authority, not as a scribe. Please, just go see it; tomorrow is the last show. If in the event you don't like it, I'll give you back your money. Honorable Consul General of Belize in Los Angeles Mr. Roland Yorke
“WOW AMAZING” Marielos Huezo
The National Garifuna Folkloric Ballet of Honduras was wonderful. Thanks for what you and your husband do for our culture! Gail Lewis
GAHFU recibio la estatua #21 de las manos del Arufudahati Armando Crisanto Melendez, director y coreografo del Ballet Nacional Folklorico Garifuna de Honduras. La ultima presentacion del ballet fue llena de emociones encontradas y de mucha pasion pues la gente que llegaba al teatro, entraba tropezando pues venian corriendo tratando de llegar temprano luchando contra el trafico inevitable de las calles y carreteras de Los Angeles. El profesor Crisanto estaba, como siempre, con una mirada de sorpresa de ver que la gente lo buscaba para abrazarlo y saludarlo y asi mismo querer tomarse una foto con sus fanaticos. El ambiente era de locura y de mucha fraternidad pues lo seguian tanto fotografos como familiares, amigos y admiradores. Lo mismo sucedia con los miembros del elenco que se sentian tan alagados de finalmente haber llegado a Los Angeles. Muchos de los artistas dijeron que Los Angeles les gustaba mas que Nueva York no solo por su clima sino tambien por su calor humano y porque esta ciudad no se sentia como una jungla de concreto como La Gran Manzana.
Despues de la presentacion la cual termino a las 9:00 pm del dia Martes 23, se cargaron los instrumentos y vestimenta del elenco a las camionetas y en flash se corrio hacia el aeropuerto de Los Angeles - LAX para lograr abordar el vuelo de Continental Airlines con rumbo a Tegucipalpa, Honduras.
Gracias Wayuhuru Crisanto por su regalo tan especial para GAHFU, Inc. de la antitesis de la historia Garifuna.
Seremein abuti
GAHFU, Inc.
EN ESTE DIA DE GRACIAS LES FELICITO POR SU GRAN ACTUACION PUDE VERLOS ACA EN LOS ANGELES NUEVAMENTE CRISANTOS ME SORPRENDE CON SU TALENDO Y LA DISCIPLINA DE TU GRUPO ARTISTICO SON UN ORGULLO PARA LOS HONDURENOS GRACIAS POR TODO.
MILTON QUINTANILLA
Dia Del Garifuna Guatemalteco
El padre que ofrecio la misa es oriundo de Nigeria, Africa y esta bien familiarizado con la experiencia Garifuna. Despues de la misa, se brindo un convivio a todos los asistentes en el centro cultural Garifuna del Sr Moha en la 89 calle y Vermont Avenue. Alli estuvieron presentes el Sr Carlos Gotay desde Nueva York tambien Flavio Alvarez, presidente de la organizacion Destino 2012 y la Sra Cheryl L. Noralez, presidenta de GAHFU. Hubieron tambores, gente bailando, otros comiendo y muchos se prestaron para tomar su turno bailando Wanaragua inponiendole el paso al tambor primera. La musica de dj fue proporcionada gratuitamente por el DJ Tyla, originario de Labuga. GAHFU, Inc.
Les felicito a todos especialemente Rony y Cheryl por organizar y apoyar a los nuestros. Les agradezco mucho sus esfuerzos. La comunidad organizada de LA y los empresarios estan muy contentos. Gracias por traernos esta maravilla de la patria grande,
Viva GAHFU,VIVA HONDURAS,
Vivian Panting
VOLUNTEERS AND SPONSORS FOR THE BALLET NACIONAL FOLKLORICO GARIFUNA OF HONDURAS
Vivian Panting Ex-Cónsul General de Honduras en la Ciudad de Los Angeles, California tomo su puesto desde el mes de Marzo de 1998 por el presidente de Honduras Sr. Carlos Roberto Flores Facussé, quién confia en su capacidad profesional y creo en que ella puediese lograr los objetivos propuestos por el Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y los retos que conlleva un consulado al servicio de nuestra comunidad y nuestro país.
En 1990 la Sra. Panting se gradúa en la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras de la facultad de psicología con orientación Industrial; años después se desempeña como catedrática en esa misma institución educativa impartiendo clases en esa facultad.
Durante sus años profesionales trabaja como consultora en el area de Psicología Industrial en el sector privado, trabajando con varias empresas , con necesidades y propósitos diferentes. Después de obtener tal experiencia decide fundar su propia empresa consultora. ( Colocación y Capacitación de Recursos Humanos, COLOCARH S.A.)
También participó y apoyó actividades sociales y humanitarias , desde sus años de estudiante asistiendo a mujeres abusadas, a la niñez desprotegida, personas de la tercera edad y minusválidas.
Fué miembra de la Junta Directiva del Colegio de Psicología de Honduras, fue suplente del Claustro Pleno Universitario y de la Junta Directiva de la Federación de Estudiantes Universitarios de Honduras. Además Incursiona en Teatro y Poesia.
Casa Honduras Restaurant 92nd and Vermont Avenue Los Angeles, CA
Sirviendole a la comunidad hondureña con los mejor de la cocina catracha y con buena musica y grupo Bamba DJ Carlos y DJ Mambo en vivo los fines de semana. Tambien ven a ver tus partidos de futbol favoritos directamente desde Honduras Para mas informacion llama (323) 777-1117
2409 East Slauson Avenue Huntington Park, CA 90255-7122 - (323) 582-9139
Consulado General De Honduras - Olimpia Astrid Bustillos, Consul General en LA Calle: 3550 Wilshire Blvd, #320 Dirección Postal: 90010- 2401 Los Angeles, CA Teléfono: (213) 383-9244
ENNABE PROPERTIES
(213) 388-2125
401 S Western Ave Los Angeles, CA 90020 34.067 -118.3093
2400 W 7th St # 109 Los Angeles, CA 90057-5008 (213) 383-8595
Dear Cheryl and Rony,
Please allow me to take this opportunity to extend to you my sincere congratulations for a job well done. Evidently, the program was well organized and carefully, intelligently planned and executed. The items of the entire program were presented with clock-like precision and as a result the evening was greatly enjoyable. As one listened and watched with wrapped attention time stood still. The activities were very educational, apart from being immensely entertaining. The rendition of the poem "Drums of Our Fathers" was superb, thrilling, gripping and moving. The music was captivating and soothing. I do applaud you and your planning team for such great work. Keep up the excellent job. Mabuiga lau lubuidunagei ayumaahani.
Au le,
Clifford J. Palacio
By Jose Francisco Avila
I recently visited Los Angele, California to attend The Garifuna American Heritage Foundation United’s (GAHFU) Garifuna American Heritage Awards 2010, where they honored and inducted into their Wall of Fame with an honorary plaque, Mrs. Martha Martinez – Mrs. Anita Martinez, Mr. Clifford Palacio, Mr. Ruben Reyes, and Mr. Domingo Alvarez, who have not only been the guardians but also the builders and the supporters of the Garifuna Culture in Los Angeles, California.
It was an honor to be there to witness long time friends and partners in the Garifuna Movement being recognized for their contributions to the preservation of the Garifuna culture in Los Angeles. Congratulations, as well as show solidarity with Ms Cheryl Norales and Mr. Ronny Figueroa, GAHFU’s cofounders.
I was pleased to see both emerging and established Garifuna leaders proving that we can and must work together to ensure strength into the future for the Garifuna community. Witnessing my partners fromThe First Garifuna Summits, which laid the foundation for the Garinagu’s path to the twenty First Century and started the modern Gaifuna movement being recognized by the emerging leadership, is one of the highlights of my community organizing career. Congratulations to the honorees and The Garifuna American Heritage Foundation United for such a great event!
GAHFU’s mission is to serve the Garifuna-American community in the greater Los Angeles area, the United States and abroad through cultural programs, outreach, advocacy and social services programs. Among its programs is The Garifuna Language & Culture Academy located at the Blazer Learning Center in Los Angeles, the purpose of this project is to preserve the Garifuna language spoken and written which is the lifeline of the Garinagu as we know it.
The Blazer Learning Center is also home to the Garifuna Museum celebrates Garifuna culture and history, according to Ms Cheryl Norales, “is the conception of the creative mind of Sasamu Ruben Reyes and his curator Mr. Ben Flores.”
As Teofilo Collon, Jr. posted on Facebook, “It's important for people to SEE what Garinagu are doing all over the country. The mere act of viewing photos of Garinagu doing a variety of things in reality goes a long way towards making our presence a little more...felt.”
There’s no question that the Garifuna Heritage American Foundation United, Ruben Reyes, Ben Flores and all the Garinagu’s friends in Los Angeles are helping resurrect the Garifuna culture in the image of its past glory by reclaiming our history for the sake through the joint efforts of future emerging and established Garifuna leaders and that is a model that needs to replicated in every part of the Garifuna Diaspora.
GARIFUNA AMERICAN HERITAGE AWARDS
G.A.H.A. 2010
The Garifuna American Heritage Foundation United, Inc.
Welcomes The Garifuna Coalition’s President Mr. Jose Francisco Avila and
The Garifuna Movement Magazine’s Mr. Jorge Gonzalez from New York to The GAHA event in Los Angeles, California.
GAHFU, Inc. is going to honor and induct into GAHFU’s
Wall of Fame with an honorary plaque, the following 5 men and women for their lifetime commitment to our community:
Mrs. Martha Martinez – Mrs. Anita Martinez
Mr. Clifford Palacio – Mr. Ruben Reyes – Mr. Carlos Domingo Alvarez
MAR’S CARIBBEAN GARDENS
14008 Crenshaw Blvd. Gardena, CA 90249 (310) 323-5000
September 25, 2010 8 pm – 2 am
Dinner & Dance $25 donation per person to benefit the establishment of
Our Garifuna Cultural Center.
(Includes admission and dinner only – Drinks sold separately)
Semi-formal and/or cultural attire – Tickets available by contacting GAHFU, Inc. or by calling (323) 898-6841 Helen Laurie (323) 496-4101.
Plenty of free parking.
Libaña Baba Cultural Drummers, Souls by Harry Shaw,
Clifford Palacio grew up in the village of Seine Bight, Belize, Central America. This is where Mr. Palacio learned about community outreach activities. He was in Standard VI when he began his training to become a teacher. He passed the Primary School Exam in 1946 where it was first introduced in the Belize school system. Bypassing the first Pupil-Teacher’s Exam, he sat and passed the second Pupil-Teacher’s Exam. He attended St. John’s College (SJC High School) as he furthered his studies in teaching. The young scholar became a fully qualified-teacher in 1954.
Mr. Palacio’s uncle Hipolito was his influence to enter the teaching profession being one of the many Garinagu who came out of the Village of Siene Bight. Many prominent teachers came out of this village which he left to work teaching in different villages all over Belize where he learned to speak the Spanish and Mayan languages. He was the principal and the only teacher at San Jose Palmar in Orange Walk District for the 1954-1955 school year. He fondly remembers it as a one-teacher-school, teaching from Infant I through Standard VI. From 1955 – 1957 school year, he was the principal at San Pedro Primary School; he was also the principal at Bullet Tree Falls from 1958 – 1965.
He migrated to the United States in 1970 and he came like many others to create a better financial future for himself and his family. The US became a place where he could teach young people about the culture of the Garifuna people though his many unselfish community activities. In 1999, he taught a free Garifuna class every Sunday at the “One Love Entertainment” store. He taught students of all ethnic backgrounds, the traditional language of the Garinagu.
For sixteen years, Mr. Palacio was an active member in the Garifuna Settlement Day Committee and for eight of those years, he was the president of this non-profit organization. Under his tenure as president, the group observed many firsts. He organized the first outdoor celebration with drummers, singers and dancers, first Garifuna mass, first choir, first organized Novena and Beluria in Los Angeles, first excursion from Belize and the presentation of Miss Garifuna to the Los Angeles City Council. He is proud of his professional and community achievement but he is most proud as the patriarch of the Palacio family.
He has been married to his wife Rita Palacio for the past 55 years and together they have nine children. Milt Palacio, played in the NBA; Greg Palacio is the famous Garifuna painter and the renowned Dr. Joycelin Palacio-Cayetano just to name a few. His motto “Never put off for tomorrow, what you can do today” and he is very proud of his heritage and tradition. He taught Garifuna at GAHFU’s Garifuna Language & Culture Academy from 2008 to 2009 and now he is part of the Board of Directors. Mr. Palacio also did a cameo appearance in CBS’s The Eleventh Hour “Containment” Season 1: Episode 05 where he not only taught the actors how to speak Garifuna for a few scenes, but also played a role of a Garifuna elder in the same episode after all. He was recently recognized by the Prime Minister of Belize, The Honorable Dean O. Barrow during his visit to Los Angeles, California.
GARIFUNA AMERICAN HERITAGE AWARD RECIPIENT
MRS. MARTHA MARTINEZ (OVADO)
Mrs. Martha Martinez was born in Dangriga, Belize. She is proud to be Garifuna and her parents were farmers. All they spoke at home growing up was Garifuna and English was only spoken at school, she even had to translate to her parents because they only knew Garifuna. As a child, she enjoyed going to the farm and baking casaba bread. She wouldn’t trade anything for her upbringing back home as they used to teach her values and a lot of respect, the Garifuna way. She believes that Pen Cayetano was able to reconnect the youth back to their Garifuna culture through his punta rock music.
Mrs. Martinez came to the United States in 1970. She was married to Mr. Charles Martinez. As she arrived, she quickly connected with Mrs. Ellis-Baker, Mr. Justo Flores, Mr. Justo Mena, Mr. Norales and Mr. Mingo Alvarez founders of the Garifuna Settlement Day Committee which celebrated their first settlement day in 1975 at Mrs. Ellis’ apartment. They invited people to come and drummers to drum. The first Catholic Church used by their organization was Holy Cross on Main Street. Mrs. Martha was the youngest in the group.
As years went by, Mrs. Ellis-Baker grew tired and was ready to hand the leadership to Mrs. Martinez as she felt confident in the work that she had done throughout the years along with the founding fathers of the committee. Her husband, Mr. Charles Martinez was a strong supporter of her, on the other hand, he was not too crazy about the idea of having these children come to the house to rehearse every weekend the Garifuna dances because he would end up driving them home when the parents weren’t available to pick them up. She says “I want to work with the kids because they are the ones losing the culture”. She has such a passion for children.
In 2005, she recorded her first album Hamalali Garinagu “Sounds of The Garifuna” along with the Gayusa group of California. Her Gayusa group and the children cultural dance troupe, have performed at Los Angeles City Hall, The SVG Outreach Organization, Inc. Saint Vincent & The Grenadines Annual Independence Fundraising at Radisson Hotel LAX in 2008 and 2009, elementary schools and community events including the Annual Garifuna Community Forum at Los Angeles Southwest College in 2006.
Mrs. Martinez says that the journey has been so rewarding but tiring as well that she is thinking of retiring soon. There is a lot planning involved in every event that she puts together but people do not know that. One of the events that Mrs. Martha Martinez has taken upon herself is the biggest 19th of November Celebration and Thanksgiving Mass in Los Angeles, California. This event involves the picking of the Miss Garifuna Queen, a Garifuna food extravaganza and a parade of entertainers brought straight from Belize to perform in front of the crowd. She has dedicated her life to educating children in the Garifunaduaü – The Garifuna way on a yearly basis. She has been serving the Garifuna community in one form or another for over 40 years.
GARIFUNA AMERICAN HERITAGE AWARD RECIPIENT
RUBEN REYES
Ruben Reyes is an entrepreneur in Los Angeles, California, born in the city of Tela, Atlantida, Honduras. At the age of 9 his parents relocated to the Garifuna community of El Triunfo de La Cruz. Ruben later developed interest in learning the Garifuna language and culture. He then became a Garifuna activist. At age 11 Ruben built his own .22 caliber rifle using wood and parts of and old refrigerator. At age 14 Ruben became very active in the church leadership (Iglesia San José). He later served 3 years in the First Artillery Batallion in Zambrano, he held the rank of sergeant. He was con-decorated best soldier by then Honduran President Policarpo Paz Garcia. He attended the parachuting School in Támara, Honduras, where he became the first Garifuna/afro descendent to graduate parachute from the First Artillery Batallion.
1981 Graduated as public accountant in Instituto Triunfo de la Cruz, in Tela, Honduras.
1982- 1984 Migrated to New York, he became (patronato) president of El Triunfo New York, and was leader of the Garifuna soccer team (San José). He managed to send band instruments to the school (Esteban Guardiola) in El Triunfo De La Cruz, Honduras.
1984-1985 Founded Clamor Garifuna “Lamumeha Garifuna” Radio program in Radio Impacto, Tela, Honduras bringing the Garifuna language to the air for the first time in the region.
Became the first president of OFRANEH (Fraternal Organization of Blacks in Honduras) branch of Triunfo de la Cruz.
1992 Attended 2 semesters at LATTC for Architectural drafting aided by computer.
Translated the Honduras National Anthem into the Garifuna language.
Was elected president of SONHOCA (Society of Black Honduran in California)
1992-2006 Attended the private Garifuna language class of Dr. Jorge Bernardez and has become very fluent and knowledgeable language instructor in Los Angeles.
1992 Started the recollection of Garifuna words for a trilingual dictionary.
1994 Translated the Guatemala National anthem into the Garifuna language.
1995 Received a certificate of completion of 12 month course in computer business applications.
1996 Participated in the coordination and was a Keynote Speaker in the three day seminar “El Garifuna de frente al Siglo XXI”, which took place in Trujillo, Honduras.
Gathered information about a Garifuna National hero: Juan Francisco Bulnez (Walumugu) and hired a Garifuna artist to make his image.
1998 Leader of the relief efforts for Honduras after hurricane Mitch hit. A 40 feet container was sent and Ruben personally traveled to inspect all devastated villages and to distribute food, and clothing to the affected villages.
2002 Designed the Garifuna Flag Emblem
2003 Produced and published the First Garifuna Ancestry Tree including over 3000 people from Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, and the United States.
2003 Became a Certified trilingual (Garifuna, English and Spanish) interpreter to immigration court in Los Angeles County.
2004-2005 Co-founded “Wáfadaha Úwara” (Let’s cooperate together) in Los Angeles and in Honduras. The organization installed the first Internet Café in the Garifuna community of El Triunfo de la Cruz; providing employment for 4 residents during 12 months.
In cooperation with the Blazer Learning Center Ruben managed to transport 15 computers to 7 Garifuna communities in Honduras.
2005 Invented the Garifuna Clock.
2006 Collected 11 boxes of books to be donated to the newly founded Garifuna-English School in Triunfo, Honduras.
2008 Lead the shipping of an Ambulance to the hospital “Luagu Hátuadi Waduheñu” in Ciriboya, Honduras.
Garifuna Language and History class presentation in Cal State Northridge.
2009 Translated the United States National Anthem in the Garifuna language.
1995- 2009 Mr. Reyes through his plumbing company (Cal Plumbing) has employed and trained over 15 garinagu in Southern California.
Mr. Reyes is teaching a Garifuna language Class in Los Angeles as a joined cooperation with The Garifuna Heritage Foundation and The Blazer Learning Center.
Words recollection for the trilingual dictionary has been completed and was published in www.GarifunaInstitute.com, a hardcopy will be published in the near future.
Through the years Mr. Reyes has received numerous certificate of appreciation and awards from organizations such as City of Los Angeles, GEM, Honduras Consulate, etc.
Mr. Reyes is also currently involved with several important community projects such as:
• The co-production of a Trilogy Garifuna Film,
• Video editing Classes for youth of the community,
• Teaching a Garifuna Language Class in Los Angeles.
• Translation of over 20 popular songs into the Garifuna language.
• The presentation of the Garifuna Anthem.
Hosting “The Sásamu Show” an online television show
GARIFUNA AMERICAN HERITAGE AWARDS RECIPIENT
CARLOS DOMINGO ALVAREZ
Mingo, as he is popularly known in the community, was born in the village of Cristales, Trujillo, Colon Honduras. He is a proud Garifuna. Mingo used to be a teacher at the Pompillo Ortega Institute in the town of Villanueva, Cortez. He learned how to play the drums as a child from his mentor Angel Garcia also known as the original Machete; he also developed a special interest for playing the saxophone. In 1972, he participated in the La Ceiba Carnival as a Garifuna drummer and Wanaragua Dancer for the Afro-Honduran association.
As he moved to Los Angeles, California in 1974, he started to work with several Garifuna leaders who shared the same interest in maintaining their roots and culture embedded as a child in his soul. First, he participated actively as one of the founding members of the Garifuna Settlement Day Group committee with Mrs. Ellis, Justo Flores, Justo Mena, Ed Norales. He was the co-founder of The Society for The Preservation of the Garifuna Culture and SONHOCA – Black Honduran Society of California. In 1984, he worked shoulder to shoulder with the Walagante Dance Troupe as a drummer, dancer and choreographer during the Olympic Games celebrated at The Los Angeles Coliseum where they showcased the Garifuna culture and dance styles in front of millions. And in 1996, he was a drummer of the very popular Chatuye Band which was invited to participate at the Olympic Games celebrated in Atlanta, Georgia, led by Mr. Sidney Mejia.
In 1991 and 1992, he was a key player in the creation, development and implementation of the First Garifuna Summit celebrated in New York then in Los Angeles the following year. He also was part of the convention “Garinagu Facing the XXI Century” which was hosted in the town of Trujillo, Colon, Honduras in 1996.
Carlos Domingo Alvarez currently works as bio-medical engineer at one of the most technologically advanced hospitals in the country, Cedars Sinai Medical Center in West Los Angeles. He designed and constructed 2 electronic devices used to calibrate the temperature and resistance of computerized electronic monitors to treat the skin in patients at the hospital. Mingo can be defined as a dynamic person, giving and concerned about the future of Garinagu as a nation. His message for the youth is “with discipline, education, perseverance and faith, we can accomplish whatever goal we have set in our life”. Some of his accomplishments are: *Elementary School Teacher, Honduras 1972 *Elementary Teacher’s Aid, Cal State University Los Angeles *Electronic and Computer Maintenance Technician, Los Angeles 1981 *A.A. Bio-medic Technician, LA Valley College, Van Nuys, CA 1982 *Electro Surgical Generator, Valley Lab Inc., Dallas, Texas 1989 Electro surgical generator Valley Lab Inc. Dallas, Texas 1989. Agilent Technologies Components Monitoring System Los Angeles.CA. 2000. Sigma Infusion Feeding Pump, Portland, Oregon 2003. Anesthesia machine dragger medical, Anahein, CA 2004. Wireless switched routed network troubleshooting. Learning Tree.lnc. Englewood, CA 2005. *Garifuna Master Drummer, Workshop - Annual Garifuna Community Forum 2009 *Garifuna Language and Drumming Instructor, GAHFU, Inc. Garifuna Language & Culture Academy 2005 – Present
“Afagua Wama Hilure Lamuga Wabagari” “Let’s All Strive Together To Have A Fruitful Life”
MRS. ANITA LAMBEY MARTINEZ
GARIFUNA AMERICAN HERITAGE AWARDS
RECIPIENT
Anita Lambey Martinez has been a community activist for nearly thirty years. She started her service to the community after she immigrated to the United States in 1978. In 1981, she joined the Preservation of the Garifuna Culture Society (PGCS). She served as President of the group and organized Garifuna participation in the Opening Ceremonies of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games. During this time, she also directed the Walagante Garifuna Youth Group and was co-editor of “Luganute Garifuna” newsletter.
Mrs. Martinez has always had a passion for motivating youth. This motivation extends beyond the Garifuna community, as she has served on the El Camino Youth Motivation task force and is a mentor to first-year college students at El Camino College. As Co-Director of the Wagiameme Performing Troupe, she has had the opportunity to educate numerous Garifuna and non-Garifuna youth about Garifuna language and culture. Mrs. Martinez also established a monthly Garifuna forum, to discuss and learn about current issues affecting the community and to teach basic Garifuna language and history.
Mrs. Martinez has made presentations on various aspects of Garifuna culture at universities, cultural events and on the radio. Mrs. Martinez served as a Community Liaison to the Garifuna population for the UCLA Community & Education Project and continues to serve her community on various projects.
Mrs. Martinez got her B.A. in Cultural Anthropology with a minor in Sociology from California State University , Dominguez Hills. She is currently preparing to pursue graduate studies.
GARIFUNA AMERICAN HERITAGE AWARDS
The Garifuna American Heritage Foundation United, Inc.
Cordially invites you to honor 5 men and women who have been not only the guardians but also the builders and the supporters of the Garifuna Culture here in Los Angeles, California.
GAHFU, Inc. requests the pleasure of your company in honoring these great individuals and to induct them into GAHFU’s Wall of Fame with an honorary plaque. These men and women are being honored for their lifetime commitment to our community:
Mrs. Martha Martinez – Mrs. Anita Martinez
Mr. Clifford Palacio – Mr. Ruben Reyes – Mr. Carlos Domingo Alvarez
MAR’S CARIBBEAN GARDENS
14008 Crenshaw Blvd. Gardena, CA 90249 (310) 323-5000
September 25, 2010 8 pm – 2 am
Dinner & Dance $25 donation per person to benefit the establishment of
Our Garifuna Cultural Center.
(Includes admission and dinner only – Drinks sold separately)
Semi-formal and/or cultural attire – Tickets available by contacting GAHFU, Inc. or by calling (323) 898-6841 Helen Laurie (323) 496-4101.
Plenty of free parking.
Libaña Baba Cultural Drummers, Souls by Harry Shaw,
Norman Yzaguirre, Fred Dixon & DJ Nice
Seating is limited, please purchase your tickets in advance.
Sent on Tuesday, August 24, 2010 www.garifunaheritagefoundation.org
*PLEASE MAKE YOUR CHECK PAYABLE TO: GAHFU, INC.
GAHFU's President & Founder meets with the Prime Minister of Belize, The Honorable Dean O. Barrow and Belize's Consul General in Los Angeles, The Honorable Roland Yorke during his visit to Los Angeles on Friday, August 13, 2010 at Los Angeles City Hall.
Miss Garifuna Heritage Arteshia Welch and her mother Agatha Augustin met with The Honorable Dean O. Barrow, Prime Ministrer of Belize who is accompanied by his lovely wife during the dinner-dance celebrated at the LAX Radisson hotel on Saturday, August 14, 2010.
To: All Students, Teachers, Staff & Board of Directors
From: Cheryl L. Noralez, President
Garifuna American Heritage Foundation United, Inc.
Long Beach, CA 90813
(562) 366-9396
RE: Session IV
Garifuna American Heritage Foundation United, Inc. the staff, the board of directors and our teachers are proud to announce the start of Session IV this Saturday, August 21, 2010 at 10:00am. Session III came to an end on Saturday, August 7, 2010.
We would like to congratulate the third graduating class of Session Three 2010. We would also like to invite you to come back to class and continue to pursue your goal of learning Garifuna culture, language, drumming, singing the Garifunaduaü (Garifuna way).
This project is being made possible in part by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts and the help of the Garifuna community of Los Angeles and the knowledge and dedication of our teachers like Arufudahati Ruben Reyes and Mingo Alvarez.
Session IV will run from Saturday, August 21 through October 16, 2010. Darime Samudi binafin.
Seremein;
Cheryl L. Noralez
GARIFUNA AMERICAN HERITAGE AWARDS
The Garifuna American Heritage Foundation United, Inc.
Cordially invites you to honor 5 men and women who have been not only the guardians but also the builders and the supporters of the Garifuna Culture here in Los Angeles, California.
GAHFU, Inc. requests the pleasure of your company in honoring these great individuals and to induct them into GAHFU’s Wall of Fame with an honorary plaque. These men and women are being honored for their lifetime commitment to our community:
Mrs. Martha Martinez – Mrs. Anita Martinez
Mr. Clifford Palacio – Mr. Ruben Reyes – Mr. Carlos Domingo Alvarez
MAR’S CARIBBEAN GARDENS
14008 Crenshaw Blvd. Gardena, CA 90249 (310) 323-5000
September 25, 2010 8 pm – 2 am
Dinner & Dance $25 donation per person to benefit the establishment of
Our Garifuna Cultural Center.
(Includes admission and dinner only – Drinks sold separately)
Semi-formal and/or cultural attire – Tickets available by contacting GAHFU, Inc. or by calling (323) 898-6841.
Plenty of free parking.
Libaña Baba Cultural Drummers, Souls by Harry Shaw,
The Garifuna language, like the English Language, has grammar and syntax
Published by GAHFU's Board of Director Mr. Clifford J. Palacio
The Garifuna language, like the English Language, has grammar and syntax. Nouns in Garifuna, for example, have gender (4), number (2) and person (3). Verbs have tense and can be conjugated and the nouns can be declined. Like English it (Garifuna) has loanwords borrowed from other languages – French (15%), English (10%) and Spanish (5%).
The following current students of Garifuna in LA can attest to the fact that the Garifuna language is written and has structure: Professor at UC San Diego Dr. Michele Goldwasser, Professor at California State University Dominguez Hills Dr. Furusa, NorthridgeProfessor Jeccifer Goett at the Central American Studies, Doctor Cadrin E. Gill, Honorary Consul General of St. Vincent & The Grenadines. HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF THE EVOLUTION OF WRITING IN GARIFUNA 1666 – Fr. Raymond Breton – compiled a Garifuna Dictionary in Yurumein.
Several of the words remain unaltered after 340 years. Many of them are no longer in current use. The 1666 list of words may be found on Internet - Garinet.com, SieneBight.com, Taino.com and GarifunaInstitute.com has published an online interactive dictionary. 1930's: Marcelina Beata Lambey composed several Garifuna hymns all of which are still in use today. 1940's: T. V. Ramos translated English hymns into Garifuna. Mr. Ramos also wrote words of songs of his own. 1951 – a) 1st Garifuna Dictionary was compiled in Belize by Fr. John Stochl;S. J. assisted by a group of Garifuna students. (Theodore Palacio, Eugene Hernandez, Augustine Flores, Govel Morgan and Clifford J. Palacio)b) “Mother at Your Feet is Kneeling” was translated into Garifuna by Govel Morgan and Clifford Palacio.c) Douglas M. Taylor wrote an Uraga in Hopkins and produced “TheBlack Caribs of British Honduras” 1972: Fr. Richard Hadel, S.J. revised Stochl’s Garifuna Dictionary .With the assistance of Roman Zuniga he produced three volumes in Garifuna.1970’s: The Garifuna Mass was translated from English into Garifuna. *Marcellina Lewis wrote several poems in Garifuna.* Don Justo Flores wrote a dictionary in Garifuna.1977: Holy Mass was celebrated by Fr. Oswald Reyes in the GarifunaLanguage in Los Angeles.1983: The Garifuna Bible was published1993: The People’s Garufuna Dictionary by E. Roy Cayetano was released.2002: Bungiu Wabá by E. Roy Cayetano was also released.2007: WATINA, CD was released with a collection of Garifuna songs whoselyrics are written in Garifuna. 2008: In Dangriga an Irish Priest celebrated Holy Mass in Garifuna at the last Garifuna Settlement Day Celebrations Thanksgiving Mass. Healso delivered his homily in Garifuna.
There are many more works that are available. List of Garifuna Books on the Market:1) LERÉRUN BÚNGIU TO LÁNINA ISÉRI DARÁDU (Garifuna Bible). 2)Yurumein Daga Rubadan 3) Conversamos en Garifuna 4) Wani le 5) Hererun Wagüchagu 6) The People’s Garifuna Dictionary 7)Bungiu Wabá 8)LIBÁGARI JESÚS 9) LUBENERI SIELU. The list goes on and on…..
Los Angeles Urban League
GAHFU's Garifuna Language & Culture Academy welcomes the Los Angeles Urban League group which consists of 20 children ages 8-10 who are all part of a summer Spanish language camp. The group also includes about 5 staff members on Thursday, July 22nd from 1 to 4 pm at The Blazer Learning Center for a tour of our Academy. Children as well as teachers will be treated to a 3-hour workshop on the language culture, music, dance and Garifuna treats.
To: All New Students, Returning Students, Teachers, Staff & Board of Directors
From: Cheryl L. Noralez, President Garifuna American Heritage Foundation United, Inc. Garifuna Language & Culture Academy Long Beah, CA 90813 (562) 366-9396
RE: Session III
Garifuna American Heritage Foundation United, Inc. the staff, the board of directors and our teachers are proud to announce the start of Session III this Saturday, June 12, 2010 at 10:00am. Session II came to an end on Saturday, May 29th, 2010.
We would like to congratulate Session II graduating class. We would also like to invite you to come back to class and continue to pursue your goal of learning Garifuna culture, language, drumming, singing the Garifunaduaü (Garifuna way).
This project is being made possible in part by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts and the help of the Garifuna community of Los Angeles and the knowledge and dedication of our teachers like Arufudahatu Jessie Nunez, Arufudahati Ruben Reyes and Mingo Alvarez. Garifuna Language & Culture Academy is located in The Blazer Learning Center 1517 West 48th Street (corner of Denker Avenue) Los Angeles, CA 90062.
The invitation is also extended for all of our friends and students online through www.garifunaheritagefoundation.org GAHFU Academy tab and through www.garitv.com . Username: garifuna Password: education Remember it’s free and the lessons are readily updated and posted online on www.rubenreyesonline.com and our website.
Your donations are welcome as well by going to the Staff/Donate Tab on GAHFU’s website. Session III will run from Saturday, June 12 through August 7, 2010. Darime Samudi binafin – See you Saturday morning.
This book features pictures of the Garifuna people in Los Angeles provided by GAHFU. Follow this link to get more information about this wonderful book:
Garifuna American Heritage Foundation United Garifuna arts and culture Garifuna American Heritage Foundation United is dedicated to preserving the uniqueness of the Garifuna culture, history, language, music, arts & crafts, and spirituality by working closely with the Garifuna community Los Angeles County and throughout the world. They seek to enhance and showcase the image and vision of the Garifuna people through education, music, and the arts. And last but not least, our endeavor also includes to be able to properly channel the music, dance and the arts to the world. There is a strong, talented and artistically inclined group of Garifuna artists who are the lifeline of the Garifuna culture. This talent is in danger of being lost if not preserved and/or exposed properly.
The Garifuna - an indigenous people of the Caribbean - come from St. Vincent, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize. Their language, an Arawak-based language, has been recognized by UNESCO as one of the world's endangered cultural assets.
The Garifuna American Heritage Foundation United received a grant from ACTA's Living Cultures Grants Program in 2009 to support their Garifuna Language and Culture School, an educational program that seeks to preserve and disseminate Garifuna culture and language in Southern California. Classes are held throughout the year for both children and adults; youth classes incorporate music, dance, and drumming into the curriculum.
Sustaining California's Living Heritage
December 16, 2009
Dear friends,
In the past eight years, the Alliance for California Traditional Arts (ACTA) has supported over 500 folk and traditional artists and organizations totaling $1.6 million that have worked to sustain our state's living cultural heritage, thanks to you and other supporters. Won't you help us reach 500 more? Can we count on your contribution of $250, $150, $50 or $25 or more, in support of our core programs? We welcome any amount you can give by visiting our online donation page - and we'll make sure your donation helps sustain our state's diverse living cultural heritage.
Here are just some of our most vital accomplishments from the past year:
Our Living Cultures Grants Program, which provides grants up to $7,500 to folk and traditional arts organizations with worthy projects, supported a record 49 projects. This past year the Garifuna American Heritage Foundation was awarded a $7,500 grant to broadcast, through a single microphone and computer, their weekly culture and language classes. The Garifuna - an indigenous people of the Caribbean - speak a language that has been recognized by UNESCO as one of the world's endangered cultural assets. The ACTA grant supported broadcasts to reach not only their own California community, but a wide range of listeners throughout the United States who tune in to their live Saturday morning class. One particular program reached 30,000 listeners! You can read more about the Garifuna American Heritage Foundation here.
Our Apprenticeship Program, our flagship program that contracts master artists to work with a qualified apprentice in a one-on-one period of intensive learning, supported 24 pairs - the most in our program's history! Thriving traditions supported through these apprenticeships reflect indigenous California cultural practices including Pomo, Western Mono, and Kawaiisu basketry and Kumeyaay plant knowledge; African-American traditions including quilting, dollmaking, and hambone; and art forms which have taken root in the United States thanks to California-based masters hailing from countries including Cuba, India, Guatemala, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Korea, Senegal, Japan, Guinea, and Tibet (including Master musician and songwriter in exile Techung, who participated in ACTA's 2009 Apprenticeship Program with his daughter, Yangchen Lhamo. You can read more about our Apprenticeship Program and the 2009 participants here. Our Traditional Arts Development Program, which provided 20 technical assistance contracts of up to $1,500 for mentorships that enable artists or organizations to reach the next level in their growth, supported the consultancy of a website designer for the Kawaiisu Cultural and Language Center, working to revitalize a native language that has very few speakers left. Read more about this project here. Our redesigned website, www.actaonline.org, now features more information and expanded sections on California's folk and traditional arts fields than ever before, including photos, slideshows, and videos. ACTA was featured in the California Community Foundation's Guide to Top-Performing Non-profits as one of three grantees profiled in the Fall 2009 issue for individual donors.Making a tax deductive donation to ACTA is simple through the Network for Good's DonateNow, a program that assists nonprofit groups with fundraising and offers a secure way for you to make your donation. Visit the online donation page.
Please join us in our work to sustain California's rich cultural heritage. Many thanks for your consideration of ACTA, and best wishes for a healthy and happy 2010!
Mabuiga! El dia Sabado 27 y Domingo 28 de Febrero del 2010, se llevará a cabo una Foro Educativo Catolico Garifuna. Este importante evento se celebrara en la ciudad de Los Angeles, California.
El proposito de este Foro es el de educar y evangelizar a la comunidad Garifuna de Los Angeles. El Garifuna, de por si, ya tiene una rica historia, cultura e idioma y creemos que con la bendicion de Dios, lograremos mantenerla intacta. Nuestra meta es la de preservar nuestra cultura y tradiciones atravez de programas de educacion y concientizacion y que mejor que hacerlo en una institucion tan importante como la Iglesia de Nuestra Madre de Los Dolores localizada en el 114 West 87th Street Los Angeles, CA 90003. El Foro se celebrara desde la bienvenida el dia Viernes 26, una ofrenda a los ancestros el dia Sabado 27 y un taller educativo concluyendo con una misa ofrecida por el Padre Tomas Cacho quien es nuestro invitado desde la Arquidiocesis de Honduras. El evento esta abierto al publico y es totalmente gratis. Otro aspecto importante de este evento es la participacion de La Pastoral Garifuna de Puerto Barrios y de Livingston, Izabal, Pastoral Garifuna San Antonio de Padua, Pastoral Garifuna San Agustin y la Hermandad Garifuna de La Verdad de New York.
Algunos de los talleres educativos que seran ofrecidos son: Espiritualidad Garifuna y Catoliscismo Garifuna. Esta cordialmente invitado a participar y su participacion seguramente hara de nuestro evento todo un exito. Recuerde que nadie esta recibiendo ni pagando ningun dinero por participar. Todos los gastos incurridos estan siendo sufragados por donaciones que recibimos de parte de individuos y gente Garifuna como usted. Nuestro compromiso es el de preservar y educar la cultura y espiritualidad Garifuna.
Seremein,
Cheryl Noralez Presidenta & Fundadora
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October 2009: GAHFU's medical supplies donated to the Cancer Center in Dangriga Belize through their collection representative The Consulate General of Belize in Los Angeles, CA.
24 cases of medical supplies.
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PRESS RELEASE
Monday, September 28, 2009
The 5th Annual Garifuna Community Forum had a record-breaking attendance in Los Angeles. Cal State University Los Angeles hosted this year's event whose theme was "Preserving the Garifuna Legacy: Past, Present and Future". Students, in a university praised for being one of the most ethnically diverse, had a chance to have a close encounter with the Garifuna people of Central America.
"It's good to be part of history" said Jose who traveled all the way from Las Vegas, NV with his family and his sister who came from Atlanta and who booked his hotel room nearby; Jose is originally from the village of Cristales, Trujillo Honduras.
"We are only two days into the new quarter here at CSULA and we had a good turn out" commented Wuendy Zavala, Garifuna Forum Chairperson and a graduate student at this college. “We went from class to class to advertise the forum” she added. But the large majority of people who attended the forum were proud and concerned Garinagu who came with their families wearing their traditional clothes. Some came from as far north as Sacramento and even from New York.
The Honorable Vice Consul Designate of Belize, Ms. Pascasio, came to address the audience and she also presented the keynote speakers and presenters with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Belize Government for keeping the culture alive.
The Latin American Society, CSULA Chapter, also presented a Certificate of Appreciation to all keynote speakers including performers and organizers. Then it was the California State University Los Angeles' turn to present its own recognition awards.
The garifuna forum was an event that offered everything that it had advertised. The Wanaragua Dancers delighted young and old, Ali Allie's movie screening was highly acclaimed "El Espiritu De Mi Mama". He also announced his new project, a Garifuna trilogy series of movies to be shot on location in Honduras, Belize, Guatemala and Los Angeles. Greg Palacio presented 9 beautiful oil paintings and delighted the audience with his PowerPoint presentation on the present and past work of other Garifuna artists from the Diaspora like Mr. Nicholas, Pen Cayetano and Mr. Browne from St. Vincent.
The Honorable Consul General of Yurumein, Dr. Cadrin E. Gill came to the forum with a powerful message from the Motherland and the vivid pictures of the "Vincy Homecoming 2009". He delighted the public with the enchanting scenery of St. Vincent's mountains and luscious beaches. We were able to appreciate the delegation which traveled from New York led by Mr. Jose Avila and The Garifuna Coalition.
Keynote speaker Professor Enita Lambey Barrett and her sister Ms. Anita Martinez made a powerful presentation; one on the Structure and Usage of the Garifuna Language and the other on the Garifuna Oral History from the Woman's Perspective. Professor Lambey shined as the forum kept going as she presented her research and she encouraged the Garifuna academia to come together and put all different works on the Garifuna language together. Ms. Martinez emphasized the importance that the oral history plays in the life of the Garinagu.
The history of the Garifuna could not be better presented to the audience than what Mr. Ruben Reyes did. He illustrated his recount of how Garinagu came about with a number of black and white and colored portraits of not only the Middle Passage, pre-garifuna history, to the actual wars sustained between the Garinagu and the British and consequently with the French. He introduced his version of the Garifuna Flag's Emblem as well as the breakdown on the interpretation of the Garifuna clock and the names used to describe a particular time of the day and night.
Sharron Williams Gelobter from Yurumein Law Firm made an informative presentation to a number of people who took advantage of her services as an immigration lawyer. Master drummer Carlos Domingo Alvarez led the Wanaragua Dancers with his drummers to a moving performance of a centuries old tradition. He also spoke about the need to "take matters into our own hands"; as Garinagu, he said "we need to take pride of who we are and what we do".
The Garifuna Writers Group led by Sidney Mejia and Brother Charles enchanted the audience with the reciting of a poem to the sound of the Garifuna drum. Angela Palacio shared information on nutrition and health and she put word out about her social network through her website www.apalacioexchange.com. Belizeanartist.com was represented by Stamina who took the opportunity to give away Wanaragua posters as well as CD's and DVD's produced by his label. Frank Palacio and Jacques Rallion presented their book "Middle Schoolin'" which was number 11 on Amazon.com last week. Buck Pastor and Ben Flores showcased Garifuna arts and crafts as well as cd and DVD’s. The former Consul General of Nicaragua Dr. Abaunza came as representative of Mass Mutual Financial Services and donated 10 cases of bottled water for all the people in attendance.
The live performances were the life of the forum because they came to reassure that the oral history, the music and the dance are still alive and well in the Garifuna community not only in the United States but also in Honduras, Belize and Guatemala and there is a lot of work to do in Nicaragua to bring it back.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to our ancestors to make it happen. We want to thank our keynote speakers, presenters, exhibitors, Vice Consul General of Belize, Cal State LA, Student Organizations, the GAHFU board of directors and staff; Helen Laurie and Nichole Martinez, as well as Wuendy Zavala, Garifuna Forum's Chairperson, for a very successful and well-managed 5th Annual Garifuna Community Forum. Thank you Lawrence Nuñez for the Garifuna food donated to the keynote speakers and presenter.
The DVD will be available through GAHFU's website and the celebrity pictures will be made available through the Garifuna Forum's official media personality Mr. Francis Estrada. GAHFU would like to congratulate Mr. Estrada for such terrific and important job of recording our history through film and pictures.
Yours truly;
GAHFU management
MISS GAHFU ARTESIA WELCH back in 2008 during the Drumming Class
Escucha la entrevista hecha a GAHFU hacerca del aviso de prensa con relacion al 5o. Foro Anual de La Comunidad Garifuna '09 a celebrarse en la Universidad del Estado de California, Los Angeles este Sabado, 26 de Septiembre del 2009 de 10 am a 6 pm. El evento es completamente gratis para estudiantes y el publico en general. Cupo limitado. Esta entrevista se llevo a cabo el Martes 28 de Juli200o del 2009 (Tuesday July 28 2009 9:30 pm)
FELIX IGEMERI MIRANDA, MBA
Saturday, July 25th, 2009 Los Angeles, California by GAHFU
Igemeri's presentation was an informative and successful event and the people who attended were delighted to find out what's behind his newly formed company. GAHFU's Garifuna Culture & Language School was proud to host Mr. Miranda's presentation of his new business venture www.garifunafabrics.com . As a recent retired employee of New York's MTA, he decided to invest into a Garifuna business that specializes in the designing, production and distribution of fabrics with Garifuna designs which include the traditional colors found in the flag: yellow, white and black. He is presently traveling the United States and Belize in order to network and identify possible partners for the effective distribution of this innovative fabrics. He himself designs the patterns, sends the sample to the manufacturer and in a few days the samples are back made into the final product for approval and production run. Igemeri also explained that it was very difficult for Garinagu in New York, especially around the 19th of November celebrations, to find the perfect fabric in these 3 colors that did not have to be sewn in order to make the traditional Garifuna outfits. Now, he has made it easier for the people to find the right fabric with the right colors that are printed with the Garifuna colors and come in different designs. For more information about Garifunafabrics.com you can contact Igemeri at (347) 262-4002.
SEBASTIAN CAYETANO VISTIS GAHFU'S GARIFUNA CULTURE AND LANGUAGE SCHOOL IN LA
On Saturday, July 25th 2009, Mr. Cayetano came to do a presentation about the Garifuna museum that he founded in Belize City: Luba Garifuna Cultural Museum located at 4202 Fern Lane St. Martin's Area Belize City Tel. 202-4331 email: luba_garifuna@yahoo.com
Mr. Cayetano opened a Museum in Belize City back in 1999, the name is "Luban Garifuna". He was co-founder and member of NGC (National Garifuna Council) in Belize for 28 years, speaks 6 languages. He was also the fouder of "Belize Half Hour" a radio program in the Garifuna language 1980 - 1992. President of the NGC Belize City Branch Educated in Canada: teacher. He was a teacher in Belize for 30 years. He is also the writer of the "Bicentenial Edition" of Garifuna History Language and Culture book.
The following are some of the materials that he brought for distribution regarding the museum:
LUBA GARIFUNA CULTURAL MUSEUM by Sebastian & Isabel Cayetano and Family 4202 Fern Lane St. Martin's Area Belize City, Central America.
Varios niños de la etnia Garífuna juegan en la playa. Foto: EFE.
Guatemala/EFE — La pobreza y abandono en que históricamente han vivido los negros guatemaltecos, la minoría étnica más pequeña de este país, denominada garífuna, los ha hecho cambiar sus natales comunidades del Caribe por el neoyorquino barrio del Bronx.
Delia Palacios, líder de las comunidades negras guatemaltecas y representante del pueblo garífuna ante la Comisión Presidencial contra la Discriminación y el Racismo contra los Pueblos Indígenas de Guatemala (CODISRA), asegura que “no es casualidad” que la mayoría haya emigrado hacia ese lugar.
“En el Bronx cohabitan, desde siempre, negros de todo el mundo. Eso, y que allí es a donde llegaron los primeros garífunas que migraron hacia Estados Unidos, es el principal motivo por el cual todos se instalan allí”, explicó Palacios a Efe.
Un estudio sobre “La Población garífuna migrante”, presentado esta semana por la CODISRA, asegura que los garífunas guatemaltecos “se han mudado al Bronx”.
Según Palacios, “cada vez hay menos garífunas” en Livingston, el punto del Caribe guatemalteco en el que se concentra la mayor parte de esa comunidad negra y cuya población también emigra hacia Estados Unidos,
"En Livingston, actualmente, se cuentan un total de 6,250 garífunas, mientras que en el Bronx, en Nueva York, hay más de 45,000, originarios de Guatemala", precisa.
Según el estudio, los garífunas guatemaltecos emigran a Nueva York porque allí obtienen “una identidad mayor” al relacionarse con afrodescendientes llegados de otras partes del mundo, “sin entrar en mayores detalles sobre su nacionalidad”, lo cual les permite pasar a formar parte de las múltiples nacionalidades que hay en la calle.
Los garífunas surgieron como resultado de la mezcla de esclavos africanos e indígenas mayas, y desde el siglo XVIII se expandieron por las zonas del Caribe de Belice, Guatemala, Honduras y Nicaragua. *Correccion (Africanos escapados de un barco que naufraga en las costas de San Vicente & Las Granadinas. Los Garinagu surgieron como resultado de la mezcla de Africanos con los indigenas Arawakos y Caribes de Las Antillas Menores y no los Mayas)
Livingston, la comunidad guatemalteca donde se concentra la mayor cantidad de ellos, es uno de los sitios turísticos más visitados por europeos y estadounidenses que, atraídos por la sensualidad, cultura y riquezas de sus pobladores, invaden sus playas todos los años.
Sin embargo, según el estudio, las enormes riquezas que producen las actividades turísticas en esa comunidad apenas si “salpican” a sus pobladores que, en su mayoría, forman parte del 51 por ciento de los 13.3 millones de guatemaltecos que viven en condiciones de pobreza.
Aunque en el Bronx los garífunas guatemaltecos pasan desapercibidos y se confunden con los millones de negros que habitan en ese sector, en la intimidad de sus hogares preservan su idioma, religión, costumbres y cultura.
“Al llegar a la cuadra que comparten con sus paisanos, y más aún, dentro de sus apartamentos, tienden un telón sobre la vida exterior y pasan a recrear el mundo correspondiente a su cultura”, precisa el estudio, realizado con el apoyo de la Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional.
El idioma inglés, agrega el documento, “pasa a un segundo plano” y se establecen diálogos en garífuna “procurando además con esto la enseñanza de los jóvenes que nacen fuera de los poblados de origen”.
“En casa, con la charla viene la remembranza de los poblados de origen, se escucha música y se bailan ritmos tradicionales. Se procura todo aquello que establezca una relación con la cultura y las comunidades de origen”.
A pesar del endurecimiento de las políticas migratorias del gobierno estadounidense, los garífunas guatemaltecos “aún intentan alcanzar el sueño americano”, sin importar que ello signifique "afrontar un futuro que no se presenta esperanzador".
“Algunos autores pronostican que los garífunas terminarán absorbidos por la sociedad estadounidense y perderán todo contacto y relación con su comunidad de origen”, advierte el estudio.
Mujeres garífunas danzan durante una marcha. El Bronx es el principal centro de la inmigración garífuna desde sus inicios. Foto: EFE.
QUEST OF THE CARIB CANOE REVIEW
Quest of the Carib Canoe....Carib Indian artist and activist Jacob Frederick, and others from his community, sail nearly 1000 miles in a hand built canoe from their home on the island of Dominica in the British West Indies to South America in a voyage to rediscover their ancestral heritage. Director Eugene Jarecki generously donated this extremely rare film for presentation. Special guests for the evening include poet Kantuta and Cheryl Noralez of the Garifuna Heritage Foundation, an Indigenous organization in LA that focuses on the preservation of Carib and African roots!
(Sponsored in Association with the Garifuna American Heritage Foundation United, Japanese American National Museum, SCIC-InterTribal Entertainment, Hecho de Mano, and Nahui Ohlin)
Bringing the Circle Together: A Native American Film Series is a FREE monthly film series located in downtown Los Angeles at the National Center for Preservation of Democracy. For More information on the film series please email nafilmseries@aol.com or visit www.bringingthecircletogether.com
The screening of the movie on Thursday, June 18th, 2009, was a moving event. The opening prayer was offered by Arufudahati Ruben Reyes (teacher) from Garifuna Culture & Language School. Little did I know that we were all going to be treated to a journey to the past, a spiritual journey especially for those who are familiar with the Garifuna oral history. After the prayer, we were all led inside the medium size theatre which seats around 200 people.
Once inside the venue, Kantuta a Native-American played her flute, read some beautiful poems and greeted the audience in both English and Spanish. Her message allowed me to enter a spiritual world, a peaceful cloud overtook me and I was, by know, liberated of all worries, nothing matter but what was about to happen then and there.
The Quest Of The Carib Canoe is a transcendental documentary that tells the story of a Carib man, Jacob Frederick, a craftsman, and his long time friend, a Tortolian Artist Aragorn Dick-Read who traveled to the island of Dominica. They decided to build a canoe the old fashion way. They built it from scratch and worked on it for days on. The idea was to trace back the route that the ancestors took from the Orinoco delta in South America through the Lesser Antilles until they arrived to what is now Dominica. Their ancestors are the Carib people who today still live the way they used to live in reservations around Venezuela and the Guyanas.
The entire journey took at least two years to make it a reality. The crew in charge of this monstrous project struggled with funding for the trip which included a film crew, traveling in a motor boat full of food, equipment and other supplies for the entire 800 mile trip from island to island. The named the small dugout boat that they built the “Gli Gli” which is a Carib work for a hawk. During the trip, the “Gli Gli” made stops in different islands where there are people descendants of the Carib Indians like St. Lucia, Martinique, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago until they reached mainland Venezuela and navigated into the Orinoco river.
Among the people in the audience watching the film, there were anthropologists, students, Native Americans and 3 Garinagu; Cheryl L. Noralez, Isani Figueroa and Ruben Reyes. As I sat in the front of the theater, I could see the audience captivated by the documentary. As for me, I felt the enjoyment of knowing that Cheryl, Isani and Ruben were fascinated and overjoyed by the idea of tracing back the path that their own people took during the time that the Caribs and the Arawaks ruled the Antilles. Both of these Amerindian tribes interacted and mixed and they eventually met with the Africans who had landed in St. Vincent & The Grenadines to give birth to the Garifuna.
Garinagu, today, still preserve their culture, language and music which they brought back from Yurumein (St. Vincent) as they were exiled by the British in 1797. They still chant the same songs they sang while in the motherland. Garinagu were a prosperous people in the island but as they were defeated by the British they were forced into exile. After their paramount chief Joseph Chatoyer was killed, the British gave the Garinagu a choice; either go into exile in Central America or stay in Yurumein and forget about their culture, language and food. Today, there are Garinagu living in reservations in St. Vincent who still remember who they are and want to reconnect, but unfortunately, they have lost their language which is the lifeline of the Garifuna culture. Now, thanks to the survival of the exiled Garinagu they have managed to keep their culture and language alive. There seems to be a renaissance and renewed interest by the Garinagu in Yurumein to be reaculturated and to reconnect with one another.
In conclusion, the Quest Of The Carib Canoe is a documentary that serves as a tool for the people of Carib descent to regain their identity, maintain their pride and honor their ancestors.
GARIFUNA LANGUAGE & CULTURE ACADEMY COMES ALIVE IN ITS 3RD SESSION FOR 2009
On Saturday, June 13, 2009, GAHFU’s Garifuna Culture and Language School started its third 8-week session of the year with a vibrant group of students. One new class was added for those interested in learning Garifuna Dance and the long awaited Drumming Class was brought back by popular demand.
The Garifuna community of Los Angeles young and old responded in numbers by attending our opening session. The Garifuna Culture and Language class started at 10:00 am and ended at12:00 noon followed by the Drumming and Conversational class and the Garifuna Dance classes from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm. The Blazer Learning Center is the home of our school. The Blazer learning center is located at 1517 West 48th Street Los Angeles , CA 90062 (323) 898-6841. Thanks to the hard work that the teachers and staff have put into this project, we have been able to celebrate one year and three months at the Blazer location. GAHFU, Inc. would like to thank our Teachers and Founding Fathers Clifford Palacio, Sidney Mejia, Ruben Reyes, Carlos Domingo Alvarez, Melecio Gonzalez.. We also want to thank Mr. Benny Davenport, Carlton Davenport and the staff from The Blazer Learning Center for making this project possible. A big thanks goes to Nichole Martinez our Secretary and to Ms. Helen Laurie, Community Liaison. In addition, our gratitude goes to our funding source The Alliance for California Traditional Arts. We couldn’t forget the people who have given their donations through our website www..garifunaheritagefoundation.org.
Arufudahati Ruben Reyes is so dedicated to this noble cause that he has spearheaded the opening of a Garifuna Museum on site. The Garifuna Museum is planning to have not only Garifuna artifacts but also books, photos and any other valuable objects that can be displayed to the public. So far, Juan Martinez has taken it upon himself to build a life size Wanaragua dancer dressed with an attire that was tailored in Honduras . For more information about the Garifuna Museum of Los Angeles and if you are interested in donating or lending a piece that can be displayed, you can contact Mr. Reyes (323) 864-1007.
We would like to share some of the pictures taken during our grand opening of our third session for 2009. If you are interested in attending classes, please contact GAHFU, Inc. Please make a donation! Your kind contribution will play a vital role in preserving the Garifuna legacy and help us make this project grow and reach out to more people.
GARIFUNA DANCING LESSONS
Felix Gamboa: Born in Santa Rosa de Aguan in Honduras many people know me through Wanichigu Dance company, Nuwani Dance company some may know me through Garifuna International Band.a couple of month back I sent a flyer thought this network that said: Coming to the Bronx expressing my interest in having dance classes in the Bronx, however I had difficulties finding a place that would be accessible to our people. I have now found a very centric and well known location at 125 street in the famous Harlem. classes are being held at ADAM CLAYTON POWELL JR. STATE BUILDINGLocated at 163 west 125 street. Third floor every Tuesday from 7:pm to 9:pm Classes are completely free throughout this whole month of June.Classes are already in progress Next class is Tuesday June 2nd Come send your children or come all...Lets burn some calories this summer with BODOMA explosive drums. If further information is needed you may email your inquires to gamboafelix@yahoo.comor call 917 319 6478
LEARN GARIFUNA THROUGH GARIFUNA CLASSES IN NEW YORK AREA:
VISIT OUR BLOG AT Honduransagainstaids.blogspot.com
Session I starts Sat. Jan. 30 thru March 20. Session II from April 10 thru May 29. Session III from June 12 thru Aug. 7. Session IV from Aug. 21 thru Oct. 16. Session V from Oct. 30 thru Dec. 18, 2010! We have added a Children's Class, a Beginner's Class and an Advanced Class. All of these classes will be offered in the morning at 10 am. The Drumming & Conversational Class will remain at 12 noon.
ABUYABA - GARIFUNA TEMPLE This is the Dabuyaba located in Quehueche - Chewecha Livingston, La Buga Guatemala. This structure is where the Garifuna spirituality comes alive. Fermin is trying to get the temple recognized by the Catholic Church in Guatemala. He has already taken the initial steps to meet and discuss with the clergy in the area the future of this House of Prayer. If you are interested in contacting Fermin Arzu to help continue the work he is doing in La Buga, please feel free to call him at (347) 604-2827. This picture was taken on Wednesday, April 15, 2009 and it shows the front side of the Dabuyaba which also has a Gayusa quarters, a Drummers quarters, bathrooms and kitchen. The temple is also equipped with electricity and its own water well and electric water pump.
This picture shows the inside of the Dabuyaba looking to the front entrance door towards the Caribbean Sea. You can notice the three drums used during the ceremony of the DUGU.
The Drums.
Fermin Arzu as he discusses his plans for the Dabuyaba with Cheryl L. Noralez and Rony Figueroa.
Carta del Dr. Luther Castillo al Presidente de Hondurasdurante la celebracion del mes de la Herencia Africana:
Excelentísimo Sr. Presidente de la República Manuel Zelaya Rosales.
Compañeros y compañeras, líderes Garífunas herederos de Satuyé y Barauda.
Hermanos y hermanas que nos abrazan con su calor desde cada una de las comunidades Garífunas de nuestro país.
Hoy en esta histórica Bahía de Trujillo donde yace la sangre de nuestros ancestros reivindicamos el sudor y el esfuerzo de aquellos que día a día luchamos por enaltecerla.
En el marco glorioso del Mes de la Herencia Africana conmemoramos un año más en que esta tierra fue bendita. Bendita porque hace mas de dos siglos pisó su suelo la planta africana trayendo consigo la Riqueza que hoy la engalana.
Hoy a 212 años, nuestros mismos tambores símbolo de la resistencia, armas poderosas de lucha, nos convocan impostergablemente a una profunda reflexión de nuestra realidad histórica.
El espíritu de nuestros ancestros nos ordena hoy reorientar la conducción del destino de nuestro pueblo, a retomar el verdadero liderazgo de Satuyé y Barauda.
Un liderazgo capaz de diferenciar la plática de la práctica, ineludiblemente vinculada en el pueblo, por el pueblo y para el pueblo. Y no los pseudos liderazgo a control remoto ejercido desde la comodidad de las grandes ciudades, totalmente desvinculado de la realidad cotidiana de una comunidad que se desangra y agoniza ante la pérdida sistemática de sus valores espirituales y culturales.
Satuyé y Barauda nos heredaron un liderazgo huérfano de intereses mezquinos y de ambiciones personales, cultura crustácea perpetuada por un sistema que con migajas nos dividen y luego con una desfachatez impúdica nos demandan y nos llaman a la unidad.
Hoy nuestro pueblo es víctima de un seudo liderazgo importado de modelos occidentales, convertidos en instrumentos de destrucción, división, efervescencia de pequeños conflictos, dirigidos a debilitar la armonía, la paz y la convivencia solidaria heredada por Satuyé y Barauda.
Los impostores que pretenden imitar, sepan que la imitación es el culto que le rinde la mediocridad al talento.
Hoy desde esta trinchera cívica, de manera categórica les hago entrega del mensaje enviado por Satuyé, Barauda y Nuestros Ancestros a todos aquellos oportunistas, traficantes de la miseria de nuestro pueblo; Sus acciones No prevalecerán.
De igual manera nuestros ancestros nos hacen un llamado a la juventud a asumir nuestro verdadero papel en este momento histórico, en cambiar todo lo que debe ser cambiado, con igualdad y libertad plena, emanciparnos por nosotros mismos y con nuestros propios esfuerzos, desafiando poderosas fuerzas dominantes dentro y fuera del ámbito social, defendiendo valores en los que se cree el precio de cualquier sacrificio, con modestia, desinterés, altruismo, solidaridad y heroísmo, luchando con audacia, inteligencia y realismo. Sin mentir jamás principios éticos, con una convicción profunda que no existe fuerza en el mundo capaz de aplastar la fuerza de la verdad y las ideas, dispuestos a luchar por nuestra unidad, independencia, luchar por nuestros sueños de justicia para Honduras y para el mundo, que es la base de nuestro patriotismo, conscientes hoy mas que nunca de nuestro verdadero concepto de Patria, no es el amor ridículo a la hierva de la tierra que pisan nuestras plantas, es el odio invencible a quien la oprime y al rencor eterno a quien la ataca.
Barauda viva en el espíritu de nuestras mujeres Garífunas de hoy, nos exige Hoy como aquella airada tarde en San Vicente que instiga a Satuyé a la acción cuando firmemente le recrimina diciéndole: “Hagadeiruñein alunduna wachari ani manigitibu lun bereguniña, runoun nigundun bun bichigoumen bigalasun nun ñindunamuga erereguaña” que traducido al español significa lo siguiente: “Los ingleses están destruyendo nuestros cultivos y no tienes el valor de hacerles la guerra, dame tus pantalones y te daré mis faldas que yo iré a hacerles la guerra”.
Es el mismo llamado enérgico que Barauda nos hace hoy, para que con valentía defendamos nuestro derecho a la vida manifestada en todas sus expresiones: salud, desarrollo, cultura y una educación propia, enmarcado en nuestro contexto cultural que nos permita forjar nuestro propio destino. Concepto que no entiende el Ministro de Educación Marlon Brevé, que se ha convertido en el mayor enemigo de la educación intercultural bilingüe, que no hemos ido tras él como pueblo porque no queremos emborronar arpías.
Hoy sumamos 212 años de que como Cultura propiamente dicha, llevamos transitando el camino de la resistencia. 212 años luchando contra el olvido y la indiferencia.
Pero hoy un Espíritu de cambio transita por el mundo y la inclusión en el desarrollo, ya no es solo un Derecho de los pueblos, sino un deber de todo negro latinoamericano.
Reconocer en todo tiempo que no somos objetos, sino sujetos de pensamiento activo en el Estado de Derecho que conformamos.
Hemos tenido que alzar la voz para trascender la sordera de aquellos que están hipoacúsicos, porque no quieren oír, ignorando que nuestra diversidad cultural es una riqueza reconocida y declarada así por la UNESCO como “ La Obra Maestra del Patrimonio Real e Intangible de la Humanidad ”.
La Organización de las Naciones Unidas (ONU) en su afán de garantizar los derechos, que por nuestra simple condición de humanos debemos gozar; ha creado los espacios para que todo hombre y mujer, para que niño y niña tenga el pleno derecho de aprender a leer y a escribir en su propia lengua, estudiar su propia cultura, y a ser consciente de su historia de como parte de una civilización ha traído consigo en su viaje ancestral desde otro continente.
Cultura es la respuesta a la pregunta que cualquiera se formule en torno al sentimiento que como Garífunas compartimos.
Cultura es la fuerza que nos da el sustento, es la acción, es nuestra Filosofía y el poder de nuestro pensamiento.
Cultura es el resultado de nuestro proceso histórico y suma total del legado de nuestros ancestros.
Y en nombre de esa Cultura jamás acostumbrada a callar, que hoy unimos nuestra voz a los Organismos Internacionales para que sean aplicadas las leyes y respetados íntegramente los convenios que garantizan la protección y el derecho a los pueblos indígenas y negros.
La Organización Internacional del Trabajo (OIT), declara en su Convenio 169 de que “los pueblos tienen el derecho inalienable de desarrollarse en el ámbito de la Salud , Educación y en cualquier aspecto político-social, teniendo el Estado la obligación de garantizar el respeto y el no atropello a su lengua y a su práctica cultural”.
Con admiración hemos visto como por primera vez un presidente de esta Nación, ha mantenido las posturas mas dignas no solamente históricas sino mas bien prácticas, en cuanto a temas de Derechos Humanos para Honduras y para toda América Latina.
Sr. Presidente:
Lo vimos con orgullo discursar en el podio de la Organización de las Naciones Unidas y condenar categóricamente el bloqueo impuesto por mas de 50 años a la hermana República de Cuba.
Lo vimos con la dignidad de un verdadero líder que reconoce que Honduras es un país con múltiples necesidades, pero que no esta dispuesto a vender la conciencia a aquellos Organismos que ofrecen ayudas y ponen mil condiciones para recibirlas.
Hoy.. Lo acompañamos en su lucha contra aquellos oligarcas de pensamiento anquilosado, que anteponen sus intereses mezquinos al bien común de un pueblo que busca la participación social y la igualdad de condiciones para todos y el respeto a su voluntad en la toma de decisiones.
Hace pocos días, disfrutamos verlo en una exclusiva entrevista en UNIVISION, respondiendo con inteligencia y elocuencia ante las interrogantes insinuantes y prefabricadas de un periodismo que responde a los intereses de la oligarquía.
La verdad nos sentimos muy orgullosos de sus respuestas.
Hoy.. Lo acompañamos y defendemos con ahínco y gallardía su propuesta a la cuarta urna, este momento histórico nos demanda una verdadera reforma constitucional con participación social que represente los verdaderos intereses de nuestro sufrido y marginado pueblo.
Cuál es el temor y el pánico de aquellos que nos llaman cada cuatro años a votar por los mismos, a que como pueblo también tengamos el sagrado derecho a evaluarlos y revocarlos cuando éstos se desvíen de la defensa de los intereses del pueblo que los eligió?. El que nada debe nada teme.
A nosotros.. Garífunas, jamás se nos ha cedido los espacios y no lo lamentamos, porque es gracias a esta condición Social que hemos aprendido con tenacidad a conquistarlos.
Sin embargo Señor Presidente, le abrimos a usted un espacio para que en él pueda marcar unas líneas de esto que es historia en desarrollo y que hemos denominado como el único y viable “Modelo de Salud Alternativo para los Países en Vías de desarrollo”.
En la creación de este modelo, queremos subrayar el papel trascendental de la solidaridad del Pueblo Cubano, que después del Huracán Mitch, abrió sus puertas para que jóvenes Garífunas pudieran formarse como Médicos y así combatir un huracán mucho mas fuerte y prolongado que tenía postrado el sistema de Salud en las Comunidades Garífunas de tierra adentro, cuya población no figuraba en los mapas de prioridades de aquellos que tenían el deber de proveer algo tan humano como es el derecho a la salud y a la vida.
Aquellos jóvenes que un día viajaron a Cuba con la maleta hinchada de ilusiones son los que han tenido la gallardía de volver a nuestra gente, a nuestra tierra que es al fin de cuentas lo que somos y construir lo que para otros era un sueño de nostálgicos, pero para nosotros es un deber impostergable: “El Primer Hospital Popular Garífuna de Honduras” en la Comunidad de Ciriboya, que a dos años de su fundación hemos brindado mas de 150 mil consultas gratuitas. Hemos vuelto práctico el concepto de accesibilidad a la salud, que no se trata de pavimentar una calle para que el paciente pueda llegar al médico, sino surcar y hacer todos los caminos posibles para que el médico pueda llegar al paciente. Hemos insertado el concepto de Cultura en la Medicina , porque en nuestra condición de Garífunas entendemos como algo que va mas allá del razonamiento.. que Cultura es Salud.
Y salud integra un conjunto de elementos, biológicos, psicológicos, sociales, económicos y culturales.
Reafirmamos como Bio-Psico-Socio-Culturales que su No integración retroalimenta la perpetuidad que hoy sus propios inventores, han tenido que reconocer ante la opinión pública mundial su total ineficacia y fracaso, vendedor de “la muerte y mutilación por causas simples de una realidad cotidiana”.
Hoy Médicos de Ciencia y Consciencia, reescriben la historia de Nuestros Pueblos inspirados en el Dr. Alfonso Lacayo Sánchez , Primer Médico Garífuna egresado de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras, después de 118 años de su fundación.
Esta abismal espera ha llegado a su fin, el mundo nos ha dado lección del siglo: Que la inclusión es posible y que el respeto a la diversidad cultural debe ser la regla y el patrón a seguir, donde Honduras no puede ni bebe ser la excepción.
Dejamos sentadas las bases de este nuevo modelo de salud alternativo para los países en vías de desarrollo. Un modelo que es nuestro, que no es copiado de otro país, que en nada se parece a nosotros y que es funcional por la simple razón, que nació en la necesidad de servir a nuestros pueblos y engrandecer a nuestra patria.
En este modelo de Salud le hemos cedido el espacio a usted Señor Presidente para que hagamos Patria.
Hermanos y hermanas hagamos Patria! Porque si no la historia nos condenará! Porque no en vano un hombre escribió: Patria o Muerte! Venceremos…
Que es lo que le depara a grupo de baile Wanaragua de Los Angeles? Este año nuevamente tuvimos la oportunidad de disfrutar en familia del baile tradicional del Wanaragua, tambien conocido como mascaro y Jankunu en toda la region centroamericana donde habitan los Garifunas. El grupo de jovenes y personas adultas que con su altruismo y civismo cultural dedican su tiempo cada año a la ardua tarea de bailar el tradicional baile netamente garifuna, lo hacen no solamente por el amor a su cultura sino tambien porque les asegura un futuro muy brillante en cuanto a la preservacion de sus tradiciones en la tierra del Tio Sam.
En esta Navidad del 2008, se vio una vez mas el esplendor de su arte tan delicado que solamente un ojo bien entrenado en el conocimiento verdadero del significado de los movientos observados en los danzantes del Wanaragua, podria apreciar. El baile del Wanaragua no es solamente una serie de movimientos de piernas, cadera, brazos y cabeza sino un mensaje que comunica el ejecutante a la persona que toca con mucha gracia y eficacia el tambor garifuna conocido como “primera”. En este baile ritual, la persona que esta bailando Wanaragua es la que dicta al tamborista como tocar. Un redoble, un doble redoble o un toque en seco que indica que el Wanaragua esta al mando. El Garawun -drummer- mira con exactitud y gracia a las piernas del Wanaragua para poder contestar sus ordenes de movimiento.
El jefe de los wanaragua es conocido como Abuti. El Abuti del grupo de Wanaragua en Los Angeles es el Sr. Flavio Alvarez “Paps”. Flavio me cuenta que por tradicion el ya trae el llamado para esto. Su padre fue uno de los mejores danzarines del Wanaragua en Livingston, Izabal. El me cuenta con una voz melancolica y llena de orgullo que su padre no le permitia verlo cuando el se estaba vistiendo con su atuendo muy llamativo, multicolor semejando el vestido de una mujer. “Mi padre no me dejaba ni bailar con ellos ni mucho menos tocar su atuendo, era algo muy sagrado y especial que solo los adultos podian ejercer.” De alli es donde viene el llamado de los ancestros de Paps quienes han encomendado tan ardua tarea que se celebra en Los Angeles, California cada 25 de Diciembre y cada primero de Enero con motivo de la Navidad y Año Nuevo respectivamente.
En este articulo que escribo no me quiero meter mucho en detalles en cuanto a lo que respecta al baile Wanaragua, para eso les recomiendo comprar y ver el dvd del documental llamado “Play Jankunu, Play” realizado por el Dr. Oliver Greene de la Universidad del Estado de Georgia. Mi preocupacion en dedicar un momento es escribir esta nota desde la comodidad de mi hogar y desde el teclado de la computadora, es para hacer la pregunta: Quien podra continuar el tradicional baile de Wanaragua el dia en que Paps ya no este? Como lo expresa el finado Andy Palacio en su cancion; Kaba funa san añuga wabute amuñegu, Kaba funa san ayanuha Garifuna numa amuñegu, Kaba funa san arumaha numa o amuñegu, Kaba funa san aduguraha wau o amuñegu? En otras palabras: “contenplando el futuro y el potencial declive de la cultura Garifuna, Andy expresa su preocupacion y hace un llamado a la preservacion de la cultura. Desde ese entonces, se ha desencadenado un renacimiento y ha despertado un interes especial para la reviver el idioma Garifuna, el cual por muchos años ha sido ignorado por los sistemas educativos.” Tomado del album Watina.
Tan asi juega un papel importante el ya tradicional baile de Wanaragua, que con mas de sus 15 años ya ha logrado deleitar a jovenes, niños, adultos, Garifuna, ladinos, blancos y aun negros americanos en Los Angeles. Tan asi de importante se ha vuelto esta tradicion que este año se tuvo un invitado especial que viajo desde Chicago, para tener el honor de ser parte del ensamble. Este hombre que viajo desde Chicago, se identifico como oriundo de Dangriga y de una familia netamente de Wanaraguas. Fue recibido con brazos abiertos y con mucha pompa y circumstancia pues no solamente vino a enriquecer al grupo de danza, sino tambien le vino a brindar un toque de resonancia y respeto. En años anteriores se han integrado niños con sus padres que han viajado desde Nueva York con exclusividad para participar en este evento.
La Dra. Michele Goldwasser, quien por mucho tiempo ya ha seguido muy de cerca estas tradiciones en el area de Los Angeles, se ofrecio como voluntaria para preparar una “Grant” que es una beca monetaria para fomentar las culturas en peligro de extincion. El tradicional Wanaragua, cuenta la batalla que sostuvo la comunidad Garifuna de San Vicente - Yurumein - contra los invasores Ingleses. Segun la historia transmitida verbalmente de generacion en generacion, los hombres se vistieron en atuendos de mujer para sorprender al ejercito invasor que queria despojarlos de sus tierras. Los Garifunas notaron que los Ingleses solo atacaban a los hombres y no asi a las mujeres lo cual fue una estrategia utilizado por los hombres para repeler el ataque. Clara que hay otras variaciones de esta historia lo cual invita al dialogo.
Entonces regresando al tema principal, sera que los jovenes Garifunas, estas nuevas generaciones que ya estan reemplazando a muchos de nosotros, estan preparados para lograr mantener esta tradicion? Sera que los jovenes no se interesan mucho en mantener su cultura y sus costumbres en America? Yo miro un futuro muy incierto para la comunidad Garifuna en Estados Unidos. En realidad me doy cuenta que aunque algunos niños participan como miembros del Wanaragua, yo no veo esa transicion. Espero que este equivocado! Pero me concierne como padre de familia y como padre de un niño Garifuna, de que se haga algo al respecto. Quien llevara la espada el dia en que Abuti ya no este? Quien podra tomar el tiempo para reunir a Garinagu de todas nacionalidades para que vayan a ensayar a su casa desde principios del mes de Noviembre de cada año para que esta constitucion fisica este optima para el baile? El baile Wanaragua require de mucha coordinacion, estamina y buena condicion fisica. Donde estaran los jovenes que vendran a tomar mando? Quien les confeccionara el traje de Wanaragua? Quien les hara las mascaras que con su colo rosado y pintas de labios y ojos cubren el rostro de los que lo bailan? Quien les cantara las canciones que solo las Gayusas saben?
Gracias por su atencion y tomemos un momento para reflexionar un poco en estos dias de Fedu de celebracion.
Jobo, DJ Labuga & Mohubob Flores at Umalali Studios in Los Angeles, California during the 19th of November 2008.
Check out the photo album. Sponsored by The Blazer Learning Center home of GAHFU's Garifuna Culture and Language School. Pinche la foto para ver el album de la presentacion en la Universidad de Northridge.
Click on the picture to see the album. Sponsored by The Blazer Learning Center home of GAHFU's Garifuna Culture and Language School. Pinche la foto para ver el album de la presentacion en la Universidad de Northridge.
Orange County California 10-19-08,
Hermanos(as), Es un alto privilegio para mi en tomar unos momentos con el permiso de los hermanos Ruben Reyes y Clifford Palacio, estos honorables profesores en educacion del idioma garifuna y al mismo tiempo lideres internacionales comunitarios internacionales respectivamente, para informarles sobre algunos acontecimientos que llevaron acabo este fin de semana.
Indudablemente que las cosas que suceden son motivados por una causa, y de logica, tienen un fin especifico y particular en las mayoria de veces. La emocionante y motivadora fresca brisa de la iniciativa o movimiento de un nuevo amanecer, ya se siente agradable en la Cal State University Northridge en el condado de Los Angeles, al igual que en Soka University of America en Orange County, California. Con la ayuda de la profesora Sarah England, PhD, en la rama de antropologia y el profesor Thomas Crowder, PhD, en la rama de Humanidades, me presentaron como miembro de la etnia Garifuna; Bernardo Guerrero (King Hordin Hihihi), para dictar una charla relacionado a la historia de la Nacion Garifuna, por el termino de una hora. Cabe decir que los mas de 33 alumnos que asistieron a la charla, hicieron preguntas relacionadas al tema, al mismo tiempo quedaron muy agradecidos y con mas interes de seguir aprendiendo de la Nacion Garifuna.
De igual manera se llevo a cabo en la Cal State University Northridge. Alli asistieron los alumnos que estan aprendiendo el idioma garifuna en la escuela de GAHFU, dirigido por los profesores Ruben Reyes y Clifford Palacio. La escuela GAHFU esta compuesta de ninos, jovenes, adultos y personas de la tercera edad ( Emenecia Harry), abuela del hermano Ruben. La senora Harry quedo super satisfecha por asistir a tan trascendental acontecimiento. Ella agrego de que ahora ella estara participando cada sabado como alumna en la escuela de cultura y lenguage Garifuna y al mismo tiempo motivando a mas personas que deceen aprender el idioma. Asi tambien asistieron alumnos del grupo CAUSA (Central American United Student Asociation) de la universidad. Tambien estuvo el profesor Clifford Palacio quien dio una catedras sobre el pronunciamiento, escritura, diferenciaciones y como se debe de hablar el idioma garifuna. El profesor Ruben Reyes dio una amplia exposicion audivisual y literaria sobre el trafico de negros africanos en embarcaciones como esclavos.
Durante la presentacion hubieron mas de 60 personas presente entre estudiantes universitarios, estudiantes de la escuela GAHFU y otros invitados especiales. La audiencia logro hacer una o dos preguntas sobre el tema de la migracion Garifuna desde Yurumein hasta tierras Centroamericanas. Al final, los miembros de la universidad pronunciaron su satisfaccion y ofrecieron su colaboracion para que en cualquier momento que se les necesite, los utilicemos como apoyo educativo y de intercambio socio-cultural. Ellos se prestaron muy atentos para hacer mas grande esta iniciativa de hacercar a la gente Garifuna a las aulas universitarias.
Para terminar, lo mas importante de todo esto es que ninguno de estos dos profesores Ruben vReyes ni Clifford Palacio, devengaron o cobraron ni un centavo por su presencia. La presentacion fue de mucho valor sin duda. Es importante tambien notar de que cada sabado el Sr. Reyes tanto como el Sr. Palacio prestan sus servicios como mestros voluntarios para impartir su conocimiento a los interesados. Las clases son de la ensenanza del idioma Garifuna. Felicidades profesores ejemplares! Felicidades alumnos perservantes! ''SUNGUBEI EIBUGUNI WABARUAGUN NI LUN WADIGIAGUN WARIGOUN'' ''NADA HEMOS PERDIDO LO UNICO QUE HEMOS PERDIDO ES EL TIEMPO COMO NACION GARINAGU'' ''WE DISERE TO FIGTH FOR OUR LAND, IDENTITY, DIGNITY, CULTURE AND ECONIMIC EMPOWERMENT, BECAUSE THE IDEA WERE HANDED DOWN TO US BY OUR ANCESTORS'' Att; King Hordin Hihihi
GAHFU, Inc. Presents COFECA's 25st Annual Central American Parade LA 2008
"Agudahei Wagucha" "Keeping Our Culture Alive" "Manteniendo Nuestra Cultura Viva"
Pictures courtesy of Francis Estrada. Thanks to Martha Martinez's Garifuna Culture Group
The parade was celebrated on Sunday, September 21st from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. It started on the corners of Pico Blvd. and Vermont Avenue and it ended at McArthur Park where there was music, food, arts and crafts and a 3-day street festival. GAHFU, Inc. would like to thank the Garifuna community for having supported and marched with our float.
Mas fotos del famoso desfile Centroamericano que se celebro el Domingo 21 de Septiember del '08 en las calles y avenidas del centro de Los Angeles, CA. GAHFU, Inc. participo con su carroza alegorica con su tema "Agudahei Wagucha" "Manteniendo Nuestra Cultura Viva"
GAHFU's preliminary drawing of the float that will be built by Garinagu in Los Angeles to participate in the 25th Anniversary of the Centrall American Independence Parade in Los Angeles, California. This year's GAHFU's theme is: "Agudahei Wagucha" "Keeping our culture alive" "Manteniendo nuestra cultura viva"
Nota cortesia del Lic. Mario Gerardo Ellington Lambe (Labuga, Guatemala)
Los Angeles Urban League
24 cases of medical supplies.
PRESS RELEASE
MISS GAHFU ARTESIA WELCH back in 2008 during the Drumming Class
IGEMERI
LUBA GARIFUNA CULTURAL MUSEUM by Sebastian & Isabel Cayetano and Family 4202 Fern Lane St. Martin's Area Belize City, Central America.
Varios niños de la etnia Garífuna juegan en la playa. Foto: EFE.
Mujeres garífunas danzan durante una marcha. El Bronx es el principal centro de la inmigración garífuna desde sus inicios. Foto: EFE.
Session I starts Sat. Jan. 30 thru March 20. Session II from April 10 thru May 29. Session III from June 12 thru Aug. 7. Session IV from Aug. 21 thru Oct. 16. Session V from Oct. 30 thru Dec. 18, 2010! We have added a Children's Class, a Beginner's Class and an Advanced Class. All of these classes will be offered in the morning at 10 am. The Drumming & Conversational Class will remain at 12 noon.
This picture shows the inside of the Dabuyaba looking to the front entrance door towards the Caribbean Sea. You can notice the three drums used during the ceremony of the DUGU.
The Drums.
Fermin Arzu as he discusses his plans for the Dabuyaba with Cheryl L. Noralez and Rony Figueroa.
The Dabuyaba from the main entrance
