for Gothamist: Garifunas in NYC celebrate heritage month as they continue decadeslong quest for recognition by José A. Alvarado Jr.

News

for Gothamist: Garifunas in NYC celebrate heritage month as they continue decadeslong quest for recognition

josé a. alvarado jr.

Apr 3, 2023

Location: The Bronx

Summary

A wave of cultural pride coursed through the grand reopening of the Casa Yurumein cultural center near Crotona Park in the Bronx.

A wave of cultural pride coursed through the grand reopening of the Casa Yurumein cultural center near Crotona Park in the Bronx, with more than 100 people of Afro-Latino descent gathering to celebrate the community space just ahead of Garifuna Heritage month, which runs from March 11 through April 12.

The center — whose previous location shuttered during the COVID-19 pandemic — is dedicated to the Garifuna, who originate from the Caribbean and planted roots in New York City nearly a century ago. It reopened on Feb. 25 with a night of solidarity for a culture that has fought to preserve its language and customs in the face of adversity.

During their heritage month, Garifuna people host a series of educational and community-building events in the Bronx, including pop-up shops and beauty pageants. The community also makes itself visible to public officials through visits to Washington, D.C. and the Bronx borough president's office, which recognizes Garifuna Heritage Month each year.

Photographed for Gothamist, with words by Enrico Denard

Garifunas in NYC celebrate heritage month as they continue decadeslong quest for recognition
Since the 1990's, Garifunas in New York City have galvanized a movement to bring attention and visibility to their community's specific needs.
Gothamist.com

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José A. Alvarado Jr.

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