The Garifuna Experience Podcast

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In this episode of The Garifuna Experience Podcast, host José Francisco Ávila unveils a bold new initiative: Garifuna Fashion Weekend 2026. This special event, timed to coincide with Garifuna-American Heritage Month, is designed to elevate Garifuna creative talent and establish New York City as a leading hub for Garifuna fashion.

José explores the rich, yet often overlooked, influence of Garifuna culture on the NYC fas...

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NYC Restaurant Week is in full swing, but host José Francisco Ávila notices a heartbreaking absence on the list of participating restaurants: a proper Garifuna restaurant. In this impassioned episode, José explores why a dedicated, sit-down Garifuna eatery is urgently needed in New York City. He 

delves into the economic paradox of why past Garifuna restaurants have struggled, highlights the incredible talent within th...

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NYC isn't just a destination; it's a living, breathing tapestry of cultures. On this episode of "The Garifuna Experience in NYC Podcast," host José Francisco Ávila reveals how the vibrant Garifuna community is stepping up to become a powerful force in the city's tourism industry. 🏙️

We'll unpack the four key components of the travel trade—attractions, amenities, marketing, and destination...

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In this episode, host José Francisco Ávila unveils the ambitious strategy to brand New York City as the global epicenter of Garifuna arts and culture. Going beyond tradition, Ávila details the journey from his early efforts to promote Garifuna identity to the creation of a comprehensive cultural tourism plan.

Discover how the historical landmark of "The Drama of King Shotaway" and the Garifuna Coalition'...

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In this celebratory and forward-looking episode of The Garifuna Experience in NYC Podcast, host José Francisco Ávila invites you to join the festivities as we honor Garifuna Heritage Month!

Beyond parades and cultural displays, this special observance is a profound opportunity for reflection, education, and collective action. It's a time when the Garifuna community, particularly here in New York City – the largest...

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In this deeply significant episode of The Garifuna Experience in NYC Podcast, host José Francisco Ávila delves into a cornerstone of Garifuna identity: the profound impact of UNESCO's official recognition of our culture as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

This episode goes beyond the mere title, exploring what this prestigious designation truly means for the Garifuna people, both in o...

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In this pivotal episode of The Garifuna Experience Podcast, host José Francisco Ávila unearths a remarkable, nearly 200-year-old piece of New York City history. We dive into 'The Drama of King Shotaway,' a groundbreaking play from 1823, widely celebrated as the very first African American play written by a Black playwright.

But what makes this play a cultural landmark is its subject: the heroic defense of St....

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In Episode 3, we delve into the compelling Garifuna Paradox. Despite the Garifuna community's rich cultural heritage, recognized by UNESCO as a masterpiece of oral and intangible heritage, they remain underrepresented in New York City's thriving cultural and creative industries. 

Explore the stark contrast between immense cultural capital and limited economic engagement and discover how the Garifuna Experienc...

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In Episode 2, we build upon the foundational theme introduced in our first episode. This time, we shift from understanding to action. 

We'll explore how recognizing our collective potential is just the beginning. The real transformation happens when we translate that potential into tangible power – the ability to create change, overcome challenges, and shape our future.

 Join us as we discuss practical steps, inspi...

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Welcome to the first episode of our podcast! In this episode, we lay the groundwork for everything we'll discuss. 

We'll introduce our overarching theme and explain why we chose it. More than just a topic, this theme is a lens through which we'll explore every story, idea, and conversation in the season. 

Join us as we unpack the core concept that will guide our journey and set the stage for all the episo...

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Discover the Heartbeat of a Resilient Culture!

Get ready to embark on a captivating journey with The Garifuna Experience Podcast! This two-minute trailer offers a vibrant glimpse into a world rich with culture, heritage, identity, and unyielding resilience.

From the ancestral roots in Yurumein to the modern-day diaspora, hear the rhythms of tradition, feel the spirit of community, and explore the unique stories that def...