Expressing the sense that there should be established a "National Garifuna Immigrant Heritage Month" in April to celebrate the great contributions of Americans of Garifuna immigrant heritage in the United States who have enriched the history of the Nation.
This resolution expresses the sense of the House that there should be a national observance called “National Garifuna Immigrant Heritage Month” in April. It aims to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Americans of Garifuna immigrant heritage to U.S. history and culture. The measure provides historical context about Garifuna people—originating from a mixture of Indigenous Carib and Arawak heritage with West/Central African roots—and notes the Garifuna arrival in Central America in 1797. It also references UNESCO’s recognition of Garifuna language, dance, and music as intangible cultural heritage, and highlights the community’s long-running efforts to gain recognition (notably in New York City and New York State). The resolution emphasizes raising awareness about disparities facing Black and Indigenous populations and invites observance through ceremonies and activities that honor Garifuna heritage and its contributions to the United States. As a non-binding “sense of the House” resolution, it does not create new law or allocate government funding. Instead, it advocates for formal recognition and public observance, potentially encouraging other governmental or cultural entities to adopt similar commemorations.
Key Points
- 1Establishes, in a non-binding sense, a national Garifuna Immigrant Heritage Month to be observed in April to honor Americans of Garifuna immigrant heritage.
- 2Highlights the historical and cultural contributions of Garifuna people, noting their Central American roots and their connection to broader Black Indigenous heritage in the United States.
- 3Provides historical context, including the Garifuna’s origins, their 1797 arrival in Central America, and the 228th anniversary of that arrival, as a basis for recognizing Garifuna heritage.
- 4References UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage for Garifuna language, dance, and music, underscoring the cultural significance recognized internationally.
- 5Acknowledges the origins and efforts of Garifuna heritage recognition in New York City (since 2009) and New York State (since 2010), and calls for awareness and celebration of Garifuna culture and contributions nationwide.