This House resolution says April should be designated as "National Garifuna Immigrant Heritage Month." It would celebrate the contributions of Americans of Garifuna immigrant heritage and recognize their history and culture. The text describes the Garifuna as descendants of mostly West and Central Africans who intermarried with Carib and Arawak Indigenous peoples. It notes the arrival of the Garifuna to Roatan, Honduras on April 12, 1797 and refers to the 228th anniversary in 2025. The resolution says Garifuna language, dance, and music are on UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. It also notes that Garifuna heritage celebrations began in New York City in 2009 and in New York State in 2010, and mentions land-rights struggles in specific Garifuna communities.
The resolution expresses that people should observe April as National Garifuna Immigrant Heritage Month with appropriate ceremonies, celebrations, and activities to honor Garifuna culture, history, and contributions. It is an expression of the House's view and calls for public recognition and observance.
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Supporters say the month would provide an opportunity to commemorate and recognize the contributions of Americans of recent Garifuna immigrant heritage, highlight the history and culture of Central American Black Indigenous immigrants, raise awareness of land-rights issues, and help address disparities and injustices affecting Black and Indigenous populations.
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