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In this hard-hitting investigative episode, host José Francisco Ávila pulls back the curtain on the political reality of the Garifuna community in New York City. For nearly a century, the Garifuna people have enriched the fabric of the Bronx and beyond with vibrant culture and resilience. But as we approach the 2030 centennial of the Garifuna establishment in NYC, a glaring question remains: Where is our seat at the table?

We move beyond the "Three Cs"—Costumes, Cuisine, and Celebrations—to demand Accountability. Despite a population of 250,000 in New York State, why has there been only one Garifuna individual elected to local office in 94 years?

In this episode, we explore:

• The Congressional Garifuna Caucus: An investigation into the first-ever caucus of its kind. Is it a powerhouse for change or a committee in name only?
• The Gatekeepers & Allies: The roles of Congressman Ritchie Torres and Assemblymember Karines Reyes, and the tireless advocacy of Bronx icon Mirtha Colón.
• The Road to 2030: A direct call to action for Millennials and Gen Z to move from the sidelines to the ballot box.

It’s time to shift the strategy from being "celebrated" to being a "represented" in the budget deliberations. Join us as we map out the journey from visibility to true political empowerment.

Resources:

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• The Happy Land Memorial Walking Tour
• The Garifuna Experience in NYC 
• Garifuna Heritage Walking Tour (Bronx
• U.S. Congressman Ritchie Torres And Garifuna Activist, Mrs. Mirtha Colon, Create Garifuna Caucus (Being Garifuna)

Books by José Francisco Ávila

Pan-Garifuna Afro-Latino Power of Pride:: My Quest for Racial, Ancestral, Ethnic and Cultural Identity