LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to declare
March 11, 2016, to April 12, 2016, as Garifuna-American Heritage
Month in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
just tribute to the cultural heritage of the ethnic groups which
comprise and contribute to the richness and diversity of the community
of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in keeping with its time-ho-
nored traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to applaud
and commemorate events which foster ethnic pride and exemplify the
cultural diversity that represents and strengthens the spirit of the
people and the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor
Andrew M. Cuomo to declare March 11, 2016, to April 12, 2016, as Garifu-
na-American Heritage Month in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Garifuna-American Heritage Month celebrates the great
contributions of Garifuna-Americans to the fabric of New York City, and
pays tribute to the common culture and bonds of friendship that united
the United States and the Garifuna countries of Belize, Guatemala,
Honduras, Nicaragua, St. Vincent and the Grenadines; and
WHEREAS, Garifuna-American Heritage Month affirms the culture, identi-
ty and self-esteem of a people; it celebrates a rich heritage and illu-
minates Garifuna history and tradition, as well as the spirit of an
indomitable people; and
WHEREAS, In 1665, two Spanish ships wrecked off the coast of St.
Vincent; and
WHEREAS, The West African slaves that escaped to the island eventually
intermarried with the Caribs and the Arawaks indigenous native people;
and
WHEREAS, The new race of people, known as the Garifuna, grew strong
and prosperous on the island; and
WHEREAS, In 1795, the Garifuna began the Second Carib War against the
British; battles raged throughout St. Vincent over the next year with
both sides enduring heavy losses; and
WHEREAS, On June 10, 1796, the final battle commenced with the Garifu-
na and British, resulting in the Garifuna's surrender; and
WHEREAS, The surviving Black Caribs were forcibly transferred to the
neighboring island of Balliceaux; and
WHEREAS, On March 11, 1797, the defeated Garifuna were loaded onto a
convoy of eight vessels and transported to Roatan, Honduras, which
arrived on April 12th of that year; and
WHEREAS, The Garifuna began to migrate to the United States during the
1930s; today, New York City is home to the largest Garifuna community
outside of Central America; and
WHEREAS, In 1823, William Henry Brown, the first American Playwright
of African Descent wrote "The Drama of King Shotaway," recognized as the
first Black drama of the American Theatre and has as its subject the
1795 Black Caribs (Garifunas) defense of the Island of Saint Vincent,
against colonization by the British; and
WHEREAS, On May 18, 2001, the United Nations Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proclaimed the Garifuna language,
dance and music as a "Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of
Humanity" in celebration of the 15th anniversary of the proclamation we
will celebrate the Garifuna Music Awards, as well as the 6th Annual
Abrazo Garifuna in New York; and

WHEREAS, Garifuna-American Heritage Month provides an opportunity to
recognize the significance of their contributions to the quality and
character of life, and, through many events and activities throughout
the month, for all people to gain a greater appreciation of Garifuna
history and traditions, and of the role Garifuna-Americans have played,
and will continue to play, in our society; and
WHEREAS, Today, New Yorkers of Garifuna heritage such as Sara Logan,
Rosemary Ordonez Jenkins, Sulma Arzu-Brown, Aquina Valentin, Mirtha
Colon, Eleanor Cecelia Castillo-Bullock, Mariano Martinez, James Lovell,
Rosita Alvarez, Paula Castillo, Esly Guity, Martin Bermudez, Edson Arzu
and Jose Francisco Avila, continue to recognize and honor the cultural
practices of their ancestors; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to declare March 11, 2016, to April
12, 2016, as Garifuna-American Heritage Month in the State of New York;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.