Preserving the Diaspora: Launch of the “Six to Celebrate” Guidebook
THE BRONX, NY — The history of the Garifuna people is no longer limited to oral stories or private memories; it is now officially part of the urban landscape of New York City.
On March 24, 2026, the Garifuna Coalition, in a historic partnership with the Historic Districts Council (HDC), celebrated the official launch of the new Garifuna Diaspora Walking Tour Brochure.
This publication marks a watershed moment in cultural preservation, cementing the Bronx’s status as the undisputed cultural capital of the Garifuna diaspora and a vital pillar of New York’s historical narrative.
A Living Testament: The Happy Land Memorial Walking Tour
The centerpiece of the new guidebook is the Happy Land Memorial Walking Tour. Originally recognized by the HDC’s “Six to Celebrate” program in 2023, this tour is more than a history lesson—it is a living testament to resilience.
Led by José Francisco Ávila, Chairman of the Garifuna Coalition and a NYC Licensed Sightseeing Guide, the tour forms the core of our cultural tourism strategy. It examines the deep historical importance of the West Farms neighborhood and the tragic Happy Land Social Club Fire, which resulted in 87 deaths on March 25, 1990. Significantly, this tragedy happened on the same day as the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, connecting the Garifuna experience to New York City’s larger labor and safety history.
• The Experience: Participants traverse the corridors of 174th Street, Boston Road, Southern Boulevard, and Crotona Parkway, engaging with the spaces where Garifunas have lived, worked, and socialized for decades.
• The Significance: The Happy Land Memorial serves as the gateway to the largest “Garifuna Village” in the world, providing context on immigration, labor, and the enduring spirit of a community that refuses to be forgotten.
The “Garifuna Corridor” and the Evolution of Casa Yurumein
The brochure highlights the emergence of the “Garifuna Corridor”—a cultural and economic artery stretching through the South and Central Bronx. According to reliable sources, Casa Yurumein, the community’s premier cultural center, is relocating directly into this corridor.
This move ensures that the heart of our community’s social and educational life stays at the core of the very geography being protected. The corridor acts as a sanctuary where the Garifuna language, UNESCO-recognized music, and ancestral customs continue to thrive amid the city’s changing landscape.
Our Vision: Economic Development and Cultural Equity
The launch of this guidebook is part of a broader strategic framework aimed at empowering the community as we move toward the 2032 Centennial.
1. Economic Development: Positioning Garifuna entrepreneurs as vital participants in NYC’s multi-billion dollar tourism sector by converting cultural assets into sustainable products.
2. Cultural Equity: Ensuring the “Hidden Voices” of the Garifuna people are amplified and included in the city’s historical narrative through educational programming.
3. Neighborhood Revitalization: Utilizing the walking tour as a “placemaking” tool that transforms a site of past tragedy into a thriving center of resilience.
4. Institutional Sustainability: Strengthening the capacity of the Garifuna organizations to deliver high-quality programming for generations to come.
Experience the History
The “Garifuna Diaspora” guidebook is your key to exploring the rich, complex, and beautiful history of our people. Whether you are a lifelong resident or a curious visitor, we invite you to walk these streets with us.
• Get the Guide: Download the digital version of the Garifuna Diaspora brochure today and start your journey through the Garifuna Corridor.
• Book a Guided Tour: For a deep dive into the stories behind the sites, book an official guided tour led by a licensed NYC Sightseeing Guide.
• Support Our Heritage: Follow the Garifuna Coalition for updates on the new Casa Yurumein location and upcoming community festivals.
Our history is written on these streets. Come and read it with us.
