Best Yurumein Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 30 - Traditional Fedu 7:31

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1d ago7:31

7:31

Send us a text In this episode, host José Francisco Ávila dives deep into the Traditional Fedu, a cornerstone of Garifuna cultural identity and celebration, particularly in New York City. The Fedu, meaning "celebration" or "traditional women's dance," is powered by the fundamental Hüngühüngü rhythms. Listen to learn: The dual role of Fedu as both a…

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Episode 29 - Activating the Garifuna Economy: Our #BuyGarifuna Strategy 12:43

8d ago12:43

12:43

Send us a text The future of Garifuna prosperity is in our hands! Host José Francisco Ávila lays out a powerful, multi-faceted strategy to champion Garifuna entrepreneurship in NYC and beyond. This episode introduces the #BuyGarifunamovement—more than a hashtag, it's a commitment to creating an economic multiplier effect that builds generational we…

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An Immigrant's Journey 56 Years Later: From Honduras to Boston 5:52

13d ago5:52

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Send us a text Join me as I celebrate the 56th anniversary of the Avila family's migration to the United States. In this touching episode, I retrace our steps from December 1969—traveling by train across Honduras and flying into the biting cold of a Boston winter to reunite with my father. We reflect on the "Vision of Tito Avila," my father’s proph…

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Episode 28 - Pororó a Guatemalan Garifuna Tradition 6:02

15d ago6:02

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Send us a text Join José Francisco Ávila for a festive exploration of The Pororó, a unique and enduring Guatemalan Garifuna tradition! Discover how the Garifuna community celebrates the Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe on December 12th with a magnificent three-day festival. We delve into the captivating cultural fusion of the Pororó—from the collec…

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Episode 27: Remembering the Great Andy Vivien Palacio 13:58

22d ago13:58

13:58

Send us a text This week, we pause to honor the life and profound legacy of a man whose vision, music, and activism continues to shape our identity: Andy Vivien Palacio (1960–2008). Andy was not just an artist; he was a cultural champion whose journey was galvanized by a truly formative experience in the 1980s—a moment he described as a “real wake-…

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Episode 26 - Garifuna Settlement Day in Guatemala 9:24

29d ago9:24

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Send us a text Join host José Francisco Ávila for an inspiring journey to the Caribbean coast of Guatemala as we celebrate Garifuna Settlement Day, observed every year on November 26th. This episode honors the historic arrival of the Garifuna people and their enduring legacy in Livingston ("LaBuga"). We explore the profound cultural significance of…

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Garifuna Settlement Day Celebration in Nicaragua 7:19

1M ago7:19

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Send us a text Garifuna Settlement Day in Nicaragua: The Legacy of Orinoco and the Sambola Family Join host José Francisco Ávila for a special episode honoring Garifuna Settlement Day in Nicaragua. Celebrated every November 19th since its official recognition by Executive Decree in 2006, this is a story of enduring cultural roots and political achi…

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Episode 25 - Garifuna Settlement Day Celebration in Belize 7:05

1M ago7:05

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Send us a text The Trailblazing Legacy of Thomas Vincent Ramos: The Birth of Garifuna Settlement Day Join host José Francisco Ávila as we trace the incredible historical journey of the Garifuna people—from their forced exile on St. Vincent in 1797 to their resilient settlement across Central America. This episode delves deep into the significance o…

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Episode 24: Garifuna Distinguished Service in the U.S. Military 11:01

1M ago11:01

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Send us a text On this Veterans Day episode, host José Francisco Ávila pays tribute to the remarkable, yet often overlooked, legacy of Garifuna soldiers in the U.S. Military. Discover the 200-year warrior tradition of the Garifuna people—from resisting colonial powers in St. Vincent (Paramount Chief Joseph Chatoyer at the Carib Wars in 1795) and fi…

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Episode 23 - Why NYC Garifuna Political Representation Matters 9:51

2M ago9:51

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Send us a text The Garifuna community in New York City is on a mission to shift from a community of presence to a community of power. Host José Francisco Ávila dives into the critical importance of increasing Garifuna political visibility and influence, arguing that a seat at the decision-making table is non-negotiable for securing resources and fi…

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Episode 22 - The History of Garifuna Community Organizing in New York City 13:25

2M ago13:25

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Send us a text The Garifuna Experience in NYC Podcast takes you back to the foundation, tracing the evolution of Garifuna civic strength in the diaspora. Host José Francisco Ávila chronicles how our community successfully transformed from informal Hometown Associations to powerful, modern non-profit organizations. What You'll Uncover: The Pioneers:…

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Episode 21 - Beyond the Narrative: The Garifuna American Law Enforcement 8:41

2M ago8:41

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Send us a text Episode 21: Beyond the Narrative: The Garifuna American Law Enforcement Association, Inc. Host: José Francisco Ávila The Garifuna Experience in NYC Podcast goes "Beyond the Narrative" to highlight the powerful impact of The Garifuna American Law Enforcement Association, Inc. (GALEA). Join host José Francisco Ávila as he explores how …

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Episode 20 - Garifuna: A Living Cultural Afro-Indigenous Treasure 16:03

2M ago16:03

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Send us a text Episode Description Celebrate International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples with host José Francisco Ávila as we journey into the powerful and persistent world of the Garifuna people. Far more than a historical footnote, the Garifuna are a vibrant Afro-Indigenous treasure and a testament to resilience, born from the unique unio…

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Episode 19 - The Garifuna Educational Journey: From Village Schools to the Doctorate 17:49

3M ago17:49

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By Jose Francisco Avila

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Episode 18 - Garifuna Literary Arts 9:49

3M ago9:49

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Send us a text Host José Francisco Ávila dives deep into the power and necessity of Garifuna Literary Arts. For a people whose history was often deliberately erased from official records, the written word is not just culture—it's reclamation. This episode explores why Garifuna authors must write, moving beyond the centuries-old oral tradition to cr…

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Episode 17 - Happy Heavenly 56th Birthday Aurelio Martínez Suazo 8:28

3M ago8:28

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Send us a text Join us as we celebrate the life and legacy of a Garifuna icon, the late singer, composer, and politician Aurelio Martínez Suazo, on what would have been his 56th birthday. In this special episode, we explore one of his greatest artistic achievements: his powerful mentorship with West African superstar Youssou N'Dour through the Role…

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Episode 16: Honduras' Independence Historian: Catarino Castro Serrano 11:35

3M ago11:35

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Send us a text In this episode, The Garifuna Experience Podcast commemorates the life of Catarino Castro Serrano (1892-1939), a significant figure in Honduran history and the first documented Garifuna intellectual and congressman. Listeners will learn about his major contributions, including: · His landmark book, Honduras in the first century, whic…

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Episodio Especial - Catarino Castro Serrano: Historiador de la Independencia de Honduras 16:54

3M ago16:54

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Send us a text Este episodio especial de The Garifuna Experience Podcast conmemora la vida de Catarino Castro Serrano (1892-1939), una figura importante en la historia hondureña y el primer intelectual y congresista garífuna documentado. Los oyentes aprenderán sobre sus principales contribuciones, que incluyen: Su libro de referencia, Honduras en l…

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Episode 15 - The Garinagu and Belize’s Independence Movement 16:34

3M ago16:34

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Send us a text On this episode of The Garifuna Experience Podcast, host José Francisco Ávila explores the extraordinary journey of the Garinagu people and their vital role in the history of Belize. We'll uncover the story of the Garinagu's unwelcome arrival in the British colony and their hard-won acceptance. Discover how they leveraged their resil…

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Episode 14 - Thomas Vincent Ramos: "Father of Garifuna History" 12:00

3M ago12:00

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Send us a text Explore the life and legacy of Thomas Vincent Ramos, a true pioneer and visionary leader. This episode, "Father of Garifuna History," delves into Ramos's journey as a Garifuna historian, civil rights activist, and journalist. Discover how his unwavering commitment to his people led to the creation of Garifuna Settlement Day, one of t…

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Episode 13 - Garifunas and the Central America Independence Revolutions 10:46

3M ago10:46

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Send us a text In this episode, we dive into the often-overlooked history of the Garifuna people and their role during the tumultuous Central American independence revolutions of the early 19th century. As Central American nations began their fight for independence, the Garifuna found themselves in a complex position. We'll examine the shifting all…

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Episode 12 - Hispanic Heritage Month and the Garifuna Diaspora 13:31

3M ago13:31

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Send us a text This episode of The Garifuna Experience Podcast dives into the complexities of Hispanic Heritage Month through the unique lens of the Garifuna people. Host José Francisco Ávila explores how the broad term "Hispanic" can often overshadow the rich, distinct histories of Afro-Latino and Indigenous communities. We'll unpack the history o…

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Episode 11 - Art & Identity- Visual Expressions of Garifuna Culture in NYC 9:05

4M ago9:05

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Send us a text Explore the vibrant world of Garifuna visual art in Episode 15: Art & Identity: Visual Expressions of Garifuna Culture in NYC. Hosted by José Francisco Ávila, this episode goes beyond the well-known music and dance to highlight how painting, sculpture, and crafts are central to Garifuna identity. Discover how artists like Benjamin Ni…

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Episode 10: Threads of Heritage: Weaving Culture into NYC's Fashion Scene 10:34

4M ago10:34

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Send us a text In this episode of The Garifuna Experience Podcast, host José Francisco Ávila unveils a bold new initiative: Garifuna Fashion Weekend 2026. This special event, timed to coincide with Garifuna-American Heritage Month, is designed to elevate Garifuna creative talent and establish New York City as a leading hub for Garifuna fashion. Jos…

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Episode 9: NYC Restaurant Week and the Urgent Need for a Garifuna Restaurant! 8:08

4M ago8:08

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Send us a text NYC Restaurant Week is in full swing, but host José Francisco Ávila notices a heartbreaking absence on the list of participating restaurants: a proper Garifuna restaurant. In this impassioned episode, José explores why a dedicated, sit-down Garifuna eatery is urgently needed in New York City. He delves into the economic paradox of wh…

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Episode 8: NYC Cultural/Creative Industries and the Travel Trade 9:23

4M ago9:23

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Send us a text NYC isn't just a destination; it's a living, breathing tapestry of cultures. On this episode of "The Garifuna Experience in NYC Podcast," host José Francisco Ávila reveals how the vibrant Garifuna community is stepping up to become a powerful force in the city's tourism industry. 🏙️ We'll unpack the four key components of the travel …

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Episode 7: The Garifuna Experience in NYC: A Destination Brand 16:21

4M ago16:21

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Send us a text In this episode, host José Francisco Ávila unveils the ambitious strategy to brand New York City as the global epicenter of Garifuna arts and culture. Going beyond tradition, Ávila details the journey from his early efforts to promote Garifuna identity to the creation of a comprehensive cultural tourism plan. Discover how the histori…

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Episode 6 - Shaping a Vibrant Future: Celebrating Garifuna Heritage Month 21:31

5M ago21:31

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Send us a text In this celebratory and forward-looking episode of The Garifuna Experience in NYC Podcast, host José Francisco Ávila invites you to join the festivities as we honor Garifuna Heritage Month! Beyond parades and cultural displays, this special observance is a profound opportunity for reflection, education, and collective action. It's a …

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Episode 5 - UNESCO's Recognition, Preservation, and Enduring Legacy of Garifuna Culture 19:07

5M ago19:07

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Send us a text In this deeply significant episode of The Garifuna Experience in NYC Podcast, host José Francisco Ávila delves into a cornerstone of Garifuna identity: the profound impact of UNESCO's official recognition of our culture as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. This episode goes beyond the mere title, explorin…

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Episode 4 - A Cultural landmark - The Drama of King Shotaway 16:29

5M ago16:29

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Send us a text In this pivotal episode of The Garifuna Experience Podcast, host José Francisco Ávila unearths a remarkable, nearly 200-year-old piece of New York City history. We dive into 'The Drama of King Shotaway,' a groundbreaking play from 1823, widely celebrated as the very first African American play written by a Black playwright. But what …

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Episode 3 - The Garifuna Paradox 11:32

5M ago11:32

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Send us a text In Episode 3, we delve into the compelling Garifuna Paradox. Despite the Garifuna community's rich cultural heritage, recognized by UNESCO as a masterpiece of oral and intangible heritage, they remain underrepresented in New York City's thriving cultural and creative industries. Explore the stark contrast between immense cultural cap…

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Episode 2 - From Potential to Power: Our Call to Action 9:21

5M ago9:21

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Send us a text In Episode 2, we build upon the foundational theme introduced in our first episode. This time, we shift from understanding to action. We'll explore how recognizing our collective potential is just the beginning. The real transformation happens when we translate that potential into tangible power – the ability to create change, overco…

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Episode 1 - Our Overarching Theme: Garifunas Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress 7:42

5M ago7:42

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Send us a text Welcome to the first episode of our podcast! In this episode, we lay the groundwork for everything we'll discuss. We'll introduce our overarching theme and explain why we chose it. More than just a topic, this theme is a lens through which we'll explore every story, idea, and conversation in the season. Join us as we unpack the core …

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Trailer - The Garifuna Experience Podcast 2:04

7M ago2:04

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Send us a text Discover the Heartbeat of a Resilient Culture! Get ready to embark on a captivating journey with The Garifuna Experience Podcast! This two-minute trailer offers a vibrant glimpse into a world rich with culture, heritage, identity, and unyielding resilience. From the ancestral roots in Yurumein to the modern-day diaspora, hear the rhy…