Requesting Your Support for the 15th Annual Garifuna–American Heritage Month

Dear <<Title>> <<First Name>> <<Last Name>>:

As we approach the centennial of Garifuna migration to New York City (1932 – 2032), we see the 2023 Garifuna-American Heritage Month, as an inflection point to promote greater knowledge of and interest for the heritage, culture, and contribution of Garifuna people to the development of society. We’d like to request your support for the 15th Annual Garifuna–American Heritage Month in New York, March 11th - April 12, 2023. Your donation is tax deductible, and you will receive a donation letter. CLICK HERE TO DONATE.

In February 2008, The Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc. submitted a proposal to the Honorable Adolfo Carrión, Jr, President of the Borough of The Bronx, at the time, to issue a proclamation designating March 11th - April 12th of each year as Garifuna American Heritage Month in The Bronx beginning in 2009. The proposal was an integral part of the Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc.’s efforts to raise awareness about the Garifuna Community in New York City and promote the self-determination and unification of the New York Garifuna community through grassroots organizing and community building.

On November 15, 2008, President Carrión issued a proclamation in honor of the Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc.’s first Annual Yellow White and Black Fundraising Gala, which stated, This special occasion gives us the opportunity to recognize and congratulate the dedicated efforts of all within The Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc. to ensure the Garifuna community has a voice and flourishes within The Bronx, their home away from home.

Now, therefore, I Adolfo Carrión Ir., President of the Borough of The Bronx, recognize and salute the outstanding staff and community of the Garifuna Diaspora for enriching our borough with the beauty of the Garifuna culture and traditions. CLICK HERE TO DONATE.

On March 11, 2009, President Carrión, issued the requested proclamation, which stated, The Bronx appreciates the contributions made by our many citizens of Garifuna Heritage who take this opportunity to pay tribute to their heritage and culture as they gather to celebrate and highlight their many accomplishments throughout the years. In doing so, they help increase awareness and appreciation for the many contributions that the Garifuna community has made to our city; state and nation; and

Whereas: It is fitting that all New Yorkers join to applaud the Garifuna community for its hard work and dedication in many areas of endeavor that have enabled it to find continued success.

Now, therefore, I Adolfo Carrión, Jr, President of the Borough of The Bronx, extend best wished to our friends and neighbors of Garifuna ancestry as they commemorate this important milestone in their history as a free thriving people. I hereby proclaim March 11' through April 12'" 2009 as "Garifuna Heritage Month" That was the beginning of Garifuna American heritage Month, which has been declared by Governors David Patterson, Andrew Cuomo and Kathy Hochul.

The Garifuna Coalition has understood that developing a donor base is essential to effective organizing and that it helps build a broad base of support within the community most committed to the issue it cares about. CLICK HERE TO DONATE.

We look forward to your response and anticipate your support. For more information, please feel free to contact us at (917) 383-7014, or email at jose.avila@garifunacoalition.org

Sincerely,

Jose Francisco Avila

Chairman of the Board

Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc.