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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 why past Garifuna restaurants have struggled, highlights the incredible talent within the community, and makes a heartfelt plea for a visionary entrepreneur to step up. This isn't just about food; it's about cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and finally giving Garifuna cuisine the stage it deserves in the city that has become home to its largest diaspora.

In this episode of the Garifuna Experience Podcast, host Jose Francisco Avila passionately discusses the urgent need for a dedicated Garifuna restaurant in New York City. He highlights the absence of such a culinary space amidst the city's diverse food scene, emphasizing the cultural and economic significance of Garifuna cuisine. Avila calls for community support and action to establish a restaurant that can serve as a cultural hub, promote local businesses, and showcase the rich culinary heritage of the Garifuna people.

Resources:

The Garífuna Experience in NYC | Bronx walking tour

The Garifuna Experience in NYC

The Happy Land Memorial Walking Tour

Garifuna Heritage Walking Tour (BronxNet Video)

WEIGA/Let’s Eat! - Tastefully Garifuna

Bare Feet in NYC: Garifuna (Bronx)

Seis Vecinos Restaurant

Books by José Francisco Ávila

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

Garífuna Ancestry: The DNA Quest to Decipher the Garifuna Distant Past

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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 trade—attractions, amenities, marketing, and destination management—and show how the Garifuna culture, with its rich heritage, dynamic businesses, and exciting events, is perfectly positioned to attract visitors and create a sustainable, prosperous future. 💃 Explore our unique tourism assets, from the annual Garifuna Heritage Month to local businesses like JRC Garifuna Collections, and discover how we are driving prosperity, power, and progress for our community and for New York City.

Join us to learn how tourism can be a tool for economic development and a celebration of our unique identity.

Resources:

The Garífuna Experience in NYC | Bronx walking tour

The Garifuna Experience in NYC

The Happy Land Memorial Walking Tour

Garifuna Heritage Walking Tour (BronxNet Video)

Lou Ramos Cruise Planners Travel Agent

JRC Garifuna Collection

The Garifuna Market

Books by José Francisco Ávila

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

Garífuna Ancestry: The DNA Quest to Decipher the Garifuna Distant Past

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 historical landmark of "The Drama of King Shotaway" and the Garifuna Coalition's iconic yellow, white, and black branding form the foundation of this innovative initiative. Ávila also explores the vital role of the NYC Tourism Foundation grant, the development of the GarifunaExperience.com website, and the launch of the @garifunaexperience social media channels.

Tune in to learn how this initiative is poised to drive prosperity, power, and progress, inviting the world to experience the vibrant Garifuna community thriving in the heart of New York City.

Resources:

The Garifuna Experience in NYC

The Happy Land Memorial Walking Tour

Books by José Francisco Ávila

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

Garífuna Ancestry: The DNA Quest to Decipher the Garifuna Distant Past