This resolution expresses the sense of Congress that April should be established as National Garifuna Immigrant Heritage Month to celebrate the significant contributions of Americans of Garifuna heritage.
Ritchie Torres
Representative
NY-15
This resolution expresses the sense of Congress that a "National Garifuna Immigrant Heritage Month" should be established in April. This commemoration aims to celebrate the significant contributions of Americans of Garifuna immigrant heritage to the nation's history and culture. Establishing this month would recognize the unique background of these Black Indigenous immigrants from Central America.
New Resolution Seeks to Establish April as 'National Garifuna Immigrant Heritage Month'
This resolution is pretty straightforward: it expresses the sense of the House that the United States should officially establish a “National Garifuna Immigrant Heritage Month” every April. The goal is to formally recognize and celebrate the significant contributions that Americans of Garifuna immigrant heritage have made to the country.
The Backstory: Black Indigenous Heritage
The resolution isn't just about recognition; it’s about history. It details the unique origins of the Garifuna people, who trace their ancestry back to West and Central Africans brought to the Americas via the slave trade who later merged with Indigenous Carib and Arawak people. After a conflict with the British, the Garifuna were exiled, eventually settling in Central America—specifically Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua—starting on April 12, 1797. This year marks the 228th anniversary of that arrival, which is why April is the proposed month for the celebration.
What This Means for Everyday Life
Since this is a resolution and not a law, it doesn't change regulations or taxes. It’s purely commemorative, but that doesn't mean it lacks impact. For Garifuna Americans—many of whom live in cities like New York, where celebrations have been happening since 2009—this national designation offers a huge boost in visibility and cultural affirmation. It validates their unique identity as Black Indigenous immigrants from Central America. For everyone else, this resolution promotes a more complete understanding of American diversity. The text points out that Garifuna culture—including its language, dance, and music—is recognized by UNESCO, meaning this designation helps preserve and highlight world heritage right here in the U.S. By encouraging communities nationwide to observe the month with “appropriate ceremonies, celebrations, and activities,” it creates opportunities for schools, museums, and local groups to educate the public. The resolution explicitly links this awareness to “fighting injustices against Black and Indigenous populations everywhere,” making it clear that this isn't just a cultural holiday, but a step toward greater social recognition and equity.