Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson joined author José Francisco Aviles and The Garifuna Coalition, USA, Inc. for an evening celebrating Garifuna culture, tradition, and music in the Rotunda of Bronx Borough Hall on Thursday, March 7. The colorful celebration included performances of traditional folk dances and songs.

 

The Garifuna people are the descendants of an Afro-indigenous population from the Caribbean Island of St. Vincent. Forced to flee in the 18th century, they settled along the Atlantic coast of Central America in the countries of Guatemala, Nicaragua, Belize, and Honduras where many continue to live today.

 

In the 20th century, many began to migrate to the United States and settle in The Bronx, home to the largest Garifuna in the United States. According to the Bronx Borough President’s office, the largest population of the Garifuna in the USA, live in The Bronx.

 

All victims of the historic and tragic Happyland Fire that killed 87 people in 1990, were from this community, prompting Garifuna historian, José Francisco Aviles, to chronicle their story which he said began in the mid-1600s on the Island of St. Vincent to their exile to Central America in the 18^th century. He said they began their migration to the United States in the 20^th century.

On Sunday, March 24, as reported, the Bronx Historical Society organized a walking tour of the Happyland Memorial Garifuna Heritage Walking Tour on Sunday, March 24, to coincide with the 33rd Anniversary of the tragedy, together with Francisco Aviles. The event was orginally due to take place on Saturday, March 23, but as advised, was postoned due to rain.

 

The borough president later said of the anniversary, “34 years ago, the tragic Happy Land Social Club fire claimed the lives of 87 members of our Garifuna American community. A night of fun turned into a night of pain and heartbreak. An unlicensed, illegal, social club with no fire protections and safeguards in place, our city has learned a lot since this painful day and improved building codes and fire safety measures.”

 

She added, “We mourn the loss of our neighbors and will forever hold them in our hearts. To every first responder, our firefighters, police officers, emergency personnel who fought to protect and save lives, we thank you. May God forever rest these Souls and we continue to pray for the families and loved ones.“