Bill Summary
This resolution expresses the belief that a national month should be established in April to celebrate the contributions of Americans of Garifuna immigrant heritage in the United States. It acknowledges the presence of Garifuna people in all states of the US and recognizes their history and culture as an integral part of the nation. The resolution also highlights the common heritage and language that Garifuna immigrants share, as well as their voluntary migration to the US. It commemorates the 225th anniversary of the arrival of Garifuna people in Central America and encourages the recognition and celebration of their contributions through ceremonies and activities. It also raises awareness about the challenges and struggles faced by Garifuna people, such as land rights and discrimination, and emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and valuing their heritage. Overall, this resolution aims to promote inclusion and diversity and honor the significant contributions of Garifuna immigrants to the United States.
Possible Impacts
1. Provides recognition and celebration for Americans of Garifuna immigrant heritage in the United States.
2. Aims to raise awareness about the history and culture of Central American Black Indigenous immigrants in the United States.
3. Highlights the ongoing issues and struggles faced by the Garifuna people, both in the United States and in their native countries, such as land rights and injustices against Black and Indigenous populations.
[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1042 Introduced in House (IH)]
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117th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 1042
Expressing the sense that there should be established a ``National
Garifuna Immigrant Heritage Month'' in April to celebrate the great
contributions of Americans of Garifuna immigrant heritage in the United
States who have enriched the history of the Nation.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
April 6, 2022
Mr. Torres of New York submitted the following resolution; which was
referred to the Committee on Oversight and Reform
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Expressing the sense that there should be established a ``National
Garifuna Immigrant Heritage Month'' in April to celebrate the great
contributions of Americans of Garifuna immigrant heritage in the United
States who have enriched the history of the Nation.
Whereas people of Garifuna heritage are found in every State of the Union,
including the Bronx, New York, the home of the largest Garifuna
community outside of Central America;
Whereas the history of Americans of Garifuna immigrant heritage in the United
States is inextricably tied to the story of the Nation;
Whereas Americans of Garifuna immigrant heritage in the United States come from
the Central American region and have a common heritage and language
which goes beyond national borders;
Whereas Americans of Garifuna immigrant heritage in the United States came to
the United States voluntarily, and are distinct but with a similar
origin from African Americans, as both are descendants of mostly West
and Central Africans who were involuntarily brought to the North
American Continent by means of the historic Atlantic slave trade;
Whereas the West African slaves that escaped to the island eventually
intermarried with the Caribs and the Arawaks' Indigenous native people,
which gave birth to what today we know as the Garifuna people;
Whereas after a battle against the British which resulted in the surrender of
the Garifuna people, the defeated Garifuna leaders were transported to
England and the rest of the Garifuna people to the island of Roatan,
Honduras, where they arrived on April 12, 1797, and the settlement in
Central America began;
Whereas this year we commemorate the 225th anniversary since the arrival of the
Garifuna people in Central America;
Whereas ``National Garifuna Immigrant Heritage Month'' provides an opportunity
to commemorate and recognize the contributions of the Garifuna people
and looks to highlight the history and culture of Central American Black
Indigenous immigrants in the United States;
Whereas language, dance, and music of the Garifuna people from Belize,
Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua have been inscribed on the List of
the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, which was first proclaimed
in 2001, of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO);
Whereas raising awareness about the fight for land rights and their life that
the Garifuna people have encountered against tourism developers and drug
traffickers in the region of Pintadillera, Playa Blanca, Puerto Grande,
La Flor, Ciudad Morazan (Choloma), Orquidea (Colon), and Prospera (Islas
de la Bahia); and
Whereas raising awareness about Garifuna immigrant heritage is crucial to
effectively fighting disparities and injustices against Black and
Indigenous populations in the United States, Latin America, and across
the world: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Representatives
that--
(1) a ``National Garifuna Immigrant Heritage Month'' should
be established to celebrate the significant contributions of
Americans of recent Garifuna immigrant heritage to the history
of the United States; and
(2) the people of the United States should observe the
month with appropriate ceremonies, celebrations, and activities
to recognize that Americans of recent Garifuna immigrant
heritage enhance the rich diversity of and strengthen the
United States.
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