Garifuna Americans facts for kids
Total population | |
---|---|
c. 200,000 (2011) | |
Regions with significant populations | |
Languages | |
American English, Garifuna, Spanish language | |
Religion | |
Predominantly Roman Catholic Minority Protestantism |
|
Related ethnic groups | |
Garifuna Afro-Caribbean, Afro-Honduran, Afro-Guatemalans, Afro-Nicaraguans, Caribbean American, West Indian |
Garifuna Americans or Black Carib Americans are Americans who are descendants of free African people and Indigenous people of the Americas that originated in the Caribbean island of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Garifuna Americans whose ancestors were exiled from the Island trace their roots to the Central American countries of Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, and Nicaragua, while those whose ancestors remained in the island trace their roots to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The term refers to someone with full or partial Garifuna heritage who was born in the United States. They trace their ancestry to the Garifuna, who were descendents of Arawak, Kalinago (Island Carib), and Afro-Caribbean people living in Saint Vincent.
Cultural events
As of 2012[update], Abrazo Garifuna in New York, an event celebrating the contributions of Garifuna Americans to New York City is in its second year. Abrazo Garifuna in New York continues to be held annually as of 2014.
Notable people
- Teofilo Colon Jr. - Photographer
- Evil E - musical artist
- O.T Genasis – rapper
- Brian Flores - Football Coach
- Kosine - Music Producer
- Abe Laboriel Jr - Drummer
- Milton Palacio - NBA Player
- Demi Singleton - Actress
- Vic Barrett - Activist
See also
- Garifuna music
- Happy Land fire