GARIFUNA MUSEUM OF LOS ANGELES GRAND OPENING

Los Angeles, CA (April 27, 2011) – The Garifuna Museum of Los Angeles (GaMoLA) held its grand opening ceremony on Saturday, April 16, 2011. The Museum was officially opened by Dr. Cadrin Gill, Honorary Consul General of St. Vincent & The Grenadines who cut the black and yellow ribbons draped in front of a Garifuna flag at the entrance to the museum.

Founded by Rubén Reyes, president and founder of The Garifuna Hope Foundation, a 501 (C) (3) non-profit organization, the Museum was established in memory of two great pioneering Garifuna men, Don Narciso Reyes and Don Justo Flores. The Museum’s mission is to strive to “preserve the unique heritage and culture of the Garinagu (Garifuna people) through the collection and preservation of Garifuna historical and present-day artifacts, through educational and performing arts programs, exhibitions, and partnerships with community based organizations in the United States and abroad.” In addition, it will serve as an educational tool for the community at large to learn about the unique traditions and customs of the Garinagu.
From a humble beginning of a few drums and household items from friends in Garifuna villages of Honduras, the museum’s collections have grown to include: a Garifuna village model; miniature dolls depicting Garifuna dress and adornments; a life size paper maché figure of a Wanaragua dancer; and an impressive collection of books, videos, art, and artifacts depicting Garifunaduaü (the Garifuna way of life). Various scholars, historians, authors, musicians, artists, philanthropists and collectors have contributed originals and copies of their prized works to the museum. Other art connoisseurs and collectors have also loaned priceless historical items and collectors’ items to the museum to showcase the unique culture and rich heritage of the Garinagu.
The Museum is housed by the Blazer Learning Center, a non-profit organization founded in 1969 that provides many empowering programs to youths in the community, including a very successful after school program. Located on the ground floor in three rooms, the Museum boasts a main room containing Garifuna artifacts, the Gari Gallery, and a library and multimedia room.
Thanks to the benevolence of several philanthropists and the relentless efforts of volunteers, the museum’s home underwent essential renovations to prepare it for its grand opening by the weekend of April 16 to coincide with Garifuna Memorial Day. Every year, Garinagu commemorate April 12, 1797 as a day of reflection in memory of their ancestors’ exile from their homeland of Yurumein (St. Vincent and the Grenadines) to the shore of Roatan in Honduras.
“The museum belongs to people of all nations and we invite the general public to visit and bring a friend to share and delight in a culturally diverse experience,” Rubén Reyes, executive director of the museum said. Mr. Reyes adds that volunteers are encouraged to participate in the on-going development of the Museum and in-kind and monetary donations are welcomed, which are tax-deductible and donors will receive an official receipt for tax purposes.
The Garifuna Museum of Los Angeles is located at the Blazer Learning Center, 1517 West 48th Street in Los Angeles near Denker Avenue. Museum tours can be scheduled by calling (424) 218-6212.
For additional information visit the museum’s web site at www.garifunamuseumla.org or contact:
• Rubén Reyes, Director, (323) 864-1007, ruben@garifunahopefoundation.org
• Ben Flores, Assistant Director, (323) 234-3404, ben@garifunahopefoundation.org
• Helen Laurie, Public Affairs Director, (323) 496-4101, helen@garifunahopefoundation.org

Belmopan hosts Lions Convention

The Belize Lions Zone 59 held their 33rd National Convention over the weekend of April 9th & 10th in Belmopan City. Lion members from all clubs across the country were present to witness the several matters tabled and discussed during the convention.

As part of the convention, a resolution was passed for all clubs to raise as much money within 90 days to assist victims of the Japan earthquake and tsunami.

Also on the agenda was the election of a new Zone chairman and a new Zone queen. The new chairman is Lion Dr. Glenford Espadas, while the new Zone queen is Chancae Guy - they take on their responsibilities as of July 1st, 2011.

The convention was celebrated under the theme: "Lions, many faces, many races, one goal: service".

The venue for the next convention in 2012 is Belize City.

San Pedro RC School celebrates Belize's many cultures

Culture day is always a fascinating way to see children's perceptions of the cultures in their country. With a great mix of Maya, Mestizo, Creole, Garifuna, Mennonite, East Indian, Chinese and a growing number of North American residents, Belize is a glorious mix of peoples. San Pedro RC School held an open/culture day on Friday, February 25 to showcase what children have learned about the cultures they were assigned, and below are some photos of the results.

The Creole

The Mestizo

The Garifuna

The North Americans

Chinese

East Indian

Garifuna

Ketchi Maya

Mennonites

UB host First Multicultural Fair

Press Release - November 10th, 2010 - University of Belize - Hundreds of students at the University of Belize (UB) Central Campus, Belmopan City today participated in the First Multicultural Fair 2010 at the University’s Central Campus, Belmopan City.
The fair, organized by students of the History & Anthropology Department of the University who are enrolled in classes of Multiculturalism in Belize and Introduction to Belizean History included a variety of multicultural presentations and displays celebrating Belize’s diversity.

Lecturer in the History & Anthropology Department, Ms Ritamae Hyde explained that the aim of the fair was to increase awareness of Belize’s multiculralism.
“It was designed to highlight the various cultural contributions and patterns of cross-cultural sharing in the multicultural nation of Belize,” remarked Ms Hyde.
Highlights at the fair included; Music and Dances of Belize, Foods of Belize, Practices and Rituals of Belize, Languages of Belize, Folklores of Belize and Cultures of Belize.

Students were also dressed in various cultural dress traditions depicting the rich and vivid diversity of Belize.


WE ARE BELIZE!

Dia de San Pedro Celebrated

Dia De San Pedro was celebrated after a week's delay, but it was worth the wait as entertainment came from all over to join San Pedranos in the festivities.

After a grand fireworks display on Friday night, there was some dancing and singing, followed by the second annual Karaoke competition, which was won by Valentino Caliz.

On Saturday night, it was Belizean Culture at its Best!! With fabulous performances by the Yo Creek Uch-Ben Ok-ot (Old/Traditional Dance) Dance Group, Belize National Dance Company and Super Furia Band from Orange Walk.

Sunday's Fishing Tournament was cancelled, but the evening's events were back in full swing with more performances by the San Pedro Dance Company, Natalie Arceo, a surprise Cultural Show by a Mexican Dance Group and capped off with the fabulous stylings of Banda Cubana. All in all, the weekend was a great success, and hats off to the organizers for pulling off such a great event. Feliz Dia de San Pedro!!