GARIFUNA COALITION UUSAA, Inc.

Request of Support for Co-naming of Dawson Street in honor of Joseph Chatoyer

Submitted to Bronx Community Board # 2 – Economic Development/Municipal Services Committee

A turning Point for Our City and Garifunas have a Key Role to Play

June 18 th , 2007

Request of Support for Co-naming of Dawson Street “Joseph Chatoyer Way”...... 3 Justification ...... 4 2000 Bronx Central American Population by Community District...... 4 The Garifuna Community of – Who are they?...... 6 The Happy Land Social Club Fire ...... 6 Proposal Chronology...... 8 Next Meeting...... 8 Lachamuru Jerry Castro ...... 9 Bibliography...... 14

2 Request of Support for Co-naming of Dawson Street “Joseph Chatoyer Way”

Current name of street Dawson Street Proposed name of street: Joseph Chatoyer Way

Primary Petitioner and contact:

Name: Jerry Castro, Executive Director, The Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc. Address: P.O. Box 730, Bronx, NY 10455 Telephone : (718) 503-2551 Email: [email protected]

3 Justification

This is a request for a letter of support from Community Board # 2 regarding the co-naming of Dawson Street, from Intervale Avenue to Longwood Avenue, as “Joseph Chatoyer Way.” Dawson Street has played a major role in identifying the Garifuna community in the Bronx, the state, country and world. It is the location where many Garifuna migrants have met for guidance since the 1960’s and serves as avenue to promote Garifuna culture, music and arts. Approximately 1,000 Garífunas live in the immediate vicinity.

2000 Bronx Central American Population by Community District Community District HND % GT % 1 Longwood, Hunts Point, Intervale 1,520 2.60% 433 0.07% 2 Melrose, Mott Haven, Port Morris 676 0.04% 292 0.08% 3 Morrisania, Crotona Park E 1,287 3.50% 192 0.05% 4 Highbridge, Concourse Village 1,495 1.80% 227 0.03% 5 University Hts, Fordham, Mt Hope 1,109 1.40% 281 0.04% 6 East Tremont, Belmont, 950 2.00% 168 0.04% 7. Bedford park, Norwood, Fordham 750 0.09% 217 0.03% 8. Riverdale, Kingsbridge, Marble Hill 320 0.09% 99 0.03% 9. Soundview, Parkchester 1,168 1.30% 249 0.03% 10. Throgs Neck, Coop City, Pelham Bay 209 0.07% 87 0.03% 11. Pelham Pkway, Morris park, Laconia 286 0.08% 90 0.02% 12. Wakefield, Williamsbridge 341 1.20% 79 0.03% Source: 2000 Census SF1, 1990 Census STF1, STF2 Population Division - City Department of City Planning (October 2004) HND=Hondurans GT=Guatemalans

The Bronx is home to the largest Garifuna Community in the world, according to unofficial estimates, the Garifuna population exceeds 100,000, which is larger than the Garifuna population of Guatemala, Belize, Nicaragua and any of the 53 Garifuna communities located in .

Many believe that the difference between the Census numbers and the estimates is buried in the 401,108 who classified themselves as “Other Hispanic”. The Other Hispanic category represents the largest population change between 1990 and 2000. Furthermore, the Hispanic category does not include the country of Belize, country of origin for many Bronx Garifunas.

This request is an integral part of the Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc.’s efforts to promote the self-determination and unification of the New York Garifuna community through grassroots organizing and community development. The selection of Joseph Chatoyer is part of that strategy, since he’s recognized as the Paramount Garifuna Chief by Garifunas all over the World, including St. Vincent, Belize, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua and the United States, where most Garifunas reside.

Chief Joseph Chatoyer was killed in battle on March 14, 1795 in the island of St. Vincent, W.I. After his death, the Garifuna people were exiled from their native land

4 of St Vincent to Roatán, Honduras from where they dispersed along the Atlantic coast of Honduras, Guatemala, Belize and Nicaragua.

On March 14, 2002 Chief, Chatoyer, was declared the first National Hero of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the day was declared a national holiday.

Chatoyer was immortalized in a play, the “Drama of King Shotaway” , that was performed in New York in 1823, twenty-eight years after his death. The play was written by Mr. Browne, whose first name is unknown. It is believed that he was a Garifuna member who had experienced the battle of 1795 in which Chatoyer was killed. Mr. Browne is regarded as the Father of Black Theatre in the United States of America and this play is said to be the first about a black person.

On May 18th, 2001 the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the first time awarded the title of “ Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangibles Heritage of Humanity ,” to 19 outstanding cultural spaces of forms of expression from different regions of the world. The Garifuna Culture was among those declared “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangibles Heritage of Humanity.”

We pray that the Economic Development/Municipal Services Committee will agree that it would be an honor for the Borough of the Bronx to recognize a rich culture with a long history, which has been declared a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangibles Heritage of Humanity,” by recommending that Community Board # 2 provides a letter of support regarding the co-naming of Dawson Street, from Intervale Avenue to Longwood Avenue, in honor of “Joseph Chatoyer”

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The Garifuna Community of the Bronx – Who are they?

The Garífuna community has been an integral part of ’s (particularly the Bronx) way of life for more than 70 years. We have contributed significantly to the economic development of the Bronx and other boroughs while preserving our customs, cultural values and beliefs.

The Happy Land Social Club Fire

Despite many positive contributions to the social and economic fiber of New York City, Garifunas have remained outsiders with no influence on the important political processes of New York City. They had been, in a word, “invisible”. Although Garifunas have been migrating to the United States in search of a better life since the 1930s, the community was virtually obscured in New York until the Happy Land Social Club fire on March 25 th , 1990. Fifty nine of the Happy Land victims were Hondurans. More than 70 percent of the Honduran victims were also of Garifuna descent. An estimated 200,000 live in the South Bronx, Brownsville and East New York of Brooklyn, and on 's Upper West Side.

After the Happy Land tragedy, many promises were made to the Garifuna Community, including the President of Honduras and the archdiocese of New York who promised to build a recreation center in the South Bronx to diminish the need for illegal clubs in the area. The Honduran President, Rafael Leonardo Callejas, told the more than 750 people at St. Thomas's Aquinas Church and the more than 100 people listening through loudspeakers outside that his country was donating $25,000, including $1,000 of his own money for the center. Cardinal O'Connor, who conducted the almost two-hour service, said the church would match the contribution if the city donated the land to build the center. He promised to donate $999.99 on his own. 1

Furthermore, in a plea bargain that ended his trial after two days of testimony, the leaseholder, Jay Weiss, agreed to perform 50 hours of community service and to pay $60,000 to help build a community center for Hondurans who live in the Bronx. Many of the victims were Honduran immigrants. 2

Sadly, the only thing the Garifuna Community received was a memorial in honor of the victims, on Southern Boulevard.

1 Associated Press, Pledge to Build Bronx Center, , April 21, 1990 2 Hevesi, Dennis, Leaseholder Admits Violation In Happy Land Fire, The New York Times, May 7, 1992

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“Today, Spanish echoes through hallways and on side streets. No one plays stickball anymore, but the soccer games live on, this time among the Honduran immigrants who have carved out a niche here in recent years. And as with other groups, it took a tragedy before the rest of the city learned they even existed. In the Hondurans' case, it was the Happy Land fire. "We felt powerless when that happened. Until a tragedy happens, nobody knows the importance of a community." Astin Jacobo 3

3 Gonzalez, David, New Life, Far From The Bright Lights, The New York Times, January 25, 1998 7

Proposal Chronology

April 14 2007 collected signatures at the 2007 Garifuna Community Forum, to co- name Dawson Street (Waporu) Garifuna Village Boulevard.

May 9th 2007 The Economic Development and Municipal Services Committee held a meeting to hear our petition. There weren't enough members for a quorum and tabled the proposal for discussion during the general board meeting on City Charter policy on street co-naming.

May 30th , the General Board discussed the policies set on the City Charter to co- name streets in New York. A motion was made to vote on the Garifuna Village Boulevard proposal but the chair tabled it and motioned to send it back to The Economic Development and Municipal Services Committee for a vote.

June 13th , the Economic Development and Municipal Services Committee held a committee meeting where the Garifuna Village Boulevard was discussed for a possible vote of support from the full board. At the meeting, we were informed that according to the charter any street naming has o be to honor a a deceased person, therefore, we would have to choose a person and resubmit the proposal. After consulting with various Garinagu from different countries, it was decided that Joseph Chatoyer would be ideal person to honor. The present proposal was prepared and delivered to all members of the Economic Development and Municipal Services Committee.

June 27 th – During the General Board Meeting, the Economic Development and Municipal Services Committee chairperson announce the receipt of the revised proposal which he had read and did not foresee any problems and it will be discussed during the committee’s next meeting on September 12th .

August 23 – Members of the Network of Garifuna Organizations in New York City met with Council member Maria Del Carmen Arroyo who represents the district, a copy of the proposal was delivered to her and she stated that she would submit a letter of support to Community Board # 2. This is significant, since it is the Council member who ultimately submits the proposal to the New York City Council.

Next Meeting

The Economic Development and Municipal Services Committee’s next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday September 12 th , 6:00 – 8:00 PM at 1029 East 163rd Street (Social Security building at the corner of 163 and Southern Blvd, next to Duane Read in Hunts Point)

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Lachamuru Jerry Castro

As we embark to what may become a showdown with the current petition to rename Dawson Street in honor of the Garifuna Paramount Chief, Joseph Chatoyer, what makes Dawson Street unique its the history and the recognition all of Garifuna communities have given that corner from the very first time it became known as Waporu. As many of the elders would explain on the sidewalks of Bill Rainey park, Dawson Street was like a Garifuna Ellis Island: when you arrived from Central America, the first place people would visit was Dawson or Waporu as it is internationally known. People would come to meet with friends and family. Guys or the "fanfarones" would come to impress the ladies whom eventually became the loves of their lives. The children would practice and often enhance the cultural events. From the Mimpol to the creation and exposure of a young group known as Garifuna Kids. But more imporantly, Dawson Street represents another tool of Garifuna cultural preservation in New York, United States and the world. When people mention Waporu outside of the country, the things that comes to mind are Garifuna, beauty and exotic tastes of cooking, unity, love, arts and musical talent: the late Jimmy Suazo would not have become "Jimito had it not been for his performance at Waporu. Labuga Boys would not have been known Labuga Boys had it not been for the tough crowd of Waporu. And it was that same crowd in the early 1990's who accepted Garifuna Kids to perform and consented their path to be internationally known and promote Punta Rock in a higher level. And it is that what makes this corner in the South Bronx, the mecca of cultural diversity and home to what UNESCO declared in 2001 " A Masterpiece and intangible to the Human Culture". More importantly, home to Chief Joseph Chatoyer Boulevard.

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Why Garifuna Street Naming is Important in NY, US and Abroad

By Jerry Castro

Did you know that many of the names on the streets of New York are named after influential individuals who made changes within the neighborhood or a significant change that changed many lives? Names such as Adam Clayton Powell, Malcom X, Martin Luther King, Shirley Chisholm, Eugenio De Hostos, Julia De Burgos and Ramon Velez. These names represent a contribution to New Yorkers but more importantly they represent pride to the perspective communities they represent. Enter Chief Joseph Chatoyer.

There is a current petition for a letter of support at planning board #2 in the Bronx to submit to the local council representative to rename Dawson Street Chief Joseph Chatoyer Way. To date, hundreds of signatures have been collected in the Bronx, Harlem and Brooklyn. Organizations such as the National Garifuna Council from Belize, Garifuna Coalition USA, Garifuna Heritage Foundation and Grupo Waporu have publicly endorsed this initiative. And presently, signatures are being collected at community meetings in Los Angeles, Chicago and Dangriga, Belize. By September, we may be able to reach the 2,000 international efforts to honor our Paramount Chief in Garifuna Village (Bronx), New York.

Over at Ferry Point Park, where the Garifuna soccer tournament is currently being held in the Bronx, players, musicians, vendors and Garifuna supporters all agreed that by naming a street for a Garifuna leader who fought to preserve our land and culture is the ultimate recognition his descendants in New York can give him.

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"Joseph Chatoyer is like George Washington to us", says Frank Fernandez at Ferry Point while getting ready to play a game against Aguan's soccer team. "It will also give us an opportunity to revisit our history and learn more about those days. " On Dawson Street, the location of the street renaming, everyone are excited. A Puerto Rican woman sitting and enjoying the drum sound says that it was time the street becomes officially Garifuna.

"Nene pero ya es tiempo", said the woman smiling and enjoying the roots. "El Garifuna y el Taino somo primos asi que vamos a estar aqui el dia que cambien el nombre", she continued as the Gayusas (singers) continued to their chorus at the 9th annual Dawson Street Cookout. So like the names mentioned above who have made enormous contributions to their communities and instilled pride to the many different people they represent, approving the letter of support will not only hang another important name in the street of New York among the giants, but it will give the Garifuna Community an identity of pride and cultural preservation for the next Century. l Garifuna Council of Belize Endorses Garifuna Street Naming Bronx, NY 8/8/07 On Tuesday August 7 2007, the National Garifuna Council of Belize submitted a letter of endorsement and support for a petition to rename Dawson Street " Chief Joseph Chatoyer Way " in the Bronx New York. NGC now joins Garifuna Coalition USA, Garifuna American Heritage Foundation United, Gadu Nunez, J. King, Rhodee Castillo, Paula Castillo and James Lovell to name a few. "The National Garifuna Council endorses and fully supports the proposal made by residents from New York of Garifuna descent that Dawson Street be renamed Chief Joseph Chatoyer Way , wrote NGC President, Michael Apolonio. "Joseph Chatoyer was an exemplary and selfless leader and defender of rights of people who fought for their land and for the right to life as their forefathers had lived."

In its support and endorsement, the Garifuna American Heritage Foundation United said that Dawson Street "is a place where Garifuna people can reunite with friends, family and have a sense of familiarity and belonging." Georgia Tech Assistant Professor of Music and Keynote Speaker for the 2007 Garifuna Community Forum, Professor Oliver Green wrote that " New York is the home to 10,000 Garifuna, all of whom have roots in Central America . Yet there is no single emblem (building or street) that bares the name Garifuna."

There is a scheduled committee hearing for Wednesday September 12 at Planning Board 2's Economic Development and Municipal Services Committee. When the petition passes through committee, it will then be tabled for the general board meeting where all members will vote to grant a letter of support to the local Council Member to introduce legislation to rename Dawson Street Chief Joseph Chatoyer Way.

Chief Joseph Chatoyer painting by the Hon. Greg Palac io ___ Dawson Street in the Bronx Dances to the Rhythms of Garifuna Drums and Tastes of Exotic Cooking Lachamuru

Jerry Castro

Liyawa Lidani Garifuna Times Bronx NY, July 28, 2007

The weather forecast had called for rain and scattered thunderstorm. Instead, what rained over the Longwood section of the Bronx was the smell of fried fish with fried mashed bananas, beef enchiladas, couples walking Bill Rainey park, parents holding their children hand as they move the sounds of the maraccas, the number 1 and 2 Garifuna Drums. This was the affair as the 2007 Punta Rock Festival took place and scores of people, both young and old, flocked the historic "Waporu". "This has become an annual tradition", says Ms. Cynthia Mejia from Guatemala. "Coming here for this affair is like being home, 10 with family." Organizers for the event did not anticipated such a turn out. "Definitely we had given up", said Rolando "Original Superstar" Marin. "We weren't expecting the sun to be as bright as it is today." The Punta Rock Festival is an annual event that showcase local Garifuna musicians. This year's participation included Alagany Band, Hamalali Wayunagu Dance Company and Legacy Gifted among others. The event also featured local Garifuna leaders and television personalities that includes the event's MC Carol Suazo, host of Honduras New York and Centro America Show on BronxNet Channel 69. Bronx Counsul of Art Teams up with Honduras Against AIDS to showcase Garifuna Kids Painting Prominent Garifuna painters include legends like Virgilio "Vilo" Lopez, Pen Cayetano and Greg Palacio. But today in the first Garifuna Kid Art exhibition, these legends will be joined by the likes of Catherine Soliz-Rey, Ivette Guerrero, Destiny Ventura, Joseph Rochez, Rolando Zapata and Joshua Rochez. Their art is being showcased for a month at Los Azules Restaurant located at 640 Prospect Avenue in the South Bronx. Dear Friends ;

During the 2007 Garifuna Comunity Forum celebrating the 210 Years of Garifuna Cultural Heritage and Survival in New York, a petition was given to the attending public seeking their support to rename Dawson Avenue into Garifuna Village Boulevard. Dozens of people signed the petition which was submitted to both the local city council representative and the planning board, in this case being planning board 2 in the Bronx. Under the City Charter ( New York City Constitution), any changes within local districts must get first approval from the local planning board composed of a District Manager, Executive Board and Board Members whom approve or reject community related projects / developments.

On Wednesday May 9th, the Economic Development and Municipal Services Committee has scheduled our petition for a hearing where we have to state why the board should support this petition. A number of you have both committed to attend the committee hearing and have submitted your testimonies should you not be able to attend. The Committee hearing will be held at 1029 East 163rd Street ( you can take Bx 5, 6 and 19 to the Hunts Point stop and the #6 train to the Hunts Point Train Station). The meeting will begin at 6pm. If you have yet submitted your testimony, please do so before Wednesday. You only have to state why you believe co-naming Dawson Avenue into Garifuna Village is good for you (as an individual) and to the Garifuna-American Community. We are hoping to see you come and support this initiative and give the committee a reason of why they should support co- naming Dawson Avenue Garifuna Village Boulevard. As more developments arises, I'll keep you updated and on possible next steps. Aba IsieniJerry Castro ______Apreciables amigos y amigas: Con suma alegria hacemos del conocimiento de ustedes que hemos sido informados sobre la grata noticia del nombramiento y juramentación del Compañero Abogado Mario Gerardo Ellington , como Vice Ministro de Cultura y Deportes de la República de Guatemala. El Abogado Ellington, es Fiscal de la Organización Negra Centroamericana ONECA, es también miembro fundador de la Organización Negra Guatemalteca ONEGUA. El nombramiento del Abogado Ellington, es otra pequeña victoria de las Comunidades Afrodescendientes en su agitado, histórico y justo accionar por el reconocimiento, la visibilización y la participación igualitaria. Las organizaciones y comunidades afrodescendientes de Centroamerica, nos sentimos motivadas y aún más comprometidas

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13 Bibliography

Acompore John – Director Bilingual Program Development and Improvements Memorandum – Garifuna, New York, April 11, 1991

NY Amsterdam News Article week of 03/29/97

Araki Vergnani, , Susan, The Garifuna Heritage: Alive and Well in the Bronx Cityscape

Costa, Brian Bronx Couple Helps to Foster Deeper Sense of Belonging for Garifuna, The Columbia Journalist November 21, 2005

Ciechanowski, Laura For New York’s Garifuna, 203 years of exile is cause for a party--and cultural pride, City Limits Monthly, April 2000.

England, Sarah. "Gender Ideologies and Domestic Structures Within the Transnational Space of the Garifuna Diaspora." Selected papers on Refugees and Immigrant Issues, Volume 6. Arlington, VA: American Anthropological Association Committee on Refugees and Immigrants, 1998.

Gonzalez, Nancie L., "Garífuna Settlement in New York: A New Frontier," International Migration Review , Vol. 13, No. 2 (summer, 1979) p. 261.

Negron, Edna The Broken Promise of El Norte, New York Newsday, March 25, 1991

Negron, Edna Club Tragedy an Awakening for Garifuna, New York Newsday, August 18, 1991

New York City Council Finance Division, Fiscal 2006 Adopted Expense Budget

Orozco, Manuel, Hometown Association and their present and future partnerships: New development opportunities?, Interamerican Dialogue, September 2003

Puerta, Ricardo - Remittances for Development , USAID, Tegucigalpa, Honduras, 2001

Rivera, Joel, (2005) - Local organization celebrates grant that was secured by Councilman Rivera through City Council initiative, The Council of the City of New York – Office of the City of New York – Office of the Majority Leader Joel Rivera Media Advisory, March 7 2005

United States Attorney Southern District of New York, Preparer of fraudulent immigration applications arrested, April 04, 2006

Executive/Ministries/Tourism&Culture/Culture/Culture.asp?z=230&a=1151 http://www.svgtourism.com/channels/1.asp?id=60&prev_place=&cps=0&cpp=1 http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/2005/03/15/homecoming.shtml http://www.seinebight.com/cjp/chatoyer.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Chatoyer

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