On Feb. 27, 2024, Moorpark College hosted a Black History Month event with Garifuna American Heritage Foundation United which discussed the history of the Garifuna, an indigenous people of the Caribbean.

Cheryl L. Noralez-Figueroa, the president and founder of Garifuna American Heritage Foundation United, performed a traditional dance and lectured about the Garifuna’s history and how they were treated by European immigrants.

The story of the Garifuna is one of struggle and fighting for their land. However, the story is also one of unity, resistance and hope. This is seen by how they’ve managed to preserve their culture despite the immense challenges.

Noralez-Figueroa discussed various points about the people, discussing cultural elements like clothing, religion, gender roles and the naming system. They also explained the history of the Garifuna people, particularly focusing on their story after European immigration to the Americas. She explained the story of how Europeans took advantage of the Garifuna, and how they tried to remove them from their native land.

Noralez-Figueroa emphasized that most students aren’t taught the history of her people, which is something she is actively trying to change by holding these events. She also expressed how one of her goals is to help people understand the value of their identity, because of how it ties into the value of tradition and the value of respecting what your ancestors did for you.

“Without knowing all of who you are, you’re just part of yourself. Although we (minority Americans) are here in the United States, we also need to remember where we came from, and embrace that because we inherit that from our ancestors,” said Noralez-Figueroa.

Noralez-Figueroa expressed how the Garifuna people always knew that no matter how many times they were brought down, they should always embrace their identity, and not let anyone tell them that they deserve less.

“It’s been amazing,” said Noralez-Figueroa regarding her experience with Moorpark College, expressing her appreciation for the school as an audience and a collaborator, claiming that the older audience is significant because they might not learn about these types of topics in high school.

“Colleges like Moorpark are able to broaden their horizon and learn about a culture like Garifuna that is a hidden gem,” Noralez-Figueroa explained. “A lot of people don’t know about it, and it’s not until they are in an institute of higher learning you have the opportunity to delve a little bit deeper.”

The event closed with Noralez-Figueroa displaying a traditional Garifuna dance performed with percussionists. These dances were traditionally performed for various reasons, either with spiritual intentions in mind or performing for the community.

For more information on The Garifuna American Heritage Foundation United, visit their website here.