Preserving Indigenous Garifuna culture and tradition through the arts.
Programs: Culture in action.
Eduction & Workshops
We provide hands-on dance, music, and cultural arts workshops for youth, schools, and community programs.
Community Engagement
We host vibrant community festivals, language workshops, and intergenerational gatherings that celebrate Garifuna heritage and cultural identity.
Performances
Wabafu Garifuna Dance Theater is our partner entity that shares powerful, engaging performances that celebrate ancestral traditions, rhythm and storytelling.
GHC was born from the lifelong passion of Luz F. Soliz, a renowned Garifuna dancer and educator from Trujillo, Honduras.
After immigrating to the U.S. at age 15, Luz dedicated her life to preserving and teaching the traditions of her ancestors through education and the arts. She earned a degree in Dance and Drama from Bard College and a Master’s in Dance Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.
She is the founder of Wabafu Garifuna Dance Theater (formerly Hamalali Wayunagu) and the Garifuna Heritage Center for the Arts and Culture, Inc.
A lifelong educator, Luz has taught in NYC schools and currently teaches at Boricua College. Her work has empowered generations, keeping Afro-Indigenous Caribbean culture alive in both classrooms and on stage.
Over 30 years of cultural preservation and perseverance.
Current Programs
children’s Garifuna cultural program Ages 1-13
Children learn cultural dance, drumming and songs in a fun and interactive way every Saturday. Hours: 2:30pm-4pm. Soundview Community Center. Free!
Garifuna song class
Open moment to learn Garifuna Songs, with a overview of the language behind the lyrics , stories, and more. Hours 4-5pm Soundview Community Center. Free!
ANNUAL GARIFUNA CULTURAL FESTIVAL 2025
A fun and exciting day of live performances, workshops, and fun at Soundview State Park. *This is possible with funds from CityParks Partnership for Parks Program. Date and Time TBA.
