About Us

Learn more about our non-profit organization and our mission to make a positive impact on the world through our charitable initiatives

A Beacon of Hope: The Story of The Children of Livingston

The organization’s mission is as profound as it is urgent. Through cultural events, educational programs, and advocacy efforts, The Children of Livingston ensures that Garifuna heritage—their language, music, dance, and traditions—continues to inspire future generations. They serve as a voice for the voiceless, advocating for the rights of the Garifuna community wherever they reside. The work goes beyond preservation, however. The organization promotes initiatives that create opportunities for economic empowerment, access to education, and improved living conditions. They strive to build a world where being Garifuna is not just a source of pride, but a foundation for equality and prosperity. The Garifuna people, descended from West African, Carib, and Arawak ancestors, have a rich history filled with resilience, creativity, and community. However, like many indigenous and minority groups, they face unique challenges that threaten their way of life. From systemic injustices to socioeconomic disparities, the Garifuna community has often found itself at the crossroads of adversity. It was in this context that The Children of Livingston organization was born. What began as a response to the immediate crisis quickly evolved into a movement of empowerment and advocacy. This non-profit organization is committed to not only safeguarding Garifuna culture but also uplifting its people by addressing political, economic and social inequalities.

Preserving a heritage, building a future

The organization’s mission is as profound as it is urgent. Through cultural events, educational programs, and advocacy efforts, The Children of Livingston ensures that Garifuna heritage—their language, music, dance, and traditions—continues to inspire future generations. They serve as a voice for the voiceless, advocating for the rights of the Garifuna community wherever they reside. The work goes beyond preservation, however. The organization promotes initiatives that create opportunities for economic empowerment, access to education, and improved living conditions. They strive to build a world where being Garifuna is not just a source of pride, but a foundation for equality and prosperity.

Goals

01.
Preserve, protect and promote Garifuna culture.

Preserving, protecting and promoting the Garifuna culture is an important mission to keep alive its historical, linguistic, musical, gastronomic and spiritual wealth.

02.
Advocate on all issues concerning our People

Advocate on all issues concerning our People before the government, corporations, foundations and other institutional organizations.

03.
Educating our children and youth

Train our children and youth to become leaders in our community.

04.
Helping the members of our organization

Help members of our organization and other Garifuna sectors in times of distress.

05.
Ensuring protection for our members

Ensure that no injustice is committed against the Garifuna people in the United States and elsewhere.

06.
Formulate and implement programs

Implement and maintain programs for our members and other sectors in the Garifuna communities in areas such as: entrepreneurship, sports, education, arts, music and many other areas that will benefit their growth and development.

Our Vision & Mission

Vision:
To build a brighter future for the Garifuna people by fostering partnerships with Garifuna and non-Garifuna organizations, governmental and non-governmental institutions, and individuals dedicated to our cause. Together, we strive to ensure the prosperity, sustainability, and cultural preservation of the Garifuna community, creating opportunities for growth, justice, and unity around the world.

Mission:
To improve the economic, political, and social well-being of the Garifuna community by preserving, promoting, and protecting our rich cultural heritage. Our mission extends from our roots in Guatemala to Garifuna communities across the United States and the world, fostering pride, empowerment, and resilience in every individual we serve.

Our Team

Meet our foundation team

Arnold Ciego

President

Elder Ellington

Vice President

Diana Trigueno

Secretary

Dickson Lopez

Coordinator

Gilroy Alvarez

Treasurer

Karla Flores

Social Activities Manager

Mario Solano

Logistics Manager

David Oliva

Events Manager

Luis Castillo

Youth Leader

Elson Trigueno

Public Relations

Johanna Baltazar

Women's Leader

Make a Difference Today

Your contribution matters. Support our cause by making a donation.

By supporting The Children of Livingston, you are not only helping to preserve a culture, you are joining a legacy of resilience and dignity. You are helping to ensure that no Garifuna person faces injustice, no matter where they live. You are becoming part of something bigger than yourself, something that resonates through time.

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