About us
Who We Are
HISTORY OF GAMOLA
The idea of a Garifuna museum in Los Angeles was conceived by Rubén Reyes as a means of preserving and sharing the Garifuna language and heritage. In 2001, UNESCO declared the Language, dance and music of the Garifuna as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” that needs preserving.
Mr. Reyes’ idea came to fruition through the efforts of several individuals under the auspices of the Garifuna Hope Foundation (GHF), a 501 (C) 3 non-profit organization of which Mr. Reyes is the president.
The museum was inaugurated in honor of two pioneering Garifuna men, Narciso Reyes and Don Justo Flores.
GAMOLA’s official opening took place on April 16, 2011 in a ceremony where Dr. Cadrin Gill, Consul General of St. Vincent, cut the ribbons, assisted by Ruben Reyes.
Mission
GAMOLA’s mission is to collect all Garifuna art, artifacts, literary materials, and objects to showcase the life of Garifuna people, past and present by means of exhibitions and educational programs. Through community-based collaborative programs, GAMOLA seeks to promote the awareness and understanding of the culture. Ultimately, GAMOLA will serve as the beacon of learning about Garifuna language, art, music, dance and history.