Brooklyn, NY. A distinguished panel of leaders, artists, and cultural advocates convened to reflect on and celebrate the life and enduring legacy of Aurelio Martínez Suazo, one of the most influential figures in the preservation and international promotion of Garífuna music, language, and traditions. The panel, moderated by José Alvarado, brought together voices from music, activism, public policy, and Garífuna cultural leadership.
Participants included Dr. Epsy Campbell Barr, former First Vice President of Costa Rica (2018–2022), who made history as the first Afro-descendant woman to hold the vice presidency in the country and the first in Latin America.
Also joining the discussion was Julio Guity-Guevara, LL.M., an attorney, Garífuna leader, and climate policy expert who currently serves on the Montgomery County Property Tax Assessment Appeals Board, following his 2025 appointment by Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland.
The panel also featured Ms. Mirtha Colón, LCSW-R, a Garífuna community leader, social worker, and longtime advocate for Afro–Central American communities in the United States and Central America. Ms. Rose Rogers a Garífuna model and cultural advocate who uses her platform to celebrate and uplift Garífuna beauty, identity, and pride. Rose has become a visible voice for Afro-Indigenous representation in the region. In 2021, Rose represented the country as Miss Universe Honduras, where she also brought the Garífuna heritage to an international stage.
Additional participants included Gogo Norales, a Garífuna folkloric musician based in New York City and the son of Garífuna living legend Bodoma, as well as Rose Rogers, a Honduran Garífuna model and cultural advocate who uses her platform to celebrate and uplift Garífuna beauty, identity, and pride.
A Life Dedicated to Garífuna Culture. Aurelio Martínez Suazo (1969–2024) was a Honduran Garífuna musician, cultural ambassador, and politician widely recognized for his role in bringing Garífuna music and traditions to international audiences.
During the panel, participants shared personal experiences and reflections on Aurelio’s life and artistic journey. Martínez rose to prominence as a member of the Garífuna ensemble Lita Ariran, which gained international recognition after touring Japan in 1989.
Aurelio later recorded his first album, Inocencia, marking the beginning of a remarkable musical career that would span nearly four decades. Aurelio also developed a close friendship with the late Garífuna musician Andy Palacio. The two met in La Ceiba during the 200th anniversary of the Garífuna arrival to Central America (1797–1997). Their collaboration led to the recording of the duet Lánarime Lamiselu, featured on the Paranda compilation album produced by Stonetree Records in 1999. His talent quickly gained international recognition. In 1998, he received the Best Folkloric Male Vocalist Award, while Lita Ariran was honored as Best Folkloric Group at the Garifuna World Music Awards in New York.
In 2005, Afropop Worldwide named Aurelio “Newcomer of the Year,” and his album Garifuna Soul was recognized among the ten best albums of the year. The following year, RTVE produced a documentary series titled “The Garífuna Adventure,” highlighting Aurelio’s work and the cultural richness of Garífuna music in Honduras and Belize.
For nearly forty years, Aurelio Martínez dedicated his life to promoting Garífuna culture across the world through music, advocacy, and public service