Preserving Culture, Empowering Community: The Work of ALA Garífuna Women

Across Washington State, a powerful yet often underrecognized cultural movement is taking root — one that centers identity, advocacy, and community care. At the heart of this work is ALA Garífuna Women (Anichigu Luma Amenigini), a Seattle-based nonprofit devoted to uplifting Garífuna women, families, and heritage in meaningful and transformative ways.

A Mission Rooted in Community

ALA Garífuna Women was founded by Shaylan Dolmo, who came to Seattle from the Garífuna community in Aguán, Honduras, and saw firsthand the challenges families faced around education, healthcare, and basic resources. Dolmo is not only a community leader and nonprofit executive — she is also a caregiver and mother, giving her a deeply grounded perspective on the needs of her community.

What began as a response to immediate needs has grown into a dynamic organization that serves over 270 families across the Puget Sound region with culturally informed programs, support networks, and advocacy.

Championing Cultural Identity and Visibility

Garífuna people are an Afro-Indigenous community with roots in West African, Arawak, and Carib ancestry, and their cultural legacy has been recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Yet this identity — distinct from broader racial or ethnic categories — can easily be overlooked.

Co-Executive Director Estefana Harry stresses that preserving cultural knowledge — including language, music, dance, and food traditions — is essential for Garífuna identity and community strength. Unlike more widely recognized cultural communities, Garífuna traditions often haven’t had the platforms they deserve in mainstream media or education.

Programs That Build Strength and Support

ALA Garífuna Women approaches its mission in both practical and cultural ways:

• Monthly community gatherings and resource distributions

• Food access assistance and open pantry services

• Empowerment workshops including ESL classes, cooking classes, and guidance on accessing public benefits

• Backpack and toy drives for families

• Efforts to preserve traditional Garífuna practices — from language to music and dance such as punta — while inviting broader community participation

These services combine cultural celebration with community care, helping individuals and families navigate life challenges while rooted in heritage.

Advocacy and Broader Impact

Beyond cultural preservation and community programming, ALA Garífuna Women is also a voice in labor advocacy. Harry serves on the Washington State Domestic Worker Standards Board, advocating for protections including fair wages, paid time off, and access to insurance for domestic workers — a sector in which many Garífuna community members are employed. The organization collaborates with partners like We Dream in Black and SEIU 775 to advance worker rights statewide.

Looking Forward: Garífuna Heritage Month

In April 2026, ALA Garífuna Women will host its second annual Garífuna Heritage Month, culminating in a community celebration in Federal Way. This event invites people from all backgrounds to join in honoring Garífuna history, culture, and resilience — through music, language, dance, and shared storytelling.

How You Can Support

ALA Garífuna Women’s work thrives on community involvement. Here are meaningful ways you can help:

• Donate or sponsor cultural events and programs

• Attend workshops and classes — educational and cultural activities are open to all

• Volunteer your time, skills, and energy to support ongoing initiatives

• Advocate for policies that protect and uplift caregivers and domestic workers

Your support helps strengthen cultural continuity, expand access to essential resources, and amplify voices that deserve to be heard.

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