Tegucigalpa , Honduras ( CNN ) -- Thousands of black Hondurans paraded through the streets of the capital Friday as the country 's president pledged to do more to promote and protect their heritage . About 2,000 Hondurans of African and Caribbean descent -- known as the Garifuna -- came to Tegucigalpa from communities that dot the country 's coast for the start of African Heritage Month . They carried 214 drums with them as they marched through the streets -- demanding respect for their rights and honoring the Garifuna 's arrival in the Central American country 214 years ago . `` Today we have been here for 214 years making our firm demands , against government repression of the Garifuna communities , against the invasion of our communities ' land by landowners and large foreign projects that have sold our property and demanding intercultural , bilingual education , '' said Dr. Luther Castillo , a Garifuna activist . As he kicked off festivities , President Porfirio Lobo announced that he would sign an agreement within six months to give indigenous people and Honduran blacks a preferential right to choose teachers and doctors from their own villages . Garifuna communities have requested such an allowance , which could bring bilingual education into classrooms that once only taught Spanish . `` This should be a reason for us to reflect in order to have a more cohesive society , without any kind of discrimination , with social justice and opportunities for all , '' Lobo said . He predicted that he would be recognized as a defender of the rights of Afro-Hondurans by the end of his term . Government officials said Friday 's festivities marked the first time a Honduran president had inaugurated the month . The country 's post office also plans to issue stamps commemorating African Heritage Month . Honduras will host a `` World Summit of Afrodescendants '' in August . Ana Pineda , the minister of justice , said the Honduran government is concerned about the rights of the Garifuna and other ethnic groups , pointing to the creation of a government ministry of indigenous and Afro-Honduran people as proof . But activists marching Friday said the government still must do more to recognize their rights . `` The simple act of being this color and speaking the language we speak , we are repressed in this country , '' university student Keldy Bermudez said . `` So we as young Garifuna , we demand our rights to be respected for who we are . '' In 2001 , the United Nations recognized the language , dance and culture of the Garifuna , who also live in other Central American countries . Journalist Elvin Sandoval contributed to this report .
NEW : People carry drums and show their respect for their rights . USA : ` ` We are repressed in this country , '' one man says . President Porfirio Lobo kicks off the African Heritage Month festivities . The country 's post office will also celebrate the month .