LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim February 2010 as Dominican Heritage Month in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those who
foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural diversity which
strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York State; and
WHEREAS, The citizens of this great Empire State are proud to recog-
nize and commemorate Dominican Heritage, an observance that celebrates
the contributions of Dominican-Americans to New York State's unique
heritage; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorial-
ize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim February 2010 as Dominican
Heritage Month in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, In 1838, one of the country's patriarchs and national founder
Juan Pablo Duarte, established a secret society called La Trinitaria,
which sought the complete independence of Santo Domingo without any
foreign intervention; Ramon Matias Mella and Francisco del Rosario
Sanchez, despite not being among the founding members of La Trinitaria,
were decisive in the fight for independence; they and Juan Pablo Duarte
are the three Founding Fathers of the Dominican Republic; and
WHEREAS, On February 27, 1844, the Trinitarios (Trinitarians),
declared the Dominican Republic's independence from Haiti; and
WHEREAS, The following dates and events are of great significance and
serve as a distinct awareness of the rich Dominican heritage: Tuesday,
January 26, 2010, marks the 197th Anniversary of the birth of patriarch
Juan Pablo Duarte; Saturday, February 27, 2010, is the 166th Anniversary
of the independence of the Dominican Republic; and Sunday, July 25,
2010, La Gran Parada Dominicana de el Bronx, Inc. is hosting its 21st
annual parade celebrating Dominican heritage along with the St. James
Patronal Feast Day of Santiago de los Caballeros; and
WHEREAS, Founded by Mr. Felipe Febles and assisted by Mrs. Rosa Ayala,
La Gran Parada Dominicana de el Bronx, Inc. was established following
the ideas and paying tribute to the famous founding father Juan Pablo
Duarte; and
WHEREAS, A native of La Romana Province, Dominican Republic, Felipe
Febles is also Executive Director of the Grand Dominican Parade of the
Bronx and the Dominican Cultural House of the Bronx, New York, Inc.; he
has been a community leader for over 30 years and is a recipient of
numerous civic, educational and cultural honors; and
WHEREAS, Rosa Ayala is a native of La Vega Province, Dominican Repub-
lic, and has been a community leader for over 20 years; she is the
Co-Executive Director of the Dominican Cultural House of the Bronx, New
York, Inc. and along with Mr. Febles, is the founder of the My Dominican
Heritage Award; she has also received many cultural, civic, and educa-
tional awards; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is honored to be joined today by
several distinguished dignitaries, including: His Excellency Ambassador
Roberto B. Saladin, Dominican Ambassador to the United States; Ambassa-
dor Federico Alberto Cuello Camilo, Permanent Mission of the Dominican
Republic to the United Nations; and Consul General Rafael Evans, Consul
General of the Dominican Republic in New York; and
WHEREAS, It is duly fitting that all New Yorkers join in these impor-
tant celebrations of one of our State's most vibrant communities; this
much anticipated observance and its accompanying activities will foster

greater appreciation for Dominican culture and serve to promote the
spirit of cooperation that is characteristic of all citizens of New York
State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim February 2010 as
Dominican Heritage Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New York, and to
Ambassador Roberto B. Saladin, Ambassador Federico Alberto Cuello Cami-
lo, Consul General Rafael Evans, Mr. Felipe Febles, and Mrs. Rosa Ayala.