Senate Resolution No. 214

BY: Senator ALCANTARA

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
February 2017, 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
strengthen the fabric of the communities of New York State; and

WHEREAS, The citizens of this great Empire State are proud to
recognize and commemorate Dominican Heritage Month, 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
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 2017, 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 Melia 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:
Thursday, January 26, 2017, marks the 204th Anniversary of the birth of
patriarch Juan Pablo Duarte; and Monday, February 27, 2017, is the 173rd
Anniversary of the independence of the Dominican Republic; and

WHEREAS, In February 2017, Dominican communities across the State of
New York will join in celebrating and recognizing the many contributions
and legacies which are attributed to these fine Dominican Americans; and

WHEREAS, It is duly fitting that all New Yorkers join in these
important 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 Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 2017, as
Dominican Heritage Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York; Ambassador Jose Tomas Perez; and Consul General Eduardo Selman
of the Dominican Republic in New York.