Assembly Resolution No. 546

BY: M. of A. De La Rosa

COMMEMORATING the designation of the Little
Dominican Republic in Washington Heights

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with
its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those
events which foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural
diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York
State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the designation of the Little Dominican Republic in
Washington Heights; and

WHEREAS, The world's first Little Dominican Republic, which became
official on September 7, 2018, honors the Dominican communities of
Washington Heights and Inwood that built up the neighborhoods; and

WHEREAS, The Little Dominican Republic, a commercial and cultural
designation, spans much of the Washington Heights and Inwood
neighborhoods starting from West 145th Street to West 220th Street; the
designated area features cultural and historical landmarks such as the
Morris-Jumel Mansion, the Met Cloisters, The City College of New York
and the George Washington Bridge; and

WHEREAS, New York City is one of the most diverse cities in the
world and has benefitted in countless ways from the contributions of its
many ethnic communities, immigrants and their descendants; and

WHEREAS, The latest wave of Dominican immigrants to the United
States began in the 1960s with a significant group working in sectors
such as professional services, finance, fashion, arts, design,
manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, tourism and small business
notably beauty salons, bodegas, transportation and supermarkets, fleeing
the oppression of the Trujillo regime and enhancing the socioeconomic
fabric of New York City; and

WHEREAS, The Dominican population in the United States continues to
grow, and as of 2018, there were 2.2 million Dominican immigrants
residing in the country accounting for the fifth largest Hispanic group;
and

WHEREAS, New Yorkers from the Dominican community represent a
significant part of New York City's ever growing economic, social,
political and cultural landscape; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, New York City has the largest percentage of
Dominicans in the United States of America, accounting for one of the
largest immigrant groups in New York City with a significant population
residing in the neighborhoods of Washington Heights and Inwood; and

WHEREAS, According to 2018 data by the Migration Policy Institute,
an estimated 609,000 Dominicans reside in the Tri-State area; and


WHEREAS, Washington Heights has come to be recognized as the
"barrio" that embodies Dominican culture and commerce and is regarded as
a neighborhood where they can live, eat, worship and socialize as a
community, and share their artistic and cultural values; and

WHEREAS, New York State, New York City and the entire nation has
benefitted from the many contributions of prominent Dominicans such as
Alex Rodriguez, Millie Quezada, Santiago Ceron, Raquel Cepeda, Pedro
Alvarez Guillermo Linares, Adriano Espaillat, and Cardi B; and

WHEREAS, The designation of Little Dominican Republic,
affectionately known as Little DR, in Washington Heights will serve as
an inspiration to all Americans and will signify that those who trace
their ancestry from Quisqueya and the Greater Caribbean region deserve
recognition and celebration for their historical, economic, social,
political and cultural contributions to New York City and the United
States of America, and will encourage all who reside in and/or who visit
New York City to come Uptown and experience the rich food, culture and
community of Dominican-Americans first-hand; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the designation of the Little Dominican Republic in
Washington Heights; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the residents of the Dominican communities of Washington
Heights.