The New York State Senate

J2914

Senate Resolution No. 2914

BY: Senator JACKSON

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
February 2020, as Dominican Heritage Month in the
State of New York, in conjunction with the
commemoration of the 176th Anniversary of Dominican
Independence

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to commemorate
historical events which exemplify the spirit and struggle of peoples
throughout the world to achieve independence and live in peace and
freedom; 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 2020, as
Dominican Heritage Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with
the commemoration of the 175th Anniversary of Dominican Independence;
and

WHEREAS, The year 2020 marks the 176th Anniversary of an independent
Dominican state; and

WHEREAS, The Dominican people proudly trace their heritage back
hundreds of years on the island of Hispaniola as indigenous
Quisqueyanos; and

WHEREAS, Dominicans first arrived in the United States in 1613, with
the arrival of Juan Rodriguez, who was also the very first immigrant to
New York City; and

WHEREAS, Five thousand Dominicans arrived in New York City through
Ellis Island at the turn of the 20th Century; and

WHEREAS, Dominicans are now the largest immigrant group in New York
City and represent approximately 30 percent of the entire Latino
population in the City of New York; and

WHEREAS, There are over two million Dominicans in the country and
over one million live in New York State; and

WHEREAS, Dominicans represent the largest group of naturalized
citizens of all immigrant populations in New York City; and

WHEREAS, Today, we recognize the numerous contributions of
Dominicans and Dominican Americans to our great State adding to the
cultural and economic vibrancy of New York; Dominican leaders contribute
through music, literature, cuisine, fashion and design, film and
television, stage work, sports, education, and government and politics;
and

WHEREAS, Throughout history and up to today, the Dominican people on
the mainland and abroad have exhibited an everlasting sense of bravery
in rising up against oppressors, with their national anthem exclaiming
Quisqueyanos as "brave and indomitable"; and


WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize those
New Yorkers of Dominican descent for their enduring contributions to the
educational, social, moral and economic principles that are so deeply
ingrained in the fabric of our country and State; and

WHEREAS, The 176th Anniversary of the Independence of the Dominican
Republic provides an opportunity to recognize the significance of their
contributions to the quality and character of life, and, through events
and activities, for all people to gain a greater appreciation of
Dominican history and traditions, and of the role Dominicans have
played, and will continue to play, in our society; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity
to recognize such events of significance which foster ethnic pride and
exemplify the cultural diversity that represents and strengthens the
fabric of the people and the State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 2020 as
Dominican Heritage Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with
the commemoration of the 176th Anniversary of Dominican Independence,
and to publicly encourage the citizens of New York to celebrate the
history and trajectory of Dominicans in the State, and to seek that New
Yorkers of Dominican descent see themselves represented by government,
their influence reflected on our streets, and their ties to the State
strengthened; 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; and various Dominican organizations in New York State.