Declare Dominican Heritage Month

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.