Bill Text: NY J02914 | 2019-2020 | General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 2020, as Dominican Heritage Month in the State of New York

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 40-22)

Status: (Passed) 2020-02-27 - ADOPTED [J02914 Detail]

Download: New_York-2019-J02914-Introduced.html

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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.