[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 19 (Tuesday, March 3, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E261-E262]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO THE DOMINICAN HERITAGE CELEBRATION COMMITTEE OF HOSTOS 
    COMMUNITY COLLEGE ON ITS CELEBRATION OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE 
                           DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 3, 1998

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the Dominican 
Heritage Celebration Committee of Hostos Community College in my South 
Bronx Congressional District on its celebration of the independence of 
the Dominican Republic during the week of February 27-March 5, 1998.
  On Friday, thousands of members and friends of the Dominican 
community gathered at the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture Small 
Theater to open Dominican Heritage Celebration Week.

[[Page E262]]

  The week-long celebration will feature a wide variety of 
entertainment for all age groups. A series of concerts, art exhibits, 
lectures and cultural performances will take place to commemorate the 
contributions of Dominicans to our community and our nation.
  Now numbering more than 600,000, Dominicans are the fastest growing 
Hispanic immigrant community in New York City. With the election of the 
first Dominican to the City Council, the Honorable Guillermo Linares, 
and that of New York State Assemblyman, the Honorable Adriano 
Espaillat, we are witnessing a new generation of Politicians with 
Dominican roots. That is an encouraging advance.
  Although the celebration is in the Bronx, the events bring people 
from all over New York City to celebrate. Organizations have encouraged 
different cultural and social organizations to take part in the 
festivities.
  The week-long celebration will have numerous activities for the 
community to enjoy. Folkloric bands will entertain the crowds and there 
will also be foods and crafts typical to the Dominican Republic.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with enthusiasm that I ask my colleagues to join 
me in paying tribute to this wonderful celebration of Dominican 
culture, which has brought much pride to the Bronx community.

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