[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 19 (Wednesday, February 4, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E161]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING DOMINICAN HERITAGE

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 4, 2015

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the rich culture and 
heritage of Dominicans, during the month of Carnival, the most 
important period of religious celebration in the Dominican Republic. 
Dominicans are dedicated members of our communities and have 
contributed so much to our country. This month, we take the opportunity 
to acknowledge and applaud their service to our nation and their many 
great achievements.
  Dominicans in our nation have been motivated by the value of hard 
work and the bonds of family--the same pillars that have formed the 
foundation of our society for over 230 years. From Secretary of Labor 
Thomas Perez, the first Dominican-American to serve in the Cabinet, to 
Pedro Martinez, a former pitcher for the New York Mets who was recently 
elected to the Hall of Fame, Dominicans are trailblazers who strengthen 
America's diverse cultural heritage.
  Dominicans are one of the fastest growing Hispanic groups in America. 
1.5 million people of Dominican descent currently live in the United 
States. With over 700,000 people, Dominicans are the largest Hispanic 
group in New York City. I am honored to serve a congressional district 
with a significant Dominican population. They bring vibrant and rich 
cultural and economic contributions to every neighborhood in my 
district, from Washington Heights to Inwood.
  I am fortunate to have many excellent organizations, in my district, 
that promote Dominican culture and empower Dominicans living in 
Manhattan and the Bronx. The Dominican Women's Development Center, New 
York Dominican Officers' Organization, Dominican Medical Association, 
National Dominican Women's Caucus, Community Association of Progressive 
Dominicans, Alianza Dominicana, Dominican Bar Association, Association 
of Dominican Classical Artists, Dominican Cultural Civic Center, 
Mirabal Sisters Cultural and Community Center all help strengthen their 
communities and improve the lives of Dominicans in New York.
  Like so many generations of immigrants, Dominicans have fought 
tirelessly to achieve the American Dream. They come to this great 
nation seeking a home, a place to raise their families, and a community 
that will nurture their dreams. From the initial wave of Dominican 
migration in the 1960s to the most recent arrivals of today, Dominicans 
have graced our nation with their culture and traditions. Their 
contributions are integral to the success of our great nation and to 
strengthening the American fabric.

                          ____________________