NYC Gazette

Hundreds of Brooklyn residents gathered at Borough Hall last Thursday to celebrate Dominican Heritage. The event was hosted by Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso in collaboration with the National Dominican Day Parade. The evening began with the national anthems of both the Dominican Republic and the United States, sung by Franco Morillo from Café Wha?. Attendees enjoyed performances of baile folklórico and a merengue lesson led by Leticia Raquel Olivero Garcia, Elizabeth Crooke, Joel Cespedes Herrera, and Santiago Radhames Antigua Muñoz. Berto Reyes and his band provided music for the evening.

Antonio Reynoso shared his enthusiasm about bringing Dominican culture into Borough Hall. “Growing up, celebrations of Dominican culture filled our homes and the streets I grew up in. I’m so excited that we could bring that celebration into Borough Hall so that all of Brooklyn could come and enjoy in the culture, music, and dance of the Dominican Republic and our diaspora,” he said.

Reynoso also highlighted Emelyn Stuart from Stuart Cinema & Café for her community contributions through art and culture. EBC High School’s Principal Dr. Shawn Federico Brown was recognized for fostering trust in Brooklyn classrooms. Remarks were made by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, City Comptroller Brad Lander, Assembly Member Brian Cunningham, Cristina Contreras from the National Dominican Day Parade Board, Ponce Bank CEO Carlos Naudon, and Aetna representative Maria Clara Delgado.

Cristina Contreras expressed gratitude towards Reynoso: “Thank you, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, for such an exciting celebration... You exemplify our theme this year – Nuestra Historia, Nuestra Gente.”

Carlos Naudon thanked Reynoso for inviting participation in the celebration: “I want to thank Antonio Reynoso...for inviting us to participate in this Dominican Heritage Celebration.”

Maria Clara Delgado emphasized Aetna's commitment to health access: “For Aetna – Medicare and Medicaid it is a priority in investing in people’s health so that health is easier to access and afford.”

The event featured food from Sazon Perez including pollo al horno and maduros. It was supported by sponsors like Ponce Bank, Aetna, MetroPlusHealth among others.