Mayor Adams hosts reception to celebrate Dominican heritage

Mayor Eric Adams welcomed a diverse gathering of New York City’s Dominican community to Gracie Mansion for a vibrant celebration of Dominican heritage.

The event honored the rich cultural contributions of Dominicans in New York City and recognized influential figures within the community.

Denise Felipe-Adams, Executive Director, Mayor’s Office of Innovation & Emerging Markets, opened the evening with a warm welcome, emphasizing the importance of Dominican pride and community solidarity. She reflected on her upbringing surrounded by Dominican culture, highlighting the integral role of music, food, and family traditions. Felipe-Adams also extended gratitude to the New York State Latino Restaurant Association and other sponsors for their support.

Deputy Mayor Ana Almanzar, Strategic Initiatives, the first Dominican immigrant to hold her position, spoke passionately about the achievements and growing influence of the Dominican community in New York City. She acknowledged the contributions of Dominican leaders and colleagues within the Adams administration and emphasized the importance of unity and continuous advancement.

U.S. Representative Adriano Espaillat, the first Dominican member of Congress, celebrated the resilience and growth of the Dominican community. He called for continued cooperation and unity, cautioning against divisive forces. Espaillat also praised Mayor Adams for his substantial support of the community, including significant investments in job creation and cultural initiatives.

Mayor Eric Adams took the stage to express his deep appreciation for the Dominican community. He highlighted the diverse representation within his administration, noting key appointments of Dominican leaders in various city departments. Mayor Adams underscored the community’s political influence and encouraged active participation in upcoming elections to ensure continued progress.

The event also featured special recognitions of prominent Dominican figures: Victor Roque, co-founder of the legendary band La Gran Manzana, for his contributions to Latin music and culture; Cristina Contreras, CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan and chair of the National Dominican Day Parade, for her leadership in healthcare and community engagement; Celines Toribio, actress and philanthropist, for her impact on the Latino community through media and motivational speaking; Hector Taveras, COO of Lino Press, and his father, Franklin Nunez, for their dedication to the printing industry and community service; and Milly Quezada, the Queen of Merengue, for her illustrious career in music and cultural influence.

The evening concluded with a lively performance by Milly Quezada, leaving attendees energized and proud of their heritage. Mayor Adams and the gathered officials reiterated their commitment to supporting the Dominican community and celebrating its vital role in the cultural tapestry of New York City. The celebration set the stage for the upcoming Dominican Day Parade, promising a vibrant display of Dominican pride and unity on Avenue of the Americas.