NYC Mayor Mamdani Highlights Dominican Community's Impact

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani celebrated the profound historical, economic, and cultural contributions of the Dominican community to the city, emphasizing their enduring legacy since 1613. Addressing attendees at the Dominican Heritage Reception at Gracie Mansion, Mamdani opened with a popular Dominican greeting, "¿Qué lo que?", underscoring the long-standing Dominican presence in the area.

Mamdani specifically invoked the memory of merchant Juan Rodríguez, who arrived in 1613, marking him as the first non-indigenous resident. He noted that since then, particularly following the fall of the dictatorship in the Dominican Republic which spurred significant migration in the 1960s and 70s, Dominicans have "worked tirelessly to build the city."

The mayor illustrated the pervasive influence of Dominican heritage throughout New York City, from its culinary scene and music like bachata to everyday life. He reiterated his administration's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for workers and small business owners through initiatives such as universal childcare, tenant protections, and the deregulation of over 50 ordinances to support small businesses.

Mamdani highlighted that one in eight New York City residents has Dominican ancestry, asserting that growing up in the city means being indebted to the Dominican people. He concluded the event with a powerful declaration in Spanish: "¡Que viva la República Dominicana y que viva Nueva York!" (Long live the Dominican Republic and long live New York!).