Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson hosted her annual Dominican Heritage Month celebration on Wednesday, March 18, at the Grand Slam Banquet Hall, located at 478 East Tremont Avenue in the Tremont section of the borough.

 

“As we celebrate Dominican Heritage Month, we honor a community whose culture, resilience, and contributions are deeply woven into the fabric of our borough,” said Gibson. “The Bronx is home to the largest Dominican population in the country, and this celebration reflects the pride, excellence, and lasting impact of Dominican leaders, families, and young people who continue to shape the future of our borough.”

Officials from the borough president’s office said the event honored “the rich heritage, culture, and contributions of the Dominican community in The Bronx,” and was sponsored by Ponce Bank and Helix LED & Design.

This year, the celebration was emceed by Dominican American News 12 reporter Brittney Cadet and featured music by DJ Lex (Stylistics).

It also included what was described as a powerful rendition of both the Dominican Republic and the United States national anthems, performed by Tessoro Estrella, along with “a vibrant, energetic performance” by Las Mariposas, directed by Ingrid Valenzuela.

 

The evening also included an invocation and benediction by Rev. Joselyn Rodriguez of One Way Church, The Point, along with a keynote address from Shadie Tineo from the community affairs division of the Institute of Dominicans Abroad at the Office of the Consul General of New York.

The program also recognized “distinguished honorees” including Afra Rosa, vice president and director of Human Capital Development at Ponce Bank; the Hon. Bianka Perez, president of the New York State Association of Justices of the Supreme Court of the State of NY; Shino Aquakate, on-air personality on La Gozadera Morning Show at La X 96.3 FM; and Zoe Trinidad, a student at The Young Women’s Leadership School of The Bronx, who received the Youth Award.

From music and dance to community leadership and public service, officials from the borough president’s office said the evening showcased “the energy, vibrancy, and influence of Dominican culture across The Bronx.”

They said the celebration united residents, leaders, and community partners in a shared moment of pride, “reinforcing the borough’s identity as a place where all cultures are celebrated and uplifted, with community at the heart of everything we do.”

Local City Council Member Pierina Sanchez (C.D. 14) who represents some or all of the Bronx neighborhoods of University Heights (South)-Morris Heights, Mount Hope, Fordham Heights, University Heights (North)-Fordham, Bedford Park, Kingsbridge Heights-Van Cortlandt Village, Kingsbridge-Marble Hill, marked Dominican Independence Day, celebrated annually on Feb. 27, at an event at City Hall.

 

Writing later in Spanish, she said, “Happy Dominican Independence Day!” adding in English, I am a proud Afro-Dominicana who grew up in and now represents District 14 in the Northwest Bronx. I carry this pride every day, but today especially, I celebrate my roots.”

In 2022, as reported, State Sen. Luis Sepúlveda (S.D. 32), announced an official visit by the New York State Senate delegation to the Senate of the Dominican Republic.