A History Month to Celebrate and Share

by William Guzman

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and La Gran Parada Dominicana de El Bronx Inc. held the annual Dominican Heritage Month celebration February 15. The event celebrated the culture of the Dominican Republic and gave awards to several Dominicans who have made a difference in The Bronx.

“We celebrate Dominican Heritage Month, not just for Dominicans but for everybody else in The Bronx,” said Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. to an estimated 200 people at the event. “Look how beautiful this is,” he said, after asking for a show of hands of those who were not Dominican. Diaz also mentioned that the 2010 census will reveal that The Bronx has the largest population of Dominicans in New York City.

There were a few grumbles by community residents who were annoyed that Dominican Heritage was celebrated in February, which is Black History Month.

Asked why Dominican Heritage is celebrated during Black History Month, Diaz Jr. said, “I have no idea. This is something that is done every year. I just celebrate it.”

Bronx resident Katrina Asante was at the event to “learn about different cultures.” Asked her opinion about the doubling up of Dominican and African American months, she said, “I was wondering why.”

Others don’t see a conflict. “No I don’t have a problem,” said Jamaican native Chrelle Silvera. “Because we are all mixed.”

“Why not celebrate it,” said Paula Caquias, a Puerto Rican native. “It shows that we are celebrating every culture.”

Deputy Borough President Aurelia Greene agreed. “I don’t think there’s a problem with it [Black History & Dominican Heritage Month],” she said. “The Dominican Heritage is being celebrated and recognized.”