GFDD Attends New York Mayor Bloomberg’s Event in support of Dominican Cultural Heritage

Global Foundation for Democracy and Development(GFDD), represented by GFDD’s New York Director Yamile Eusebio, and Communications and Outreach Manager, Margaret Hayward were invited as guests to a reception hosted by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg to honor New York City”s Dominican community and its cultural heritage. The Mayor’s residence, Gracie Mansion provided a beautiful and historical centerpiece for the gathering and an excellent backdrop for
GFDD to network with leaders of the Dominican community in NYC.

The Dominican cultural reception coincided with the anniversary of the Restoration of the Dominican Constitution on August 16, 1863, when a group of patriots led by Santiago Rodríguez crossed the Dominican border from Haiti and raised the Dominican flag.

Among those joining Mayor Bloomberg were elected officials and representatives of the Dominican community, including GFDD friend,
Dominican born attorney Julissa Reynosa, appointed earlier this year by President Barack Obama as United States Ambassador to Uruguay.

In the Mayor’s address, which contained elements of Spanish to the delight of the crowd, Bloomberg said that the celebration was a tribute to the culture and vitality of the Dominican community that has helped to make New York City great.

"From Washington Heights in Manhattan to
Corona in Queens, Dominicans have not only flourished here but added a vibrancy to our collective sense of what it means to be a ”New Yorker.” The Dominican community is known for being a traditional group, fiercely loyal to family, community and their heritage, but they are also fiercely loyal to what it means to be an American.”

In closing, Mayor Bloomberg asserted that, with more than 500,000 Dominicans living in the metropolitan area, ties to
the Dominican Republic are very strong.

Each year, Mayor Bloomberg hosts approximately 200 events throughout the five boroughs celebrating the cultures and heritages that make New York City a unique and vibrant place.