Rep. Diaz to host observance of 180 years of Dominican Republic independence, heritage at House session
STATE HOUSE — The House of Representatives will observe the 180th anniversary of the independence of the Dominican Republic during its session tomorrow, Feb. 27. Rep. Grace Diaz (D-Dist. 11, Providence) will lead the celebration by sponsoring a resolution commemorating the anniversary of the Dominican Republic’s independence from Haiti, which took place on Feb. 27, 1844.
“The celebration of this important historic moment is the perfect time to reflect on the impact Dominican culture continues to have on Rhode Island,” said Representative Diaz, a native of the Dominican Republic. “We have seen how the experience and customs of Dominicans have helped shape the state both culturally and politically.”
As part of the ceremony, Dayanara Read will perform the national anthem on the violin, accompanied by her mother, Nora Gruyon. Several guests of Dominican descent are expected to be in the chamber, including Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos, Sen. Ana B. Quezada (D-Dist. 2, Providence), former Senator and Providence City Councilman Juan Pichardo, Dominican Independence Award Committee President Everin Perez, and board members.
Representative Diaz and former Senator Pichardo are the founders of the Dominican Independence Award Committee and annual celebration, which has shed light on the many contributions of Dominican-Americans in Rhode Island for the last 20 years.
