In an emotional event held this Monday, February 2, the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus presented a resolution celebrating Dominican Independence Day in the Main Rotunda of the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg. Legislative, community, and cultural leaders gathered to commemorate the 182nd anniversary of the independence of the Dominican Republic and to recognize the impact of Dominican immigrants on the state’s economy, culture, and society.
The event, “Roots, Resilience & Results: Dominican Immigrants Powering Pennsylvania,” highlighted the contributions of Dominican immigrants in Pennsylvania and brought together elected officials such as State Representative Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz; Representative Joanna McClinton, Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives; Representative Danilo Burgos, Chair of the Consumer Protection, Technology, and Utilities Committee; and Representative Manny Guzman, Chair of the Central Pennsylvania Delegation, among other public and community leaders. Representatives from the Dominican Consulate also attended, along with business leaders including George Fernandez, CEO of Latino Connection & Fernandez Realty Group, and María Zabala of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs.
The celebration included performances of the United States national anthem by Keisha Rivera, and the Dominican national anthem by Alex Arias, moments that underscored the cultural pride and bicultural identity shared by many Dominican families in Pennsylvania.
In her remarks, Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, State Representative for Pennsylvania’s 129th District, Democrat, and Chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus, recalled the historical importance of the date and the meaning of independence for the Dominican community both on the island and in the United States. “This day not only celebrates 182 years of freedom for the Dominican Republic, but also honors the values of resilience, determination, and collective contribution that our community brings to this state and to our nation,” Cepeda-Freytiz said from the podium. She also noted the importance of using her platform to highlight the contributions of the Latino community.
The legislative leader further emphasized cultural diversity as a strength of the state, noting that the Dominican community—along with other immigrant groups has enriched the region’s social and economic life. “It is an honor to publicly recognize the lasting contribution of Dominicans to civic life, public service, and the cultural strength of Pennsylvania,” Cepeda-Freytiz added.
Other speakers highlighted how Dominican immigrants have played essential roles as entrepreneurs, essential workers, and community leaders in cities such as Philadelphia, Reading, and Allentown, where the Dominican presence has grown significantly in recent decades.
The event also spotlighted a recent legislative initiative to designate February 27 of each year as “Dominican Republic Independence Day” in Pennsylvania, a proposal aimed at further affirming the visibility and official recognition of the Dominican community throughout the state.
Among those in attendance were consular representatives, community organizations, and community members who applauded the music, the speeches, and the central message of unity and cultural pride that defined the occasion.
The celebration in the Harrisburg Rotunda joins other festivities and events held across the State to commemorate Dominican independence. The Dominican community in Pennsylvania is invited to proudly join the following flag-raising events:
Sunday, February 22, – 2:00 PM, Reading, PA
Friday, February 27, – Flag Raising, and Saturday, February 28, – Community Gathering, 9:00 AM, York, PA
Friday, February 27, – 12:00 PM, Philadelphia, PA
Saturday, February 28, – 12:00 PM, Allentown, PA
