NEW YORK — Governor Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday that Hunter College’s Center for Puerto Rican Studies and City College’s Institute for Dominican Studies will receive $3 million to support ongoing operations and initiatives at their institutions to preserve the culture and history of Latino New Yorkers.
The governor made the announcement at the SOMOS Governor’s Reception in Albany.
“Here in New York, our diversity is our strength, and right at the center of that is the impact that Latino New Yorkers have had on our state,” said Governor Hochul. “From music and food to arts and dance to science and medicine, the best parts of New York have been made better by these contributions. I’m proud to announce this funding to support the efforts of Hunter College and City College to continue telling these stories and passing the culture on to future generations.
The Hunter College Center for Puerto Rican Studies was founded by a group of students, faculty, and community activists in 1973 to ensure that the history of Puerto Rican New Yorkers was preserved. Today it remains the largest university research institute, library and archive dedicated to the Puerto Rican experience in the United States, according to Hochul’s office.
“Governor Hochul’s investment in these critical institutions will ensure the preservation of New York’s Latino heritage,” said Assemblywoman Karines Reyes. “This preservation will allow New Yorkers of all ages and backgrounds to gain a greater understanding of the vibrant culture of our community. I applaud the Governor for her commitment to all New Yorkers, especially her work in support of New Yorkers of hispanic”.
Founded in 1992, the City College Dominican Studies Institute (CUNY DSI) is the nation’s first university research institute dedicated to the study of people of Dominican descent in the United States and other parts of the world.
“Puerto Ricans and Dominicans comprise some of the largest immigrant groups in New York City and Governor Hochul’s announcement in SOMOS demonstrates her commitment to our thriving communities,” said New York City Councilmember Diana Ayala . “Hunter College’s Center for Puerto Rican Studies and City College’s Institute for Dominican Studies preserve the rich history of these communities and these funds will ensure that future generations continue to study this integral, but often overlooked, part of American history. “.
