Very soon Upper Manhattan could become “Quisqueya Heights”, following a resolution adopted by Congress.
“He recognizes the contributions and that really Upper Manhattan is the civic, cultural center of the Dominican community throughout the country,” said Congressman Adriano Espaillat.
The measure was presented by Congressman Espaillat, who represents this sector of Manhattan.
Quisqueya Heights would be made up of the Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights and Inwood neighborhoods. Those three neighborhoods would also keep their current names. New York State and the City are expected to give the name the green light.
“And naturally, as there is a Harlem, as there is a Chinatown, a Little Italy, a Hell ‘s Kitchen, a Loisaida, the neighborhood that is East Harlem, there must also be a small Dominican Republic,” Espaillat added.
Quisqueya is the name that the Taíno aborigines gave to the Caribbean island of Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
“Quisqueya Heights, because our land is Quisqueya, that’s where we come from, Quisqueya,” said a neighbor.
“This should have been done (ago) long, that he would have gotten that name,” said another neighbor.
According to the congressman, it is a logical designation since Dominicans have lived in the area for many years.
“There is evidence that 5,000 Dominicans arrived on Ellis Island, 35 of whom settled here in upper Manhattan and we know who they are and where they lived, that is, there is a long-standing history,” Espaillat added.
Congressman Espaillat hopes that by the end of the year both the state and the city of New York will accept Quisqueya Heights as the name for upper Manhattan.
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