NEW YORK – Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Tuesday that the Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College and the Institute for Dominican Studies at City College 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 during the SOMOS Governor’s Reception in Albany.
“Here in New York, our diversity is our strength, and central to that is the impact Latino New Yorkers have had on our state,” Governor Hochul said. “From music and food to arts and dance to science and medicine, New York’s best neighborhoods have been improved through these contributions. I’m proud to announce this funding to support the efforts of Hunter College and City College to continue to tell these stories and pass 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 the preservation of the history of Puerto Rican New Yorkers. Today, it remains the largest academic 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 vital institutions will ensure New York’s Latino heritage is preserved,” said Assemblywoman Karines Reyes. “This preservation will allow New Yorkers of all ages and backgrounds to gain a better understanding of our community’s vibrant culture. I applaud the Governor for his commitment to all New Yorkers, especially his work on behalf of Hispanic New Yorkers. .
Founded in 1992, City College Dominican Studies Institute (CUNY DSI) is the nation’s premier academic 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 make up some of the largest immigrant groups in New York City and Governor Hochul’s announcement in SOMOS demonstrates his commitment to our thriving communities,” said New York City Council member Diana Ayala. “The Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College and the Institute for Dominican Studies at City College preserve the rich history of these communities and these funds will allow future generations to continue to study this integral, yet often overlooked, part of the American history.”