; Whereas, for the past 40 years, people of Dominican descent have consistently made up the majority of Washington Heights residents as compared to any other single national group; Whereas in Washington Heights and Inwood, Dominicans found a neighborhood that was vibrant and diverse and wholeheartedly embraced it, placing their own indelible marks on a neighborhood they have transformed and made their own with their contributions and legacy; Whereas Dominicans have been an integral part of Washington Heights and Inwood, actively involved in the life of the neighborhood, including advocacy, art, culture, literature, sports, business, and government; Whereas Dominicans have contributed to make Washington Heights and Inwood into an entrepreneurial community that boasts vibrant cultural centers, strong nonprofit organizations, and a growing and diverse business sector; Whereas, in the 1950s, Casa Dominicana, located at 3825 Broadway, was founded by Dominican activists as a gathering space for political activities to dismantle the dictatorial Trujillo regime; Whereas Casa Dominicana regularly organized fundraising events to support the anti-Trujillista movement, as well as other liberatory causes in Latin America; Whereas people of notable stature, including Columbia University Professor Dr. Jesús de Galíndez, delivered speeches at Casa Dominicana; Whereas one day after class, Dr. Galíndez, who had written a thesis denouncing the Dominican Government, disappeared and is presumed to have been kidnapped and murdered by Trujillo’s henchmen; Whereas the disappearance of Dr. Galíndez is regarded as one of the most horrendous, still unresolved, episodes in the shared history of the Dominican Republic and the United States; Whereas the Centro Civico Cultural Dominicano, a nonprofit community organization founded in 1962, continues to build on the invaluable contributions of Dominicans by engaging and empowering Dominican and Hispanic communities locally