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2/26/2025
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Rep. Diaz to host observance of 181 years of Dominican Republic independence, heritage at State House
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STATE HOUSE — A celebration observing the 181st anniversary of the independence of the Dominican Republic will take place Thursday, Feb. 27, at the State House. Rep. Grace Diaz (D-Dist. 11, Providence) will lead the celebration as the Dominican Independence and Heritage Award Committee of Rhode Island commemorates the anniversary of the Dominican Republic’s independence from Haiti, which took place on Feb. 27, 1844.
The Committee, which was founded by Representative Diaz, along with former Sen. Juan M. Pichardo, will recognize outstanding Dominicans throughout Rhode Island at the ceremony, which will take place in the Governor’s State Room at 5 p.m.
“The celebration of this important historic moment is the perfect time to reflect on the impact Dominican culture continues to have on Rhode Island,” said Representative Diaz, a native of the Dominican Republic. “We have seen how the experience and customs of Dominicans have helped shape the state both culturally and politically.”
This year’s celebration is of particular importance as the committee will welcome the new president of the organization, Everin Perez. Several guests of Dominican descent are expected to be in the chamber, including retired Providence police officer Luis del Río, who will sing the U.S. national anthem, Victor Mendoza, who served 37 years at the Rhode Island State administration office, Dr. Juana Parrillón, director of the Diversity and Inclusion office at Brown University, Edgard Allan Oleaga Montes De Oca, assistant liaison officer between the Dominican National Police and the New York Police Department, Col. Donni Leiki Sonni Cepeda liaison officer between the Dominican National Police and the Providence Police Department, José Domínguez, representing the New Dominican Duartian Generation, Abraham Hernández, owner of a shoe repair business in Central Falls, Isidro de Leon, former president of the Dominican Independence Award Committee, Pedro Pineda, representative of the new Duartian Generation, and Lt. David Tejeda of the Providence Police Department.
This year’s ceremony will recognize outstanding individuals who represent the best of the Dominican-American community’s efforts to make Rhode Island a better place for the last 20 years, including Delia Rodriguez-Masjoan, outstanding services to the Dominican Community; Rosa del Castillo, outstanding Dominican Community leadership service; Martha Villar, outstanding contribution to the Dominican arts; Sixcia Devine, outstanding Dominican business leadership; Milary Tavarez, outstanding Dominican youth talent; Ernesto Valerio, outstanding Dominican contribution in sports; Leda M. Valerio, outstanding Dominican leadership in education; Maj. Henry Remolina, outstanding Dominican public servant; Dr. Carroll Medeiros, outstanding Dominican professional (science); and Julia Norma Mendez Rodriguez, outstanding Dominican professional (media).
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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