On February 27th, SIPA held the inaugural Dominican Culture Day, organized by Ámbar Pagan, MIA’24. The event celebrated the 180th anniversary of the Independence of the Dominican Republic and commemorated “Los Padres y Madres de la Patria,” the heroic patriots who played a role in achieving freedom for the nation. A key figure at the event was U.S. Congressman Adriano Espaillat who delivered a speech highlighting the historical significance of Dominican independence and the accomplishments of the Dominican diaspora. Congressmember Espaillat is the first Dominican-American to serve in Congress, representing the 13th district of New York City comprised of Upper Manhattan and the West Bronx, where nearly 70% of the population are migrants or children of immigrants from the Dominican Republic. Many of the staff workers who help maintain the daily functions of Columbia University are Dominicans residing in the 13th district, making Dominican Culture Day pivotal in recognizing their contributions to our community. The event featured a cultural showcase, educational games, and food from Mama Fifis Kitchen, a local business owned by Jean Melo, a student at Columbia Business School. The New York Dominican Dance Group directed by Ramona Torres gave a folklore performance, emphasizing the importance of Dominican heritage and the African-influenced genre of merengue. On Dominican Culture Day, the red, blue, and white tricolored flags roamed the hallways of the SIPA, marking a legacy for Dominican representation to be visible at the university.

As a daughter of immigrants from the Dominican Republic, Ámbar’s personal connection to her Dominican roots drove her to create the event, with the goal of fostering a sense of pride and belonging among Dominican students, faculty, and staff at Columbia University.