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DANR Proposes Map of Paterson Six Wards to Redistricting Commission
November 29, 2011 by DANR
Filed under Advocacy, Featured, Press Releases
The National Dominican American Council Holds Strategic Local Council Leadership Development Meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico
November 7, 2011 by DANR
Filed under Featured, Press Releases
Some members of NDAC local councils in Puerto Rico
Washington, DC (Sunday, November 13, 2011). The National Dominican American Council (NDAC) held a strategic local council leadership development meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Meeting took place on Sunday, November 13, 2011 at the Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza Hotel located on 999 Ashford Avenue San Juan, Puerto Rico 00907.
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ABOUT NDAC
NDAC is a civic-community-engagement and public relations training organ composed of over 120 local councils functioning in the United States and territories, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NDAC responsibilities include setting the national Dominican American agenda at the Dominican American National Roundtable Annual Convention, and advocating for the socio-economic and political development of all Dominican Americans and our diverse communities in areas concerning education, economic development, health, immigration, housing and community empowerment.
MA Redistricting Task Force Announces Creation of 20 Majority-Minority Districts as DANR and Other Groups Advocated For
October 18, 2011 by DANR
Filed under Featured, Press Releases
The task force announced today the creation of 20 Majority-Minority Districts in the State of Massachusetts.
“We applaud the members of Massachusetts Special Joint Committee on Redistricting for upholding the provisions of the Voting Rights Act and seriously taking into account population growth in the State of Massachusetts to create 20 majority-minority districts,” said Dr. Maria Teresa Feliciano, DANR President.
“With its decision, the Committee ensures that our communities in Massachusetts have the opportunity to elect candidates of their choice in numbers commensurate with our population,” noted President Feliciano. “Currently, there are only 11 non-white incumbents out of 200 members serving in the Massachusetts State Legislature; there are five Latinos: one State Senator and four State Representatives. On June 14, 2011, at a public hearing in Lynn, MA, the Dominican American National Roundtable communicated to the Special Joint Committee that Latinos were 8 short of the 20 incumbents that would indeed reflect the state’s 9.5% Latino population in Massachusetts.”
For a printable copy of the testimony given by President Feliciano on behalf of the Dominican American National Roundtable at the June 23, 2011 public hearing in MA, click here Testimony of Maria Teresa Feliciano-Lynn MA
“We are pleased with the Redistricting Task Force announcement of the creation of 20 majority-minority districts as DANR, Oiste and other groups advocated for,” said Maria Moreno, DANR Vice President representing the State of Massachusetts.
The Honorable Marcos Devers, member of the MA House of Representatives and member of the redistricting task force, indicated that in redrawing all districts the committee took into consideration shifts in population around the state and also testimony given by people and non profit groups such as the Dominican American National Roundtable.
According to the U.S. Census, Massachusetts’ population grew 3.1 percent to 6,547,629 people. In the last decade, Massachusetts population increased by approximately 198,000 people, as primarily reflected in Lawrence, Boston, inner suburbs, Central Massachusetts, and among others, Norfolk, Plymouth and Bristol counties.
For more information on the release, visit www.malegislature.gov
For more on this note visit www.danr.org
Background articles about DANR proposed maps in Massachusetts:
http://danr.org/2011/06/15/danr-submits-proposed-legislative-district-maps-to-ma-redistricting-committee/
DANR Submits Proposed Legislative District Maps to MA Redistricting Committee
Washington, DC (June 15, 2011).— Yesterday, at a hearing of the Massachusetts Special Joint Committee on Redistricting at Lawrence High School in Lawrence, MA, the Dominican American National Roundtable (DANR), the only non-partisan, non-profit corporation based in Washington, DC advocating for the socio-economic and political empowerment of all Dominicans in the United States and territories, including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, submitted three legislative maps proposing the creation of a new Minority Senate District to encompass Lawrence, Methuen and Haverhill, and two State Representative Districts to include Lawrence and parts of Methuen.
“We propose the creation of three new legislative districts to ensure that our communities in Massachusetts have the opportunity to elect candidates of their choice in numbers commensurate with our population,” said Dr. Maria Teresa Feliciano, DANR President. “Currently, there are only 11 non-white incumbents out of 200 members serving in the Massachusetts State Legislature; there are five Latinos: one State Senator and four State Representatives. We are 8 short of the 20 that would reflect the state’s 9.5% Latino population in Massachusetts.”
The redistricting process in Massachusetts includes a Special Joint Committee on Redistricting, which begun holding hearings on March 16, 2011 after the release of the U.S. Decennial Census. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is constitutionally mandated to change its House, Senate, Governor’s Council and Congressional district boundaries to accommodate shifts in population and provide equal representation to its citizens.
“The committee needs to uphold the Voting Rights Act of 1965 in creating maps that would lead to the accurate representation of all of Massachusetts communities,” urged Lawrence resident and Attorney Zoila Gomez.
“DANR sustains that there are several areas with highly concentrated minority communities in Massachusetts, amongst them Lawrence, Boston, Chelsea and Springfield where minority districts and minority influenced districts could be created,” said DANR MA State Vice President and Chair of Membership Maria Moreno.
“It is clear from the current geographic distribution of minority populations across the state, that the best opportunity to elect a legislature that looks like the diverse Massachusetts we pride ourselves to live in, is by drawing legislative districts that are representative of the local communities,” said Claritza Abreu, DANR MA State Vice President.
DANR has partnered with Oiste? the only Latino civic education organization in the State of Massachusetts (www.oiste.net), MassVote, a state-wide voter engagement and education organization (www.massvote.org), and the LatinoJustice (PRLDEF), a non-profit organization founded in 1972 to champion an equitable society and provide Latinos with the legal resources to overcome the obstacles that frustrated their dreams and limited their lives (www.thelatinojustice.org).
About MA Special Joint Committee on Redistricting
The Special Joint Committee on Redistricting will study and propose a new division of the Commonwealth into 9 Congressional districts under the United States Constitution, 40 Senatorial and 8 Councillor districts under Section 2 of Article CI of the Amendments to the Constitutions, as amended, and 160 Representative districts under section 1 of said Article CI.
Redistricting Applicable Laws
US Constitution – Article 1, Sections 2 and 4, the 14th and 26th Amendments
Federal Voting Rights Act
(a) No voting qualification or prerequisite to voting or standard, practice, or procedure shall be imposed or applied by any State or political subdivision in a manner which results in a denial or abridgment of the right of any citizen of the United States to vote on account of race or color, or in contravention of the guarantees set forth in section 1973b (f)(2) of this title, as provided in subsection (b) of this section.
(b) A violation of subsection (a) of this section is established if, based on the totality of circumstances, it is shown that the political processes leading to nomination or election in the State or political subdivision are not equally open to participation by members of a class of citizens protected by subsection (a) of this section in that its members have less opportunity than other members of the electorate to participate in the political process and to elect representatives of their choice. The extent to which members of a protected class have been elected to office in the State or political subdivision is one circumstance which may be considered: Provided, That nothing in this section establishes a right to have members of a protected class elected in numbers equal to their proportion in the population.
(42 U.S.C. §§ 1973–1973aa-6)
For more information about upcoming redistricting hearings in MA, visit www.malegislature.gov
More: www.danr.org
Many Congratulate DANR on a Hugely Successful Leadership Summit in New York
October 9, 2011 by DANR
Filed under Featured, Postings, Press Releases
Members of the National Dominican American Council at the end of the 14th Annual Leadership Summit at Lehman College of The City University of New York / Miembros del Concilio Nacional Dominico Americano y del DANR al final de la Cumbre en Lehman College of The City University of New York (foto por Eduardo Hoepelman).
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For a printable copy of Dr. Salvo’s germane presentation, click the following link: Dominican Conference Talk 10-08-11 final-1
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“As soon as Blacks, Dominicans and Latinos in general find out that they have to work together, then life will be a better place for both groups,” said Assemblyman Wright. “Nothing can be done; nothing can be achieved unless you form a coalition.”
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“The workshop ‘Dominicans and African-Americans: Let’s Talk,’ at Lehman College this past Saturday, October 8, 2011 open the door for further discussion and planning regarding the reality Blacks and Dominicans experience together in urban America as it relates to power, politics, employment, education and incarceration,” said Fred L. Price from Medgar Evers College of The City University of New York. “This workshop was a step in the right direction to address and plan to overcome any roadblocks to our collective advancement; I commend DANR and the National Council for affording Blacks and Dominicans such a unique opportunity to talk.”
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From left, Dr. Dilcia Granville, Councilman Julio Guridy, unidentified individual, NDAC Chairman Nestor Montilla, DANR President Maria Teresa Felicaino, NYS Assemblyman Guillermo LInares, U.S. Ambassador Raul Yzaguirre, NYS Senator Gustavo Rivera, Bronx Borough Presient Ruben Diaz, Jr., Dr. Alberto Correa, Mr. Francisco (Pachin) Castilla, Bronx District Leader Yudelka Tapia and NYS Senator Ruben Diaz (photo by Eduardo Hoepelman).
From left, Dr. Julia Lara, Maria Moreno, Claribel Martinez-Marmolejos, Dr. Dilcia Granville, US Ambassador Raul Yzaguirrez, DANR President Maria Teresa Feliciano, NYS Assemblyman Guillermo LInares. Back row from left, Miguel Santana, Luis Facundo and NDAC Chairman Nestor Montilla (photo by Eduardo Hoepelman).
Prominent Legislators, Dignitaries, Experts and Hundreds of College Students to Join DANR President and US Ambassador to the Dominican Republic at 14th Annual National Leadership Summit at Lehman College
October 4, 2011 by DANR
Filed under Postings, Press Releases
Lehman College 250 Bedford Park Blvd West Bronx, NY 10468 (www.lehman.edu)
Washington, DC (October 4, 2011). Dr. Maria Teresa Feliciano, President of the Dominican American National Roundtable, will be joined by prominent legislators, dignitaries, leaders and hundreds of students at the 14 Annual National Leadership Summit slated to take place October 7-9, 2011 at Lehman College of The City University of New York 250 Bedford Blvd Park West Bronx, NY 10468.
The Summit will kick off on Friday, October 7th at 6:00PM with a VIP Welcome Reception at the East Dining Room of the Music Building.
The reception will be attended by sponsors, members, friends, supporters and dignitaries. Among elected officials in attendance will be U.S. Congressman Charles Rangel, NYS Senator Jose Peralta, RI State Senator Juan Pichardo, NYS Assemblyman Carl E. Heastie, NYS Assemblyman Guillermo Linares, NYS Assemblyman Nelson Castro, Massachusetts State Representative Marcos Devers, NYC Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras, Maryland Representative Joselyn Peña-Melnyk, NYC Councilman Fernando Cabrera, NYC Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez, and among others, Yonkers Councilman Wilson Terrero, and New Jersey Councilman Julio Tavarez.
The Reception will be followed by a “Youth Showcase” in the Lovinger Theater, where hundreds of students from around the U.S. will convene for a cultural night of poetry/Latin Jazz/Bachata/Hip Hop/Merengue/Spoken Word/Art.
On Saturday, October 8th at 8:30AM, the Summit will begin with a National Issue Breakfast on redistricting and demographics, followed by morning workshops on education, Dominican and African American relations, leadership development, and a public forum titled “Crime and Safety in the Dominican Republic: A National Emergency”.
Lehman College President Ricardo Fernandez, CUNY Senior Vice Chancellor Jay Hershenson, and U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer are listed to welcome Summit participants at the noon plenary session at the Lovinger Theater.
Dr. Maria Teresa Feliciano, DANR President, will deliver the traditional DANR national annual “State of Dominicans in the United States” address, before prominent elected officials, dignitaries, leaders, students and conference participants.
At the Power Luncheon, scheduled at 1:00PM at the Faculty Dining Room, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. will be joined by dozens of elected officials to welcome Summit participants. For a complete list of dignitaries, panelists and guests attending the Summit, visit www.danr.org.
The program includes, afternoon workshops on leadership development, economic development, Dominican and Puerto Rican relations, and a forum on the role and challenges of elected officials.
After workshops, there will be a swearing-in ceremony of over one hundred new DANR local council members, a closing cocktail reception, an award ceremony, and a signature DANR/La Mega 97.9 FM Concert with Rubby Perez and friends, including Composer Ramon Orlando, and singers Yunel Cruz and Alex Matos.
His Excellency, Raul Yzaguirre, U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic, will deliver the Summit’s keynote address titled: “Our Advancement in education, economic development and community empowerment.”
This national gathering is considered to be among the most important events of the year on the Dominican-American and Latino calendars in the United States of America.
For a printable copy of the Summit’s program, click Program DANR 14th Annual National Leadership Summit at Lehman College as of October 3, 2011
To register, click here
For more information call 202-238-0097 or send an e-mail to info@danr.org.
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About the DANR
The Dominican American National Roundtable is the only non-profit, non-partisan 501 (c) (3) Corporation based in Washington, DC advocating for the educational, socio-economic and political development of our diverse communities and all people of Dominican origin in the United States of America, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
ABOUT the National Dominican American Council (NDAC)
NDAC is the national civic-engagement-community relations organ of the Dominican American National Roundtable.
Embajador de Estados Unidos en Rep Dom Fue Orador Principal en Cumbre de Líderes Nacional de la Mesa Redonda y el Concilio Dominico Americano
September 9, 2011 by DANR
Filed under Featured, Press Releases
Embajador Raúl H. Yzaguirre
Washington, DC (9 de septiembre del 2011). El Embajador de los Estados Unidos de América en República Dominicana, Raúl H. Yzaguirre, fue el orador principal de la 14ava Cumbre de Líderes Anual Nacional de la Mesa Redonda Dominico Americana y el Concilio Nacional Dominico Americano (NDAC) llevada a cabo del 7 al 8 de octubre del presente en Lehman College de The City University of New York localizado en el 250 Bedford Park Blvd West Bronx, NY 10456.
El tema de La Cumbre de este año fue “Nuestro Progreso en Educación, Desarrollo Económico y Apoderamiento Comunitario: Allanando el Camino”.
“La participación de Su Excelencia Raúl H. Yzaguirre como orador principal en la Cumbre es más que apropiada en estos momentos”, dijo la Dra. María Teresa Feliciano, Presidente de la Mesa Redonda. ”Como responsable de la fundación y establecimiento de Consejo Nacional de la Raza (por sus siglas en inglés NCLR), la más grande organización de derechos civiles en los Estados Unidos, el Embajador Yzaguirre enfocó su discurso sobre la misión y el estado actual de la Mesa Redonda”.
Este encuentro nacional es considerado uno de los eventos más importantes del año en el calendario Latino y dominicano en los Estados Unidos. Tradicionalmente, centenares de líderes, estudiantes y expertos se reúnen cada año bajo un mismo techo para debatir temas importantes que afectan nuestras comunidades.
Oradores y dignatarios que participaron incluye entre otros el Honorable Ruben Diaz, Jr., Presidente del Condado del Bronx, quien dio la bienvenida a todos los participantes de la Cumbre.
El discurso del Embajador Yzaguirre se publicará en www.danr.org en los próximos dias.
Acerca del Embajador Raúl H. Yzaguirre
El Embajador de los Estados Unidos de América, Raúl H. Yzaguirre, presentó sus cartas credenciales ante el Presidente de la República Dominicana, Dr. Leonel Fernández, el 17 de noviembre de 2010, unos días después de su llegada a la República Dominicana, el 15 de noviembre. El Embajador Yzaguirre fue confirmado por el Senado como Embajador Extraordinario y Plenipotenciario de los Estados Unidos en la República Dominicana el 29 de septiembre de 2010.
Antes de asumir sus funciones actuales en la República Dominicana, Raúl H. Yzaguirre ocupó el cargo de Profesor Presidencial de Prácticas y Director Ejecutivo del Centro para el Desarrollo Comunitario y de los Derechos Civiles de la Universidad Estatal de Arizona, en la ciudad de Phoenix, Arizona.
Entre el 1974 al 2004 el Embajador Yzaguirre fue Presidente y Presidente Ejecutivo del “Consejo Nacional de la Raza”. Antes de ocupar este cargo, fue Vicepresidente del Centro para Cambios Comunitarios en Washington, D.C. Entre 1969 y 1973 fundó dos organizaciones para fines de consultorías. La primera fue la “Inter-State Research Associates” y la “Inter-America Research Associates”.
El Embajador Yzaguirre fue Analista Senior de Programas en la Oficina de los Estados Unidos para la Oportunidad Económica (OEO) y Asesor Especial del Director de dicha organización, Sargent Shriver, entre los años 1966 a 1969. También fue nombrado a la Comisión Presidencial sobre la Excelencia Educativa para Hispanos.
Asimismo, ha monitoreado varios procesos electorales presidenciales en América Latina como miembro del Instituto Demócrata Nacional. Por un período de cuatro años fue miembro del Cuerpo Médico de la Fuerza Aérea de los Estados Unidos. Tiene una Licenciatura en Ciencias de la Universidad George Washington, y ocupó la posición de Especialista en el Instituto de Políticas en la Escuela de Gobierno Kennedy de la Universidad de Harvard. Asimismo, realizó estudios en la Universidad de Las Américas, en Puebla, México.
El Embajador y su esposa Audrey tienen seis hijos.
U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic Raúl H. Yzaguirre Delivers Keynote Address at Leadership Summit in New York
September 7, 2011 by DANR
Filed under Featured, Postings, Press Releases
Ambassador Raul H. Yzaguirre
Washington, DC (October 12, 2011). United States Ambassador to the Dominican Republic His Excellency Raúl H. Yzaguirre was the keynote speaker at the 14th Annual Leadership Summit of the Dominican American Roundtable and its National Council (NDAC). The Leadership Summit took place October 7-9, 2011 at Lehman College of The City University of New York located at 250 Bedford Park Blvd West Bronx, NY 10468.
The Summit’s theme this year was: “Our Advancement in Education, Economic Development & Community Empowerment: PAVING THE WAY”.
“Having His Excellency Raul H. Yzaguirre deliver the keynote at DANR 14th Annual Leadership Summit was both timely and most appropriate,” said Dr. Maria Teresa Feliciano, DANR President. ”As the individual responsible for founding and establishing the largest Latino Civil Rights Organization in the United States, he spoke to the DANR’s current status and mission, better than anyone else.”
This national gathering is considered to be among the most important events of the year on the Dominican-American and Latino calendars.
Traditionally, hundreds of leaders, students and experts convene every year under one roof to discuss important issues impacting our communities.
Delegations of speakers, presenters, dignitaries, leaders and students who welcome and paid respect to Ambassador Yzaguirre in his first official visit to New York since he presented creditials to Dominican Republic President Leonel Fernandez, included:
U.S. Congressman Charles Rangel
NYS Assemblyman Carl E. Heastie
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.
NYS Assemblyman Guillermo Linares
NYS Assemblyman Keith L. T. Wright
Jay Hershenson, Senior Vice Chancellor and Secretary of the Board of Trustees of The City University of New York
Dr. Ricardo Fernández, President of Lehman College
Dr. Félix Matos Rodriguez, President of Hostos Community College
Dr. Carol M. Berotte Joseph, President of Bronx Community College
Vice President Mario Dellapina, Lehman College Division of Institutional Development
NYC Councilman Robert Jackson
Massachusetts State Representative Marcos Devers
Maryland Representative Joselyn Peña-Melnyk
New Jersey Councilman Julio Tavarez
Pennsylvania Councilman Julio Guridy
New York State Senator Gustavo Rivera
New York State Senator Ruben Diaz
Joseph Salvo, Ph.D. from the New York City Department of Planning
Reverendo Hector Chiesa, President of the Board, Radio Vision Cristiana
Commissioner Alex Mendez
Councilwoman Fiordaliza Frias
Commissioner Wendy Guzman
Bronx District Leader Yudelka Tapia
Brooklyn District Leader Arelis Martinez
Dr. Maria Teresa Feliciano, DANR President
Amaris Guzman, DANR National Youth President
Dr. Julia Lara, DANR Vice President (Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia)
Facundo Knight, DANR Vice President (Pennsylvania)
Luis Facundo, DANR Treasurer (State of New York)
Maria Moreno, DANR Vice President (State of Massachusetts)
Francesca Pena, DANR Vice President (New York)
Miguel Santana, DANR Vice President (Bronx)
Hon. Claribel Martinez-Marmolejos, DANR Vice President (Puerto Rico & U.S. Virgin Islands)
Nestor Montilla, Chairman of the Dominican American National Council
Dr. Dilcia Granville, DANR Vice President (Long Island, NY)
Zenaida Mendez, President, National Dominican Women Caucus
Rosa Ayala, Co-director, Bronx Dominican Parade
Rosita Romero, President, Dominican Women Center
Peter Fontanes, CEO
Antonio Martinez, Esq., Executive Director of Somos El Futuro Inc.
Joseph Wiscovitch, President of Joseph Wiscovitch Associates
Dr. Ramon Antonio Veras (El Negro Veras)
Dr. Rosario Espinal from Temple University
Dr. Lillian Bobea
Journalist Sara Perez
Rhadames Perez, Community Actdivist
Valentin Silverio
America Tavarez Schoch from Miami, Florida
Misotis Munoz
Miscelanea Acevedo
Delfin Vazquez
Dr. Alberto Correa from Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico
Ing Francisco Pachin
Martha Madera, President of the Association of Dominican American Supervisors and Administrators (ADASA)
New York City Public School Teacher José Cruz
Rhina Tavarez
School Principal Nancy Díaz
Gloria Ortiz
Martin Danenberg
Nazario Brea
and among others,
Eduardo Hoepelman
About Raul H. Yzaguirre
The Ambassador of the United States of America, Raúl H. Yzaguirre, presented his credentials before the President of the Republic, Dr. Leonel Fernández, on November 17, 2010, shortly after his arrival in the Dominican Republic, on November 15. Ambassador Yzaguirre was confirmed by the Senate as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States to the Dominican Republic, September 29, 2010.
Before assuming his current duties in the Dominican Republic, Raul H. Yzaguirre, Sr. was a Presidential Professor of Practice and Executive Director of the Center for Community Development and Civil Rights at Arizona State University in Phoenix, Arizona.
From 1974 to 2004, Ambassador Yzaguirre served as President and CEO of the National Council of La Raza (NCLR). Prior to that, he served as Vice President at the Center for Community Change in Washington D.C. From 1969 to 1973, he founded two sister management consulting organizations: Interstate Research Associates and InterAmerica Research Associates.
Mr. Yzaguirre served as a Senior Program Analyst in the U.S. Office for Economic Opportunity (OEO) and as a special advisor to the Director of OEO, Sargent Shriver, from 1966 to 1969. He has also been appointed to the President’s Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics.
Ambassador Yzaguirre was a Senior Programs Analyst at the U.S. Office for Economic Opportunity and Special Advisor to the Director for said organization, Sargent Shriver, between 1966 and 1969. He was also named to the Presidential Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics.
He has also monitored several presidential elections in Latin America as a board member of the National Democratic Institute (NDI). Ambassador Yzaguirre also served in the U.S. Air Force Medical Corps for four years. He has a B.S. from George Washington University, was an Institute of Politics Fellow at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, and studied at La Universidad de Las Americas in Puebla, Mexico.
The Ambassador and his wife Audrey have six children.
To register for the Leadership Summit, click here.
Dominican American Redistricting Project
Washinton, DC (August 25, 2011). According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of New York State has changed.
This means it is time to engage in a process to re-draw legislative lines in accordance with the U.S. Constitution. The process happens every ten years. By law, a State’s Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment is created to re-draw legislative maps. Before making any changes, the Task Force must hold public hearings to gather input from the general public regarding congressional and state legislative districts.
In drawing district lines, the task force should seriously and objectively consider the following: total transparency to the public, media and the courts, respecting one-person, one-vote, compliance with the Voting Rights Act, respecting communities of interest, traditional redistricting factors, like contiguity, following an “incumbent blind” process.
The Task Force must respect communities of interest, where people share common social, cultural, economic, ethnic interests. In addition, the Task Force is expected to also consider in its decision re-enumeration of incarcerated persons back to their districts of last residence.
The form can be sent via regular mail or faxed to the NYS Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment, 250 Broadway — Suite 2100 New York, NY 10007. Fax # (212) 618-1135.
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For more information about the hearing you could call at 212-618-1100 or e-mail LATFOR at: info@latfor.state.ny.us
The Task Force has promised to take people’s concerns into consideration before making a final decision in drawing legislative maps.
To educate the nation’s diverse communities in the redistricting process, the Dominican American National Roundtable has launched the Dominican American Redistricting Project (DA-R), a national initiative seeking to engage Dominican, Latino and minority communities in the United States in the Redistricting-Appropriation Process with the objective of achieving adequate representation – “one person-one vote”.
The Project provides education and technical assistance to the Dominican American and Latino Leadership, and has partnered with organizations and communities across the United States to guarantee a fair redistricting process.
Following is the notice of public hearing published by The NYS Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment (LATFOR):
NEW YORK STATE LEGISLATIVE TASK FORCE ON DEMOGRAPHIC RESEARCH AND REAPPORTIONMENT
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
SUBJECT: Congressional and state legislative redistricting
PURPOSE: To gather public input regarding congressional and state legislative districts following the Census of 2010.
Wednesday
September 7, 2011
10:00 A.M.
Queens Borough Hall
Meeting Room 213 – 1 & 2
120-55 Queens Boulevard
Kew Gardens, New York
Thursday
September 8, 2011
10:00 A.M.
Bronx Community College
Gould Memorial Library Auditorium
2155 University Ave
Bronx, New York
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Tuesday, September 20 Kings
Brooklyn Borough Hall
209 Joralemon Street, Brooklyn, NY
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Wednesday, September 21 Manhattan
Assembly Hearing Room
250 Broadway, NYC
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Thursday, September 22 Staten Island
Joan and Allen Bernikow Jewish Community Center
1466 Manor Rd., Staten Island, NY
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Wednesday, October 5 Long Island
Farmingdale State College, Little Theater, Roosevelt Hall
2350 Broadhollow Rd, Farmingdale, NY
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The Census of 2010 has been released. It reveals demographic change throughout New York State. Pursuant to the United States Constitution and the New York State Constitution, congressional and state legislative districts must be reconfigured to reflect the population changes that have occurred.
The new congressional and state legislative districts must be consistent with the “one person, one vote” decisions of the United States Supreme Court. In addition, the new congressional and state legislative districts must be constructed in conformity with the Voting Rights Act. The Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment wants to know how the public thinks the new congressional and state legislative districts should be configured.
Persons wishing to present pertinent testimony to the Task Force at the above hearings should complete and return the enclosed reply form as soon as possible or contact the Task Force at (212) 618-1100. It is important that the reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation.
Oral testimony will be limited to 5 minutes’ duration. In preparing the order of witnesses, the Task Force will attempt to accommodate individual requests to speak at particular times in view of special circumstances. These requests should be made on the attached reply form or communicated to Task Force staff as early as possible. In the absence of a request, witnesses will be scheduled in the order in which reply forms are postmarked.
Ten (10) copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Task Force would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements. In order to further publicize these hearings, please inform interested parties and organizations of the Task Force’s interest in hearing testimony from all sources.
In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Task Force, in accordance with its policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to legislative facilities and activities.
Chairman
Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment
Chairman
Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment
September 7, 2011
10:00 A.M.Queens Borough Hall
Meeting Room 213 – 1 & 2
120-55 Queens Boulevard
Kew Gardens, New York
September 8, 2011
10:00 A.M.Bronx Community College
Gould Memorial Library Auditorium
2155 University Ave
Bronx, New York
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Tuesday, September 20 Kings
Brooklyn Borough Hall
209 Joralemon Street, Brooklyn, NY
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Wednesday, September 21 Manhattan
Assembly Hearing Room
250 Broadway, NYC
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Thursday, September 22 Staten Island
Joan and Allen Bernikow Jewish Community Center
1466 Manor Rd., Staten Island, NY
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Wednesday, October 5 Long Island
Farmingdale State College, Little Theater, Roosevelt Hall
2350 Broadhollow Rd, Farmingdale, NY
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Persons wishing to present testimony at the public hearing on congressional and state legislative redistricting are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and mail or fax to:
on Demographic Research & Reapportionment
250 Broadway, 21st Floor
New York, New York 10007-2563
Phone: (212) 618-1100
Fax: (212) 618-1135
Background Articles on DANR and the Redistricting Process
http://www.ny1noticias.com/content/128848/organización-promueve-talento-dominicano-en-el-congresoXX
Daily News article -In line for nation’s 1st Dominican rep? by Frank Lombardi
Daily News NYDailynews.com
BRONX NEWS
In line for nation’s 1st Dominican rep? by Frank Lombardi
UPTOWN POLITICS
Thursday, August 4, 2011 (page 40)
In these dog days of summer there’s not much urgency among uptown politicos about the impending redistricting of state legislative and congressional districts.
But that doesn’t mean there’s not much interest in what could happen, especially to the 15th Congressional District, which for 65 years has been represented by just two African-American men.
Incumbent Charles Rangel (D-Harlem) has held the seat for 40 years, ever since deposing Adam Clayton Powell Jr., who held the seat for 25 years, going back to 1945.
Though commonly referred to as the Harlem seat, and mistakenly believed by some to be a majority black district, the 15th CD’s demographics long ago tipped in favor of Hispanics, predominantly Dominicans in this case.
According to the 2010 Census, the Dominican population of Manhattan – which is largely concentrated in Rangel’s district -grew by 14% since 2000.
There are 155,971 Dominicans in the borough now, compared to 107,774 Puerto Ricans and 41,965 Mexicans. And the raw numbers distinctly show that if redistricting were strictly based on demographics, and not politics and incumbency, the 15th CD’s lines could be adjusted to provide a shot for electing the country’s first Dominican congressional representative.
Consider: the 15th CD’s population was 48% Hispanic in the 2000 Census, compared to 30.5% black, 16% white and 3% Asian. Based on the 2010 Census, the Hispanic share has decreased slightly to 46%, but the black population decreased even more, to 26.5%. The white share has increased to 21% and the Asian to 4%.
The are 125,824 more Hispanics than blacks in the 15th CD than 10 years ago. And by voting age population, Hispanics outnumber blacks nearly two to one.
Moving the district’s lines north into Dominican-populated sections of the Bronx, such as Kingsbridge, the percentage of Dominicans would grow considerably.
“The numbers are there to make the case,” said Jose Ramon Bello, the former executive director of the Dominican American National Roundtable (DANR), which advocates nationally for more than 1 million Dominicans.
Because of reapportionment tied to the new census, the state is losing two of its 29 congressional seats. One is likely to be eliminated upstate and the other in the city, which now has 13 districts. All surviving districts will have to be redrawn to encompass an average of 717,707 constituents, compared to 654,372 currently.
That means the 15th CD will have to grow, one way or another. Rangel, who intends to run for a 22nd term next year, has said he wants to keep his district within Manhattan.
The redistricting is to be completed next year before candidates file for the fall elections. Albany legislative leaders who normally control the process have largely ignored Gov. Cuomo’s call for an independent redistricting commission. Cuomo has vowed to veto any plan that prioritizes “partisan and incumbent interests,” which would force the courts to do the redistricting.
Hearings by the New York State Legislature Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment are underway, with one scheduled in each of the five boroughs next month.
The DANR’s proposed redistricting of the 15th CD and several other city districts will be presented to the task force at those hearings, said DANR President Maria Teresa Feliciano. She stressed the intent is to “facilitate the creation of a district that reflects the changes in demographics.”
flombardi@nydailynews.com
¡Hágase Miembro, Ya!
August 24, 2011 by DANR
Filed under Featured, Press Releases
Hágase Miembro Ya!
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El Concilio Nacional Dominico-Americano (NDAC) es el órgano cívico de capacitación, apoderamiento, relaciones públicas, comunitarias y participación de la Mesa Redonda Nacional Dominico-Americana (DANR) compuesto por más de 120 concilios locales operando en los Estados Unidos y sus territorios, incluyendo Puerto Rico y la Islas Vírgenes, con la función de determinar la agenda nacional en la convención anual y abogar por el desarrollo socio-económico y político de nuestras communidades en áreas concernientes al desarrollo humano en general, incluyendo educación, desarrollo económico, salud, inmigración y apoderamiento comunitario.
The National Dominican American Council (NDAC) is the civic-community-engagement and public relations trainning organ of The Dominican American National Roundtable (DANR) composed of over 120 local councils functioning in the United States and territories, including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, with the role of setting the national agenda at DANR National Annual Convention and advocating for the socio-economic and political development of all Dominican Americans and our communities in areas concerning human development, education, economic development, health, immigration and community empowerment.
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DANR Swears in Eight Local Councils in Puerto Rico
August 21, 2011 by DANR
Filed under Featured, Press Releases
Members of DANR local councils in Puerto RIco while taking the oath. Joining them Dr. Hugo M. Morales, CUNY Trustee, Dr. Maria Teresa Feliciano, DANR President, Claribel Martinez Marmolejos, DANR Vice President in Puerto Rico, DANR Chairman Nestor Montilla, Sr., and Luis Facundo, DANR Treasurer and State Vice President in New York.
Washington, (August 21, 2011).– The Dominican American National Roundtable sworn in eight local councils in Puerto Rico during its First Leadership Summit held on Saturday, August 20, 2011 at Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico (Recinto Metro).
The new coulcilmembers took the oath to uphold and further the mission of the DANR to research and advocate for the socio-economic and political development of all Dominicans in the United States and territories. They now represent the organization in their local communities including Rio Piedras, Santurce, San Juan, Carolina, Canovanas, Trujillo Alto, Isla Verde, Puerto Nuevo, Saint Thomas, Levittown, Mayaguez, Caguas y entre otras municipalities, Bayamon.
“Communities that work, contribute and raise families should be able to exercise the most basic constituional right of self-representation,” said DANR President Maria Teresa Feliciano in describing the thrust of the Summit. “In the near future, we should see Dominicans holding and competing for elected positions at all levels of government in Puerto Rico.”
The Summit’s program included workshops on leadership skills development, leadership styles based on personality analyses, advocacy and lobbying fundamentals by DANR President Maria Teresa Feliciano, Dr. Alberto Correa, Professor at Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, former Governor of Puerto Rico Anibal Acevedo Vila, and attorney Joel Montalvo from Optim Group.
DANR local council members are afforded a variety of leadership development training. They are now preparing to participate in DANR’s future advocacy events and set the DANR national agenda during the 14th Annual National Leadership Summit slated to take place October 7-9, 2011 in the Bronx, NY at Lehman College of the City University of New York.
The National Dominican American Council (NDAC) is the civic-community-engagement and public relations trainning organ of The Dominican American National Roundtable (DANR) composed of over 120 local councils functioning in the United States and territories, including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, with the role of setting the national agenda at DANR National Annual Convention and advocating for the socio-economic and political development of all Dominican Americans and our communities in areas concerning human development, education, economic development, health, immigration, community empowerment and civil rights.
Spanish Version
DANR Juramenta Ocho Concilios Locales en Puerto Rico
Miembros de los Concilios locales de Puerto Rico durante su juramentacion. Acompanan al grupo el Dr. Hugo M. Morales, Sindico de CUNY, Dra. Maria Teresa Feliciano, Presidentedel DANR, Claribel Martinez Marmolejos, VIce Presidente de DANR, Nestor Montilla, Chairman y Luis Facundo, Tesorero.
Washington, DC (21 de Agosto, 2011).—La Mesa Redonda Dominico Americana juramentó ocho concilios locales en Puerto Rico durante su Primer Cumbre de Liderazgo el sábado, 2o de agosto del presente año en la Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico (Recinto Metro).
Los miembros de los concilios formados incluyen un selecto grupo de líderes estudiantiles, que se comprometió a cumplir y avanzar la misión de DANR de estudiar y abogar por el desarrollo político y socio-económico de los dominicanos en los Estados Unidos y sus territorios. Ellos representan la organización en sus comunidades de Río Piedras, Santurce, San Juan, Carolina, Canóvanas, Trujillo Alto, Isla Verde, Puerto Nuevo, Saint Thomas, Levittown, Mayagüez, Caguas y entre otras municipalidades, Bayamón.
“Comunidades que laboran, contribuyen y levantan familias deben poder ejercer uno de los derechos constitucionales de auto-representación más básicos,” dijo Maria Teresa Feliciano, Presidente de DANR, describiendo uno de los enfoques de la Cumbre. “En un futuro cercano veremos Dominicanos compitiendo y ganando posiciones electivas en todos los niveles de gobierno en Puerto Rico.”
El programa de la Cumbre incluyo talleres de capacitación de líderes, desarrollo de destrezas basado en análisis de personalidad y fundamentos de cabildeo por la Dra. Maria Teresa Feliciano, Presidente de DANR, el Dr. Alberto Correa, Profesor de la Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, el Ex Gobernador de Puerto Rico Aníbal Acevedo Vilá, y el abogado Joel Montalvo de Optim Group.
Los miembros de los concilios locales de DANR tendrán acceso a una variedad de talleres de capacitación. En el momento, se preparan para participar en actividades de cabildeo de DANR y establecer su agenda nacional en la 14ava Cumbre Nacional de Liderazgo, a llevarse a cabo en Octubre 7-9, 2011 en el Lehman College of the City University of New York, en el Bronx.
Sobre DANR
La Mesa Redonda Dominico-Americana (DANR), fundada en el 1997, es la única corporación 501(c) (3) no-partidista, sin fines de lucro y con sede en Washington, DC, con la misión de investigar y abogar a favor del desarrollo y fortalecimiento socio-económico y político de los hispanos y dominicanos en los Estados Unidos de América y sus territorios, incluyendo Puerto Rico y las Islas Vírgenes Americanas.
Sobre NDAC
El Concilio Nacional Dominico-Americano (NDAC) es el órgano cívico de apoderamiento y participación de la Mesa Redonda Nacional Dominico-Americana (DANR) compuesto por más de 120 concilios locales operando en los Estados Unidos con la función de determinar la agenda nacional en la convención anual y abogar por la prosperidad e intereses de nuestras comunidades en áreas concernientes al desarrollo humano en general, incluyendo educación, desarrollo económico, salud, inmigración y apoderamiento político.
