Haitian and Dominican-American Council Members host Quisqueya, a celebration of Hispaniola
On Oct. 25, New York City Council Members Rafael L. Espinal Jr., Farah N. Louis, and Antonio Reynoso co-hosted Quisqueya: A Celebration of Haitian and Dominican Heritage at Brooklyn Borough Hall to bridge the cultural divide between the dual-nation island of Hispaniola. The first-of-its-kind celebration highlighted the similarities in the cultural diasporas, honored their legacies and global contributions, while encouraging the preservation of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Haiti and the Dominican Republic to unify both communities.
The evening also included the presentations of proclamations to the family of the late New York State Senator José Peralta who passed last November among other honorees including Raymond A. Joseph, Genesis Aquino, Gregory Louis, Esq., and Raul King.
Louis, who is Haitian American represents the 45th District in Brooklyn which includes Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Marine Park, Flatlands, & Kensington. Espinal, who is Dominican American, represents the 37th District, which includes Bushwick, Brownsville, Cypress Hills, and East New York. Reynoso, also Dominican American, represents the 34th District representing parts of Bushwick, Ridgewood, and Williamsburg.
Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte, Councilman Rafael L. Espinal, and Councilwoman Farah N. Louis. Photo Credit: Hassan Bakiriddin, Facebook 
Councilman Rafael L. Espinal, Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte, Councilman Antonio Reynoso, and Councilwoman Farah N. Louis. Photo Credit: Rodneyse Bichotte, Facebook