Governor Hochul Announces $3 Million for Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College and Dominican Studies Institute at City College

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College and the Dominican Studies Institute at City College will receive $3 million to support ongoing operations and initiatives at their institutions to preserve the culture and history of Latino New Yorkers. The Governor made the announcement at the SOMOS Governor's Reception in Albany.

"Here in New York, our diversity is our strength, and right at the center of that is the impact Latino New Yorkers have had on our state," Governor Hochul said. "From music and food to arts and dance to science and medicine, the very best parts of New York have all changed for the better because of these contributions. I'm proud to announce this funding to support efforts at Hunter College and City College to keep telling these stories and passing on the culture for future generations."

The Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College (Centro) was founded by a group of students, faculty and community activists in 1973 to ensure the history of Puerto Rican New Yorkers was being preserved. Today it remains the largest university-based research institute, library, and archive dedicated to the Puerto Rican experience in the United States. Founded in 1992, the Dominican Studies Institute at City College (CUNY DSI) is the nation's first university-based research institute devoted to the study of people of Dominican descent in the United States and other parts of the world.

Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez said, “I commend Governor Hochul for making these investments to the Center for Puerto Rican Studies (CENTRO) at Hunter College and the Dominican Studies Institute at City College. These university based research institutions unite educators, students, and the community to develop scholarly resources, preserve comprehensive histories, and provide access to educational programs. This investment supports these critical institutions and provides an opportunity for all New Yorkers to gain a greater understanding of the rich history and diverse Latino culture.”

CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez said, “The Puerto Rican and Dominican diaspora is a complex, vibrant piece of New York City’s fabric, and for decades CUNY has served as a critical institution to preserve, research and amplify the intellectual, social, political and cultural contributions of boricuas and dominicanos everywhere. Governor Hochul’s investment in CENTRO at Hunter College and the Dominican Studies Institute at City College will help these landmark institutions build on their work promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of Latino communities everywhere.”

Assemblymember Eddie Gibbs said, "As we gather for the 2023 SOMOS Conference we celebrate the theme of 'Harnessing the Power of Our Diversity'. I look forward to discussing solutions that address the issues relating to New York's Latino community and I applaud Governor Hochul's $3 million commitment to the Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College and the Dominican Studies Institute at City College. It will have a profound impact on the lives of students and the greater Latino community."

Assemblymember Karines Reyes said, "Governor Hochul's investment in these critical institutions will ensure the preservation of New York's Latino heritage. This preservation will allow New Yorkers of all ages and backgrounds to gain a greater understanding of our community's vibrant culture. I applaud the Governor for her commitment to all New Yorkers, especially her work supporting New Yorkers of Hispanic-decent."

New York City Councilmember Diana Ayala said, "Puerto Ricans and Dominicans comprise some of the largest immigrant groups in New York City and Governor Hochul's announcement at SOMOS demonstrates her commitment to our thriving communities. The Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College and the Dominican Studies Institute at City College preserve the rich history of these communities and this funding will ensure that future generations will continue to be able to study this integral, but often-overlooked, part of the American story."