Dominicans and Puerto Ricans have maintained a very close historical relationship dating back to colonial times. In the Caribbean and in their common immigration experience in the United States both people have shared similar struggles and aspirations to raise their families and live the American Dream;  in their quest to achieve social mobility and political enfranchisement both people have also faced discrimination and challenges in the urban centers of USA; let’s talk about their historical relationship. 

Howard Jordan, Esq., Professor at Hostos Community College of The City University of New York, Jenny Ravelo and Elsa Mantilla, pioneers of the NJ Dominican community, and other distinguished guests, have been invited to discuss Dominican-Puerto Rican Relations at CODA’s 10th Annual Conference.

Ocasio-Ravelo Family in the USA (Circa 1947).

The forum titled, “Dominican-Puerto Rican Relations: Let’s Talk About it”, will be held on Sunday, February 21, 2010 from 11:15 to 12:30 pm at the Rutgers School of Law.

“When I arrived in Newark, NJ with my family, I saw lots of Puerto Rican families here,” said Jenny Ocasio-Ravelo who came to the US with her family in the late 1940s. “Los puertorriqueños nos dieron la mano (Puerto Ricans helped us),” said Jenny when being interviewed by CODA authors.

“When I arrrived in Paterson, NJ in the 1970s, I found Puerto Ricans, said Elsa Mantilla, President and Founder of the New Jersey Dominican Parade. They welcome me to the community and helped me adapt the the new environment.”

The forum will be moderated by Jose Morales, a community activist and educator who has dedicated his life to the struggle for social justice.

To register for the conference, click here or visit the following site: https://www.acteva.com/go/coda