The state of New York is home to more than one million Puerto Ricans, the largest community outside of Puerto Rico. For Governor Kathy Hochul and for me it is an honor to celebrate the Puerto Rican community so we are going to participate in the National Puerto Rican Parade and celebrate once again the enormous contributions that Puerto Ricans have made in the state.
After two years of waiting for the COVID -19 pandemic, it is truly a pride to return to Fifth Avenue in New York to celebrate and share with hundreds of thousands of Puerto Ricans and people from all over the world, honoring the Puerto Rican flag. Rich and the cultural traditions of the Island of Enchantment. What a beautiful flag!
New York State and the Island of Puerto Rico have very close family ties as our community is deeply rooted in New York’s history and progress. From the significant contributions of Puerto Ricans in art, film, theater, to historic achievements in education, medicine, science, sports, and of course, music!
It has been many decades since the Puerto Rican community made the journey to New York — since the 1940s and 1950s to be precise. Since then we have faced great challenges with which both New Yorkers and Puerto Ricans continue to demonstrate their integrity and great capacity for cooperation, which keeps them united and very firm in a commitment to mutual progress.
And through the years we have seen how the state of New York and Puerto Rico are linked. When Hurricane Maria devastated the island, New Yorkers felt the pain and anguish up close and our state said ‘here’ to our family, friends and neighbors in Puerto Rico.
New York State has remained committed to helping the island rebuild—and to do so stronger than ever. We are working together to create programs that help us, both here and on the island, to be prepared to better face climate change and the extreme conditions that it brings.
In fact, the state of New York initiated an alliance to expand the solar energy workforce in Puerto Rico, in support of the development of this industry and promoting renewable energy. It is the change we need for a secure future and we know that by shaking hands with Puerto Rico, New York helps our brothers who live on the island of Enchantment.
We have also learned the hard way that we have to be prepared for unprecedented circumstances – including access to mental health services. Therefore, the State of New York created an alliance with CUNY, SUNY and the University of Puerto Rico to provide training and work experience to graduate students and help prepare the next generation of mental health professionals, in the face of these disasters in both New York and Puerto Rico.
Our commitment to the Puerto Rican community does not end on the island. New York State has created a Latina Mentoring Program to support our youth and build a foundation for success for Latinas. We know that Puerto Rican women are strong and have a lot of leadership, and by offering these programs we are supporting future and present leaders who will take the island to new levels of development and progress.
The great family of New Yorkers is always with our compatriots in Puerto Rico, aware that we will rebuild a stronger island for future generations, which will add to a long and proud history.
The bond between Puerto Rico and New York will never be broken. We are very proud Puerto Ricans and very proud New Yorkers. We are brothers, we are neighbors, we are friends, we are one.
Robert J. Rodriguez is New York Secretary of State
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