Every February 27th, Dominicans proudly celebrate their independence. This year marked a historic first: on February 27, 2026, Bronx Supreme Civil Court held its inaugural Dominican Independence Day celebration co-hosted by the Latino Judges Association and the Dominican Bar Association.
The celebration opened with delicious Dominican cuisine and lively Dominican music. A New York State Court Officer delivered a moving rendition of the Dominican national anthem, singing with heartfelt pride. Justice Joseph Capella then offered opening remarks, sharing his personal connection to the Dominican Republic, Quisqueya la Bella. He expressed gratitude to the Dominican legal community for their contributions to his own professional journey, including our former Presiding Justice of the First Department, Hon. Rolando Acosta.
The mistress of ceremonies, ADR coordinator for the Bronx, Michelle Santiago, delivered an engaging and concise history of Dominican Independence, culminating in the spirited chant: “¡Que Viva La Patria!” Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Adam Silvera followed with brief remarks, emphasizing that “we can never do enough” to continue expanding Dominican representation within the judiciary.
The highlight of the afternoon was the keynote address delivered by our own Bronx Dominican-American trailblazer, Hon. Llinet Magdalena Beltre Rosado, Associate Justice of the Appellate Division, First Department. Her words electrified the standing-room-only audience. Justice Beltre Rosado honored Dominican pioneers within the judiciary, acknowledged the strides made across the legal profession and within the DBA, but also reminded us that true equitable representation remains a work in progress. She skillfully walked us through key historical and statistical milestones, underscoring the profound impact Dominicans have had across American society. She closed with a powerful call to action: that we must always lift others as we climb.
Young performers added vibrancy to the program with traditional Dominican dances, and the Celia Cruz High School choir delivered special musical performances. The celebration concluded on a joyous note with a live band of Dominican court officers—bringing everyone to their feet to dance!
Para Todos Los Niños: Mendez v. Westminster, A Seminal Case Towards Desegregation
Sandra Robbie’s website www.sandrarobbie.com
Sandra Robbie’s “Mendez v. Westminster: For All the Children”
Documentary commences at the 3:40 marker and it is approximately 30 minutes long.
To listen to the Podcast interview by John Caher, OCA’s Senior Advisor for Strategic / Technical Communications of Judge Patria Frias-Colón, Chair of the Mendez v. Westminster Committee:
- Rediscovering Mendez v. Westminster: Hon. Patria Frias-Colón, 2/9/21 by John Caher
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The Upstate Experience: The Latin Bench – Why their presence matters!
Black History Month Literary Program – The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X
The Road to the Appellate Division – Part II