Marcha Verde in Washington Heights

January 22, 2017, saw the launch of a green tide movement in the Dominican Republic—a sight not seen in the nation since the decade of the 1990s. Different from previous movements, this worldwide protest included Dominicans not only in the Dominican Republic, but also Dominicans across the globe. Migrants and allies joined their compatriots “back home” organizing manifestations in Spain, Italy, Germany, Puerto Rico, and the United States.

Because they comprise the largest Dominican migrant enclave in the world, it should come as no surprise that the biggest protest outside the Dominican Republic took place in New York City. Dominicans in New York are also the largest migrant ethnic group. On Sunday, July 16, 2017—one month ahead of the Día de la Restauración or what many consider the Dominican Republic’s true Independence Day—ESENDOM’s team captured the march that started in Washington Heights—once known as the most concentrated Dominican neighborhood, in terms of population size—and culminated in Inwood, an adjacent Manhattan neighborhood.

Participants came together from the Tri-State area and from as far as the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico to protest the Dominican government. Protestors included individuals and contingents from the working-class, middle-class, students, LGBTQ+ community, feminists, non-profit and grassroots organizations, capitalists, socialists, and just about anyone with disdain for the current state of Dominican politics. With the global Dominican community disenchanted about police repression, corruption, and impunity within the Dominican government, Dominicans and allies around the world voiced their displeasures by holding massive protests.

Credit: Emmanuel Espinal and Nelson Santana

Elida Almonte

“«Los marchantes lo que queremos es hacerle un llamado al pueblo y al gobierno dominicano. Al pueblo para que esté de pies, pendiente a defender nuestro bienestar». (What we protestors want is to call upon the people and the government. The people to be on their feet, willing to defend our well-being).”

Check out the full photo gallery of “Marcha Verde - 17 de julio de 2017” at https://esendom.com/new-blog-3/2017/7/16/march-verde-jun-2017

You can also read the article, “Marcha Verde: Washington Heights se viste de verde y le dice no a la impunidad” at the following link: https://esendom.com/cultura/2017/7/17/esendom-washington-heights-se-viste-de-verde-y-le-dice-no-a-la-impunidad