Tiempo: Dominican Day Parade, Centro’s new leadership

ABC 7 NY

NEW YORK CITY (WABC) — In this episode of Tiempo, the Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College has a new leader.

Centro, as it’s known, is a research institute dedicated to Puerto Rican studies. The center has been around for nearly 50 years. Yarimar Bonilla took over as interim director in July. She is also a professor and author and has written extensively on Puerto Rico’s devastating hurricanes and earthquakes.

In 2020, Centro had to make changes because of the coronavirus pandemic. They started a webinar series on COVID-19 for first responders and community leaders on the island.

Joe Torres spoke to Bonilla about her new role and vision for Centro. Plus, a look at the National Dominican Day Parade. The festivities this year were virtual once again. The theme: “Moving forward.”

Joe talks to Dominican Day Parade Chair Cristina Contreras and Tomas Ramos, who is being honored during the event for his work as Founder of the Oyate Group’s Bronx Rising Initiative.