Zohran Mamdani: “In 1613, more than a decade before Dutch colonists founded…”

“And if we're going to talk about Intergovernmental affairs, we have to acknowledge Jamila Edwards, who's right there hiding behind the pillar. So even before New York City was New York City, there was a Dominican presence on these shores. In 1613, more than a decade before Dutch colonists founded New Amsterdam, a trader named Juan Rodriguez arrived on a Dutch ship and stepped onto this island. He was from Santo Domingo and he was the first non indigenous person to ever call this place home. Since then, Dominicans have worked tirelessly to help build this city into what it is now.” (18:19–18:33)

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