It’s important to set the record straight when it comes to Dominican heritage. The Dominican Republic is not a monolithic country, and it’s inaccurate to generalize that most Dominicans are of African descent. While some of us have African ancestry, many Dominicans also carry European, Taino, Balkan, Jewish, and even Arab and Asian roots. Dominicans are among the first tri-racial people in the Americas, with a complex blend that reflects our unique history.

When Christopher Columbus, an Italian sailing with the Spaniards, arrived on the island of Hispaniola, the Tainos were already living there. The Tainos are not African; they have a unique indigenous heritage that forms a critical part of Dominican ancestry. The Africans who contributed to our cultural heritage did not arrive by their own choice; they were brought to the island by Spanish colonizers. Therefore, our roots are not solely African; they come from a mix of Taino, European, and African influences, not just one.

Professor Silvio Torres-Saillant has been spreading the one-drop rule narrative, pushing the idea that Dominicans are primarily of African descent. While it’s his right to identify with his own heritage, he cannot speak for the entire Dominican population. His stance seems to promote political agendas rather than a balanced view of history. Many universities today, including CUNY College, seem to promote division rather than educate with unbiased truth.

Additionally, the Dominican Republic has gone out of its way to support Haiti, even donating a university to our neighboring country. When travelers visit Punta Cana, most of the workers they encounter are Haitian, yet these workers represent themselves as Dominicans. Over-migration from Haiti has introduced changes, with many Haitians now learning Spanish and giving their children Spanish names. If Dominicans were truly racist, why would Haitians choose to adopt these aspects of Dominican culture? Something doesn’t add up. The reality is, Haitian residents are well-supported in the Dominican Republic. They can have as many children as they want without paying hospital fees, while Dominican women must pay to deliver their own babies.

If Dominicans were mostly of African descent, then why aren’t the “passport bros” from the United States traveling to Haiti to be with Haitian women? Clearly, they can see the difference between a Dominican woman and a Haitian woman, as they continue to seek out Dominican women specifically.

I’m not here with any political agenda, as I don’t care for politics; I see what it does to people. I’m here for the truth, to clarify misconceptions, and to ensure that Dominican heritage is represented honestly.

Truth should always come before agendas—education should be a space for learning, not for divisive narratives. We must remember that truth always has a way of shining through.