A Note from the Director
Welcome to Washington Heights!
For over almost 80 years the Latin community has called the area ranging north of 155th Street in Manhattan, to the top of the island, home. It is where you will find a blend of Latin culture that greets the streets with vibrant colors, beautiful music and the glorious smells of our native lands.
It is also a place of refuge. In the mid 1960s the neighborhood experienced the largest influx of Latinos. The assassination of dictator Rafael Trujillo created a violent uproar that broke out in the Dominican Republic, causing thousands of Dominicans to flee to the United States, with the majority settling in Washington Heights. Many of whom moved here not knowing English, having to learn a new language and leave their families behind.
Generations of not only Dominicans, but Puertoricans, Chilean, Cubans, among many others in the Latin community, all came to New York City and the United States in search of building a new home.
The story of In the Heights not only gives insight into this wondrous neighborhood, but the embrace of our unique threads of our diverse backgrounds. It highlights the significance of honoring our heritage in a quest to give voice to the joys and the struggles that the Latin community has faced and continues to face. However, it is in its universal themes of family, desire to belong, the power of community and love that connect us all.
An extremely talented group of artists, with Latin culture ranging from across the globe are about to transport you to the place I have called home for the past fifteen years. Washington Heights! As a first generation Latino American, it has been an honor and a gift to have this opportunity to share our stories, explore our heritage and celebrate our culture. It is my hope that you find the joy not only in the story but the culture and the value of community that celebrates us all.
“We turn outward, attracted by the beauty we see in created things without realizing that they are only a reflection of the real beauty. And the real beauty is within us.” — Ernesto Cardenal
--Bryan Knowlton
For over almost 80 years the Latin community has called the area ranging north of 155th Street in Manhattan, to the top of the island, home. It is where you will find a blend of Latin culture that greets the streets with vibrant colors, beautiful music and the glorious smells of our native lands.
It is also a place of refuge. In the mid 1960s the neighborhood experienced the largest influx of Latinos. The assassination of dictator Rafael Trujillo created a violent uproar that broke out in the Dominican Republic, causing thousands of Dominicans to flee to the United States, with the majority settling in Washington Heights. Many of whom moved here not knowing English, having to learn a new language and leave their families behind.
Generations of not only Dominicans, but Puertoricans, Chilean, Cubans, among many others in the Latin community, all came to New York City and the United States in search of building a new home.
The story of In the Heights not only gives insight into this wondrous neighborhood, but the embrace of our unique threads of our diverse backgrounds. It highlights the significance of honoring our heritage in a quest to give voice to the joys and the struggles that the Latin community has faced and continues to face. However, it is in its universal themes of family, desire to belong, the power of community and love that connect us all.
An extremely talented group of artists, with Latin culture ranging from across the globe are about to transport you to the place I have called home for the past fifteen years. Washington Heights! As a first generation Latino American, it has been an honor and a gift to have this opportunity to share our stories, explore our heritage and celebrate our culture. It is my hope that you find the joy not only in the story but the culture and the value of community that celebrates us all.
“We turn outward, attracted by the beauty we see in created things without realizing that they are only a reflection of the real beauty. And the real beauty is within us.” — Ernesto Cardenal
--Bryan Knowlton
