Bristol Black Collective

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15th to October 15th, the Bristol Black Collective is proud to recognize the legacy of Esteban Hotesse, a trailblazing Tuskegee Airman of Dominican descent. Esteban Hotesse, who immigrated to New York City from the Dominican Republic at the age of four, is the only known Dominican to have served among the prestigious Tuskegee Airmen during World War II.

Hotesse’s story, brought to light in 2015 by academic Edward de Jesus, showcases the courage and determination he exhibited throughout his military service. As a Tuskegee Airman, Hotesse was part of a pioneering group of African American aviators trained to operate aircraft despite the segregationist policies of the U.S. military at the time. These airmen were instrumental in breaking racial barriers and paving the way for greater inclusivity in the armed forces.

One of the most remarkable moments in Hotesse’s service was his participation in an act of resistance against segregation. Alongside 101 other airmen, Hotesse stood up to discriminatory orders issued by U.S. Army officials, advocating for equality and justice. His unwavering commitment to these principles led to his promotion to second lieutenant.

Tragically, Esteban Hotesse lost his life at the age of 26 in July 1945, during his 68th mission with the all-Black squadron. His bravery and dedication, however, live on. In 2018, he was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by Dominican-American U.S. Congressman Adriano Espaillat, a testament to his heroic contributions.

Join us this Hispanic Heritage Month as we honor the memory of Esteban Hotesse and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Hispanic Americans whose contributions continue to shape the fabric of our nation.

📸 CUNY Dominican Studies Institute Archives, The Esteban Hotesse Collection

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor the extraordinary life and service of Crescencia Joyce Garcia, a Puerto Rican-born trailblazer whose resilience and dedication made a lasting impact. Born in 1920, Crescencia faced many challenges early in life. Raised by her godmother after her mother couldn’t afford to care for three children, she fought to pursue an education in Puerto Rico, but financial hardships forced her to drop out of high school. Determined to create a better future for her family, she moved to New York City, where she worked in a Bronx sewing factory, saving money to bring her family to the mainland.

In 1944, during World War II, Crescencia took another bold step—she joined the U.S. Army and became part of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, nicknamed “Six Triple Eight”—an all-Black, all-female unit. The 6888th was tasked with an essential mission: to clear a massive backlog of millions of undelivered letters and packages meant to boost the morale of soldiers stationed overseas. Their motto, "No Mail, Low Morale," reflected the critical role they played in maintaining connections between soldiers and their loved ones.

Assigned as a medic within the segregated Army, Crescencia also faced discrimination, especially in Texas, where racial lines were deeply drawn. But it was in England, while working in a hospital near London, that she found fulfillment, using her skills to care for wounded soldiers alongside British nurses who saw her for her talents, not her race.

Crescencia’s journey from the struggles of Puerto Rico to serving as a medic in the Army’s historic 6888th Battalion highlights her courage, perseverance, and deep commitment to service. Her story is a powerful reminder of the contributions Hispanic women have made to our nation’s history.

View the interview with Mrs. Garcia here.

📸 CBS News from the Gracia Family