IADL Newsletter

October 2, 2022

A call for unity and action! That’s the message of Keynote Speaker Virginia Gardner, President of the Italian American Alliance – National, at the Conference of Italian American Organizations in Connecticut, hosted by the Italian-American Defense League.

Gardner began her speech by jokingly pointing out how “Anglo” her last name by marriage is, but then her speech took on a serious tone, “If you take nothing else from tonight’s dinner, please take the word UNITY. Our unity is vital to our survival. Every group, committee, club, here tonight, must pledge to work together. We will never be silent or invisible again. UNITY.”

Topics discussed included Italian-American bias and discrimination, Italian heritage and culture, and the preservation of Columbus Day and Columbus statues. Gardner continued, “We spoke openly about why we were so passionate about Columbus. We all had this in common, we were all discriminated against, ridiculed, been on the receiving end of ethnic slurs, the question always asked, ‘Is your father in the Mafia?” and the not so funny Italian jokes. We pledged to never give up defending Christopher Columbus and our culture and history.”

The dinner began with a blessing for unity and guests enjoyed the voice of Tony Vermiglio singing Italian-American classics in between speeches. Many left the conference expressing that the speakers were genuine, informative, and inspiring. Altogether, sixteen different organizations were represented from sixteen different towns.

Prominent members of Connecticut’s Italian-American community attended the business meeting at Anthony’s Ocean View in New Haven. Distinguished guests included Honorary Consul of Italy in Hartford Barbara Battaglino Zichichi, Stamford UNICO’s Dr. Al Fusco, and Greater Hartford UNICO’s President Mary Joan Picone. Members of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, AMITY Club of New Haven, Berlin Political Independent Club, American Italian Women of Greater New Haven, and Italian-American Defense League were also in attendance.

Other prominent guests of Italian-American descent included Candidate for Secretary of the State Dominic Rapini, North Haven Mayor Michael Freda, and Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti. Republican Candidate for U.S. Congress Lesley DeNardis and Independent Candidate Amy Chai both attended and are vying for the Congressional seat of Connecticut’s third district against Incumbent Rosa DeLauro who supported the removal of the city’s Christopher Columbus statue in Wooster Square. Michael Costanza, founder of Constitution State Educators, also made the trip to New Haven.

Most importantly, follow-up to the conference includes action steps to promote Italian-American values: family, faith, and hard work. The following resolution was adopted by the IADL as a first step in uniting people of Italian descent in Connecticut.

Promote Education

Help the National Conference of Italian American Organizations educate President Joe Biden. COPOMIAO President Basil Russo has been collaborating with Italian-American leaders to schedule a meeting with President Biden to discuss this year’s upcoming Columbus Day proclamation. Unlike Biden’s meetings with every other group, the president continues to ignore people of Italian descent.

Let Joe Biden know we exist and cannot be ignored any longer. Take action in support for Columbus Day and help preserve our heritage. Here are Russo’s easy steps:

Read the letter (below), follow the four simple steps, make your voice heard, and forward this email to your peers!

Step 1: Open this link — https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/.
Step 2: Click Message Type and select “Contact the President”.
Step 3: Fill in your name, phone, email address and street address.
Step 4: Copy the letter (below) and paste it into the “What would you like to say?” field. Then, click SEND!

To President Joseph R. Biden:

PRESERVE OUR HISTORY, HONOR THE FEDERAL COLUMBUS DAY HOLIDAY

Last October, the Italian American community at large expressed its concerns over a pair of proclamations issued by you. The proclamations implied that Indigenous Peoples Day should be celebrated on Columbus Day, even though the entire month of November is duly recognized as Native American Heritage Month, and August 9th is recognized as the international celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day.

The first national Columbus Day proclamation, recognizing the 400th anniversary of the landing of Columbus in the New World, was signed in 1892 by President Benjamin Harrison as a way of easing tensions between America and Italy after 11 innocent Italian immigrants were lynched in New Orleans. Thousands of people witnessed and cheered on the carnage; it was the largest lynch mob ever to assemble on U.S. soil.

By celebrating both holidays on the same day, you’ve promoted the culture of one group at the expense of another. This of course is not a demonstration of a unifying policy, but rather something less. Italian Americans request separate holidays on separate days, enabling us to properly observe and honor our proud heritage and history, as well as allowing Indigenous People to honor their heritage.

For the past year, the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations has requested a meeting with you to resolve this issue. I ask that you show our community the same respect that you’ve extended to so many groups in our country and meet with the COPOMIAO leadership to resolve this issue.

Portray Italians Positively

Congratulations to the first female prime minister of Italy, Georgia Meloni. Instead of celebrating a grand achievement of feminism, the mainstream American media is oversimplifying politics in Italy by labeling Meloni only as a fascist, worse than President Trump. The political situation in Italy is complex, and this New York Post article provides context to the election of Georgia Meloni. According to NY Post contributor Douglas Murray, “Meloni is an impressive performer and a clear-eyed politician. She has hardline policies against illegal immigration, in defense of the traditional family, and much more. At the same time, it is undoubtedly the case that the movement from which she comes has its roots in fascism.”

Preserve Traditions

You won’t hear much about it in the mainstream media nor will students learn about it in school, but October is Italian-American History and Heritage Month. The Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America’s Commission for Social Justice explains the significance of Italian-American Heritage Month.

Italian American Heritage Month is celebrated every year to honor and recognize the centuries of achievements, successes, and valuable contributions of Italian immigrants and Italian Americans. It occurs in October to overlap with the federal holiday of Columbus Day, which is celebrated on the second Monday of each October. Italian American Heritage Month was first celebrated in 1989 by a special proclamation of both Congress and President George H. W. Bush.

Over 5 million Italians immigrated to the United States between 1820 and 2000. Currently, there are over 26 million Americans of Italian descent residing in the United States. This makes Italian-Americans the fifth largest ethnic group in our nation. Each year Italians around the country take time to celebrate their heritage, history, and culture with festivals and parades. The largest parade occurs on Columbus Day in New York City and has over 35,000 marchers!

This is a link to OSDIA’s list of festivals throughout the United States. Here are upcoming events in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Connecticut:

The Greater New Haven Italian American Heritage Committee is seeking sponsors and marchers for its October 9, 2022 parade in East Haven, Connecticut. For more information, read this article and go to the committee’s website.
In Stamford on Sunday, October 9th at Columbus Park, celebrate mass at Sacred Heart Church at 10. Then walk in a procession after mass for the raising of flags and a short ceremony. On Saturday and Sunday at Mill River Park, continue to enjoy festivities at the Italian Street Festival. For more information go to the festival’s Facebook page. You can also email: ilario@parachuteconcerts.com .
The American Italian Women of Greater New Haven is hosting its Annual Awards Luncheon on Sunday, October 23rd from Noon – 4 p.m. Currently there is an auxiliary membership for men! Contact Elaine Guerrera for more details at 203-772-4521. The luncheon will benefit the Marine Cadets of America. The American Italian Women of Greater New Haven filed a lawsuit against the City of New Haven for discrimination against Italians and the removal of the city’s Christopher Columbus statue.

Massachusetts:

Today the Italian American Alliance presents Tenor Alberto Profeta, direct from Sicily! Sunday, October 2nd, 6 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.), Watertown Sons of Italy, 520 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA. Donation: $50 per person. Includes hors d’oeuvres and performance. Cocktail attire. For more information, please contact: Carol Rossi at momswans@yahoo.com or Marisa DiPietro at mdipietro@ebsoc.org .
An Italian-American Cultural Celebration! Monday, Columbus Day, October 10th, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tall Ship Park, 1 East Pier Dr., East Boston. Food, vendors, music, and a visit by “Elsa” and “Anna”. Free admission.

IADL Newsletter

September 25, 2022

There are still tickets available for the Conference of Italian American Organizations in Connecticut (CIAO CT) sponsored by the Italian-American Defense League. Not only are Italian-American organization members invited, but all IADL members and friends. Virginia Gardner, President of the Italian American Alliance – National, is the keynote speaker. Singer Tony Vermiglio will provide entertainment during the cocktail hour and intermittently during dinner. Order dinners at iadlnow.org/order and see you at the registration table at Anthony’s Ocean View on Wednesday.

In Toms River, New Jersey there is a situation that is similar to Branford, CT. Its board of education “cancelled” Columbus Day. Instead of the town’s Italian-American leaders standing up for their heritage, they are afraid and only protect their own political interests. The Italian American One Voice Coalition attended the Board of Education meeting to defend Columbus Day while the Italians in town did nothing. Learn more about what happened, here.

Promote Education

With Columbus Day just around the corner, it is time to rewatch the Knights of Columbus documentary, Christopher Columbus: Courage and Conviction. It is a worthwhile 28 minutes! The documentary starts with this text, “Those who remove statues or replace Columbus Day engage in the divisiveness that currently plagues our country and threatens national unity. My preference is to accentuate all the positive aspects of the great mosaic of America. . . “

The documentary, “offers insight into Christopher Columbus' remarkable journey, facts on the encounter of civilizations, details on the origins of Columbus Day and context behind the affinity many immigrants have for Columbus. Finally, the film addresses elements of cancel culture and currents that would prefer to rewrite history based on false accusations. Courage and Conviction shows why Christopher Columbus remains not only a man worthy of admiration, but a noble icon of what it means to be a Catholic and an American.”

Portray Italians Positively

Author Carla Gambescia note only writes, but is a photojournalist. Her website “Postcards from the Boot” takes you for voyages through Italy to experience art, culture, and history. Gambescia writes, “Ciao a Tutti! Two of the 17th century’s most drama-loving artists—painter Caravaggio and sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini—pushed their mediums to new heights working for a series of artistically adventurous cardinals and popes. Today’s “Postcards” spotlights a number of their masterpieces, many of which you can see when in Rome -- a city whose creative culture and very appearance they would change forever.” Enjoy Gambescia’s work, here.

Preserve Traditions

In Bridgeport, Connecticut, the Italian-American Societies of Greater Bridgeport is asking the city’s mayor for its Christopher Columbus statue to be returned. The statue was removed in 2020 after the George Floyd tragedy and has been in storage ever since. To date, city officials have not responded. The situation is similar to what’s happening in New London, Hartford, and Middletown. Read this article in the Connecticut Post for more information. Also in Bridgeport, read about Peter Prizio, the Grand Marshall of the 114th Bridgeport Columbus Day Parade and Annual Celebration, a day that you won’t want to miss!

Connecticut:

IADL invites you to the Conference of Italian American Organizations - CIAO CT. A dinner for Italian Unity! Where: Anthony's Ocean View, 450 Lighthouse Rd, New Haven, CT 06512, When: Wednesday, September 28, 2022, Time: 6:30 pm, Agenda: Adopt a shared resolution to promote Italian-American values, heritage, and culture, For: Italian Club Representatives, Business Leaders, Educators, Influencers, IADL Members, and Friends by INVITATION ONLY, Price: $60 per guest, adults only, maximum 10 guests per invitation. How to order tickets: Purchase dinners online at iadlnow.org/order. Email Matt Guarnieri for more details at iadlnow@yahoo.org .
Today is Festa Italiana in New Britain. Enjoy food, fun, eating contests, homemade wine contests, and raise funds for scholarships at Festa Italiana at 13 Beaver Street beginning at 9 a.m. “Chi mangia bene, vive bene!”
The Greater New Haven Italian American Heritage Committee is seeking sponsors and marchers for its October 9, 2022 parade in East Haven, Connecticut. For more information, read this article and go to the committee’s website.
In Stamford on Sunday, October 9th at Columbus Park, celebrate mass at Sacred Heart Church at 10. Then walk in a procession after mass for the raising of flags and a short ceremony. On Saturday and Sunday at Mill River Park, continue to enjoy festivities at the Italian Street Festival. For more information go to the festival’s Facebook page. You can also email: ilario@parachuteconcerts.com .
The American Italian Women of Greater New Haven is hosting its Annual Awards Luncheon on Sunday, October 23rd from Noon – 4 p.m. Currently there is an auxiliary membership for men! Contact Elaine Guerrera for more details at 203-772-4521. The luncheon will benefit the Marine Cadets of America. The American Italian Women of Greater New Haven filed a lawsuit against the City of New Haven for discrimination against Italians and the removal of the city’s Christopher Columbus statue.

Massachusetts:

The Italian American Alliance presents Tenor Alberto Profeta, direct from Sicily! Sunday, October 2nd, 6 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.), Watertown Sons of Italy, 520 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA. Donation: $50 per person. Includes hors d’oeuvres and performance. Cocktail attire. For more information, please contact: Carol Rossi at momswans@yahoo.com or Marisa DiPietro at mdipietro@ebsoc.org .
An Italian-American Cultural Celebration! Monday, Columbus Day, October 10th, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tall Ship Park, 1 East Pier Dr., East Boston. Food, vendors, music, and a visit by “Elsa” and “Anna”. Free admission.

IADL Newsletter

September 18, 2022

Do not miss the opportunity to meet Virginia Gardner, President of the Italian American Alliance – National and keynote speaker at IADL’s Italian Unity Dinner at the Conference of Italian American Organizations at Anthony’s Ocean View in New Haven, Connecticut on September 28th. The event begins at 6:30 pm. There is still time to order tickets. RSVP by Wednesday, September 21st. Fill out the guest list and order form at iadlnow.org/order .

Join Italian Americans already attending from North Haven, Killingworth, Clinton, Southington, Shelton, Norwalk, Milford, Berlin, Kensington, New Haven, and Middletown. Individuals from UNICO, Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, Amity Club, Berlin Independent Political Club, IADL, and IAA committed to this import first step in unifying all Italians in the State of Connecticut. Individuals and members of Italian-American organizations are welcome as we set a nonpartisan Italian-American agenda in the state.

Promote Education

The Columbus Education Project (CEP) is the single best place to discover historically accurate information about the greatest navigator in history – Christopher Columbus. The project’s goals are to explain:

Where and when the falsification of Columbus' achievements and legacy originated.
How these lies took root in our educational system and continue to spread every year.
Who the dishonest perpetrators are that continue to spread these falsehoods.
What is the political end goal of organizations that repeatedly deceive the public and our children with their distorted history.
Ultimately that Christopher Columbus was the first indigenous rights activist of the New World, and he should be celebrated for this reason, among others.

With Columbus Day approaching, read this three-part series about the “bashing” of Columbus by the Catholic League or browse the CEP website for resources that interest you.

Portray Italians Positively

The mayor of Rocky Hill, Lisa J. Marotta, declared September 13, 2022 “Fabrizio Di Michele Day” in the city. Consul General of New York in Connecticut visited with Governor Ned Lamont to discuss Italian and Connecticut partnerships, especially for Italian citizens in the Constitution state and Italian business initiatives. Fabrizio Di Michele met with officials in Rocky Hill and was honored at a dinner in Berlin by the Italian Society of Connecticut. Di Michele spoke about the importance of streamlining client services by the consulate, the importance of celebrating Italian heritage, and educating officials about the importance of Columbus Day to people of Italian descent. The Consul General stated that he was overwhelmed by the warm reception and the number of people attending the dinner. Representatives of the IADL attended the dinner. It was inspiring to hear the Consul General of Italy speak. The bridge between Italy and the United States is alive and well. Let's keep it that way. Read Di Michele’s bio on the consulate’s website, here. This La Voce in New York article in Italian provides more information about the meeting.

Preserve Traditions

President Basil Russo of the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations wrote a letter to President Joe Biden. First, the letter calls for an in person meeting to discuss and resolve differences between President Biden and Italian Americans regarding Columbus Day. Second, the letter calls for the elimination of Indigenous Peoples’ Day from the second Monday of October. Third, the letter describes the context and meaning of Columbus Day to Italian Americans. Read Biden’s October 2021 proclamation, a brief article, and COPOMIAO’s letter, here. COPOMIAO represents the 58 largest Italian-American organizations in the United States.

Honor and celebrate Italian-American heritage! Here is a list of upcoming events in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Please email IADL if you would like to add an event to this list.

Connecticut:

IADL invites you to the Conference of Italian American Organizations - CIAO CT. A dinner for Italian Unity! Where: Anthony's Ocean View, 450 Lighthouse Rd, New Haven, CT 06512, When: Wednesday, September 28, 2022, Time: 6:30 pm, Agenda: Adopt a shared resolution to promote Italian-American values, heritage, and culture, For: Italian Club Representatives, Business Leaders, Educators, Influencers, IADL Members, and Friends by INVITATION ONLY, Price: $60 per guest, adults only, maximum 10 guests per invitation. How to order tickets: Purchase dinners online at iadlnow.org/order. Email Matt Guarnieri for more details at iadlnow@yahoo.org .
In New Britain, CT on Sunday, September 25th, enjoy food, fun, eating contests, homemade wine contests, and raise funds for scholarships at Festa Italiana at 13 Beaver Street beginning at 9 a.m. “Chi mangia bene, vive bene!”
The Greater New Haven Italian American Heritage Committee is seeking sponsors and marchers for its October 9, 2022 Parade in East Haven, Connecticut. For more information, read this article and go to the committee’s website.
In Stamford on Sunday, October 9th at Columbus Park, celebrate mass at Sacred Heart Church at 10. Then walk in a procession after mass for the raising of flags and a short ceremony. On Saturday and Sunday at Mill River Park, continue to enjoy festivities at the Italian Street Festival. For more information go to the festival’s Facebook page. For more information, email: ilario@parachuteconcerts.com .

Massachusetts:

The Italian American Alliance presents Tenor Alberto Profeta, direct from Sicily! Sunday, October 2nd, 6 pm (doors open at 5:30 pm), Watertown Sons of Italy, 520 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA. Donation: $50 per person. Includes hors d’oeuvres and performance. Cocktail attire. For more information, please contact: Carol Rossi at momswans@yahoo.com or Marisa DiPietro at mdipietro@ebsoc.org .
An Italian-American Cultural Celebration! Monday, Columbus Day, October 10th, 11 am - 3 pm Tall Ship Park, 1 East Pier Dr., East Boston. Food, vendors, music, and a visit by “Elsa” and “Anna”. Free admission.

IADL Newsletter

September 11, 2022

Many have shown interest and now is the time to purchase tickets to IADL’s Conference of Italian Organizations in Connecticut. IADL members, family, friends, business leaders, educators, and representatives of Italian-American clubs are welcome. Do not miss the opportunity to hear Keynote Speaker Virginia Gardner of the Italian American Alliance – National. Recently Italian-American organizations in Massachusetts united and defeated a bill at the statehouse to eliminate Columbus Day as a state holiday. Now is the time to organize in Connecticut against cancel culture, political revisionism, and Marxism. This is a non-partisan effort to unite Italians in Connecticut. The dinner will take place at Anthony's Ocean View in New Haven, Connecticut on Wednesday, September 28th at 6:30. Order tickets here: iadlnow.org/order .

Promote Education

We will always remember 9-11, the 2977 victims, and their families. That day and today, no matter our political points of view, we are always Americans first. In the interest of Italian-American heritage, here are three articles. The first explains that 10 percent of 9-11 victims were of Italian descent, approximately 300. The second article from 10 years ago describes the long process of identifying victims of the tragedy. The third article describes a ceremony in Padova, Italy from last year, marking the twentieth anniversary of the attacks. For the nearly 3,000 names on the 9-11 memorial, please click here.

Portray Italians Positively

The Honorable Fucsia Fitzgerald Nissoli, a member of the Italian parliament, met with Italian-American leaders to promote Italian heritage and culture in the United States. In Italy, local representatives listened to Italian Americans abroad who contacted them, explaining that “cancel culture” is attacking Italian monuments in the USA. As a result, in an act of solidarity, Nissoli and one other member of parliament introduced a resolution in defense of Columbus, a positive symbol of the special relationship that connects the two countries. Read more about Nissoli’s visit, here.

Preserve Traditions

Tom Damigella of the Italian American Alliance writes about how Christopher Columbus became the “fall guy” of cancel culture, wonders how 8 pages of Howard Zinn’s book against America became a bible for Marxists (my words not his), and how Columbus is the scapegoat for all the sins of history. Read this concise and informative article by Damigella.

Honor and celebrate Italian-American heritage! Here is a list of upcoming events in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Please email IADL if you would like to add an event to this list.

Connecticut:

On Tuesday, September 13th at Casa Mia Hawthorne, 2421 Berlin Turnpike, Berlin, CT, honor Fabrizio Di Michele, Consul General of Italy in New York. Dinner is $50. Contact Paul Pirrotta at 860-559-7137 or pirrotta1@gmail.com as soon as possible.
IADL invites you to the Conference of Italian American Organizations - CIAO CT. A dinner for Italian Unity! Where: Anthony's Ocean View, 450 Lighthouse Rd, New Haven, CT 06512, When: Wednesday, September 28, 2022, Time: 6:30 pm, Agenda: Adopt a shared resolution to promote Italian-American values, heritage, and culture, For: Italian Club Representatives, Business Leaders, Educators, Influencers, IADL Members, and Friends by INVITATION ONLY, Price: $60 per guest, Adults only, Maximum 10 guests per invitation, How to order tickets: Purchase dinners online at iadlnow.org/order, Email Matt Guarnieri for more details at iadlnow@yahoo.org .
In New Britain, CT on Sunday, September 25th, enjoy food, fun, eating contests, homemade wine contests, and raise funds for scholarships at Festa Italiana at 13 Beaver Street beginning at 9 a.m. “Chi mangia bene, vive bene!”
The Greater New Haven Italian American Heritage Committee is seeking sponsors and marchers for its October 9, 2022 Parade in East Haven, Connecticut. For more information, read this article and go to the committee’s website.
In Stamford on Sunday, October 9th at Columbus Park, celebrate mass at Sacred Heart Church at 10. Then walk in a procession after mass for the raising of flags and a short ceremony. On Saturday and Sunday at Mill River Park, continue to enjoy festivities at the Italian Street Festival. For more information go to the festival’s Facebook page. For more information, email: ilario@parachuteconcerts.com .

Massachusetts:

The Italian American Alliance presents Tenor Alberto Profeta, direct from Sicily! Sunday, October 2nd, 6 pm (doors open at 5:30 pm), Watertown Sons of Italy, 520 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA. Donation: $50 per person. Includes hors d’oeuvres and performance. Cocktail Attire. For more information, please contact: Carol Rossi at momswans@yahoo.com or Marisa DiPietro at mdipietro@ebsoc.org .
An Italian-American Cultural Celebration! Monday, Columbus Day, October 10th, 11 am - 3 pm Tall Ship Park, 1 East Pier Dr., East Boston. Food, vendors, music, and a visit by “Elsa” and “Anna”. Free admission.

IADL Newsletter

September 4, 2022

When reading today’s newsletter, be sure to order tickets to IADL’s Conference of Italian American Organizations in Connecticut (CIAO CT). The dinner is scheduled for Wednesday, September 28th at Anthony’s Ocean View in New Haven. Email iadlnow@yahoo.com for more details. Hors d’oeuvres, appetizers, three dinner choices (buffet style), veggies, dessert, and beverages are included. Additionally, there is a cash bar. The price is $60 per guest. Italian Americans across the State of Connecticut will join together to adopt a shared resolution of Italian unity. Here is an excerpt:

As almost twenty-percent of the population of Connecticut claims Italian descent, new generations of Italian Americans are losing their cultural identities. As Italian Americans in Connecticut, we are called to learn, review, and reflect about our shared heritage, history, and customs to pass on to future generations. Though, at times, the Italian immigrant story was painful, it is also a story of resilience, hope, and success. Though the Italian American journey is unique, it gives hope to future generations of Americans of the impossible – escaping hardships and living the American Dream.

A rationale and goals will be included in the resolution. Join us as we make a mark on history as Italian Americans in Connecticut by uniting for the first time.

Promote Education

The Branford, Connecticut Board of Education removed Columbus Day from its 2022-2023 school calendar, disregarding the Federal Holiday, ignoring Italian American history, and reneging on a promise to Italian Americans in Branford. Last year, after Superintendent Hamlet Hernandez’s meeting with two prominent Italian-American leaders, the Board returned Columbus Day to its calendar, along with Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Though this wasn’t the ideal solution because the Friday after Thanksgiving is already Native American Heritage Day, the move was a step forward. However, now the Board decided to disregard prior meetings and the Italian-American experience by naming a four-day holiday weekend on the calendar, which is called Fall Recess. The Board fails to honor events leading to the founding of our great nation, fails to recognize the great explorer, and fails generations of Italian Americans who fought racism, bias, and discrimination. Not to mention, the Board fails to honor Native Americans on the Friday after Thanksgiving.

Unfortunately, Branford is not alone in its misdeeds. The Madison Board of Education made a similar move, welcomed discussions, but still has not corrected its misjustice, also. Instead of education, Branford and Madison are choosing indoctrination by removal.

Email Branford Board Members: Peter A. Berdon, Marie Watson, Timothy Raynor, Cristina Cantu, John Prins, Laura Troidle, Meredith Gaffney, Meaghan DeLucia, Ellen Michaels .

Portray Italians Positively

Italians in Danbury, Connecticut, are representing their heritage positively by organizing a first-time event. It is the 1st annual Danbury San Gennaro Festival! It takes place on Ives Street in Danbury, CT from September 7 - September 11, 2022! Admission is free. The event is for families, food, and fun. There is live entertainment, beer, wine, rides, and games. Enter 1 Ives Street, Danbury, CT 06801 into your GPS! For a full schedule of events, go to the festival’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/danburysangennaro/ .

Who is San Gennaro? San Gennaro is the patron saint of Naples and was the bishop of Benevento. According to Encyclopedia Britannica, “He is believed to have been martyred during the persecution under the Roman emperor Diocletian in 305. His fame rests on the relic, allegedly his blood, which is kept in a glass vial in the Naples Cathedral. Of solid substance, it liquefies 18 times each year. While no natural explanation has been given, the phenomenon has been tested frequently and seems genuine.”

The San Gennaro Festival in New York City is called “The Feast of all Feasts,” and takes place between September 15th and 25th in Little Italy. For more information, go to the website: https://sangennaronyc.org/ . The Grand Marshall of the festival is former NASA Astronaut, Michael J. Massimino. According to Massimino’s bio, he is:

An astronaut, the first person to tweet from space, a recurring character on The Big Bang Theory, and now a New York Times bestselling author, Mike grew up a working class kid whose seemingly unreachable dream of becoming an astronaut and flying in space was realized in an unlikely journey that was driven by determination and commitment, and accomplished with hard work and humor. After two missions to the Hubble Telescope and four space walks to make critical repairs to the telescope, Mike is now the Senior Adviser for Space Programs at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, a Columbia University professor, an author, a television host, a frequent guest on morning shows, news programs, talk shows, and latenight television, and an in-demand speaker for audiences seeking a unique perspective on teamwork, innovation, and leadership from a down to earth spaceman.

Preserve Traditions

Cynthia C. Prescott, a professor of history at the University of North Dakota, describes the history of Columbus Day, re-evaluating the meaning of our monuments, and takes a one-sided, narrow view of history. Just like many in academia, Prescott views history only through the lens of Critical Race Theory, or oppressor versus oppressed narrative. The article allows the reader to experience the mindset of anti-Italians and anti-Americans who topple statues and disregard the collective experiences of Italians and other European immigrants. Read this Washington Post article about the History Wars.

Honor and celebrate Italian-American heritage! Here is a list of upcoming events in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Please email IADL if you would like to add an event to this list.

Connecticut:

IADL invites you to the Conference of Italian American Organizations - CIAO CT. A dinner for Italian Unity! Where: Anthony's Ocean View, 450 Lighthouse Rd, New Haven, CT 06512, When: Wednesday, September 28, 2022, Time: 6:30 pm, Agenda: Adopt a shared resolution to promote Italian-American values, heritage, and culture, For: Italian Club Representatives, Business Leaders, Educators, Influencers, IADL Members, and Friends by INVITATION ONLY, Price: $60 per guest, Adults only, Maximum 10 guests per invitation. Email Matt Guarnieri for more details at iadlnow@yahoo.org .
In New Britain, CT on Sunday, September 25th, enjoy food, fun, eating contests, homemade wine contests, and raise funds for scholarships at Festa Italiana at 13 Beaver Street beginning at 9 a.m. “Chi mangia bene, vive bene!”
In Stamford, Connecticut, demonstrate your love of everything Italian at That’s Amore Festival on October 8th and 9th . Go to Mill River Park from 12:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. For more information go to the festival’s Facebook page. For more information, email: ilario@parachuteconcerts.com .
The Greater New Haven Italian American Heritage Committee is seeking sponsors and marchers for its October 9, 2022 Parade in East Haven, Connecticut. For more information, read this article and go to the committee’s website.

Massachusetts:

An Italian-American Cultural Celebration! Monday, Columbus Day, October 10th, 11 am - 3 pm Tall Ship Park, 1 East Pier Dr., East Boston. Food, vendors, music, and a visit by “Elsa” and “Anna”. Free admission.
The Italian American Alliance presents Tenor Alberto Profeta, direct from Sicily! Sunday, October 2nd, 6 pm (doors open at 5:30 pm), Watertown Sons of Italy, 520 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA. Donation: $50 per person. Includes hors d’oeuvres and performance. Cocktail Attire. For more information, please contact: Carol Rossi at momswans@yahoo.com or Marisa DiPietro at mdipietro@ebsoc.org .

IADL Newsletter

August 28, 2022

In today’s newsletter, learn more about the trial of Sacco and Vanzetti, a true story of American injustice. As the Italian American voice is ignored today, it is important to recognize our resiliency as an immigrant group in our quest to become American. Then relax and experience the sweetness of life by listening to the music of Zucchero or the fullness of life through Italian folklore. Enjoy!

Promote Education

A miscarriage of justice! Those are the words to describe the execution of Sacco and Vanzetti on August 23, 1927. Two Italian immigrants, one from the North and one from the South, are forever connected in American history. As Italians and anarchists, they were the perfect “fall guys” in a period of xenophobia and political unrest. A shoddy investigation and compromised attorneys attracted attention from around the world during a time without the internet, television news, air travel, and the transatlantic telephone. Read a European perspective on this tragedy and about a relic that has been passed down in the Vanzetti family for generations. Furthermore, listen to a Zoom lecture by Neil Proto, an attorney, educator, and author. Proto explains events leading to, during, and after the Sacco and Vanzetti execution.

Portray Italians Positively

Italians maintain a tradition of beautiful music and Zucchero “Sugar” Fornaciari continues this tradition. Zucchero describes his music in this way, “My music, as everybody knows, comes from blues, from soul, from gospel.” One fact few people know is that Zucchero dubbed the voice of “Clay Calloway” in the Italian version of Sing 2, a children’s hit movie. Read Zucchero’s biography and listen to his music on YouTube/ . If you like what you hear, order tickets for his live show at Foxwoods on September 11, 2022. Or check out other dates on his East Coast tour.

Preserve Traditions

Is there a better way to engage children in Italian culture than through traditional Italian folklore? These stories of old teach valuable lessons about life that transcend time and place. Enjoy a laugh and compare these Italian tales to other traditional literature from around the globe. Though we associate folklore with Disney fairy tales, the unwatered-down version of the stories sometimes can be dark and are meant for adults. “The Clever Girl” ends with an unexpected twist, reminding me of strong and witty Italian women I know. What story is your favorite? Click here to browse and read Italian folktales.

Honor and celebrate Italian heritage! Here is a list of upcoming events in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Please email IADL if you would like to add an event to this list.

Connecticut:

In New Britain, CT on Sunday, September 25th, enjoy food, fun, eating contests, homemade wine contests, and raise funds for scholarships at Festa Italiana at 13 Beaver Street beginning at 9 a.m. “Chi mangia bene, vive bene!”
In Stamford, Connecticut, demonstrate your love of everything Italian at That’s Amore Festival on October 8th and 9th . Go to Mill River Park from 12:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. For more information go to the festival’s Facebook page. For more information, email: ilario@parachuteconcerts.com .
The Greater New Haven Italian American Heritage Committee is seeking sponsors and marchers for its October 9, 2022 Parade in East Haven, Connecticut. For more information, read this article and go to the committee’s website.

Massachusetts:

Today is the last day of the St. Anthony’s Feast in Boston (Endicott, Thacher, and North Margin Streets). Go to the St. Anthony’s Feast website at stanthonysfeast.com to learn more about the North End’s celebration.

IADL Newsletter

August 21, 2022

Over the past few months, several groups and influencers have been receptive to IADL’s message. From Italian-American groups of mostly Democrats to Republican Town Committees, IADL has had the opportunity to speak about Italian heritage and culture, including preserving Columbus Day to a wide range of groups. We also had the opportunity to educate the public on Lee Elci’s radio show, Paul Pacelli’s radio show, Murray Renshaw’s community access show, and Susan Patricelli Regan’s community access show. Last week, IADL had the opportunity to present “Why Columbus Matters” to the John Birch Society in Connecticut. It is amazing how individuals across the political spectrum are receptive to a shared message of unity, preserving art, and celebrating the events that led to the creation of the greatest country in human history – the United States. Thank you to all the mentioned groups for listening.

Promote Education

If you never visited the Mashantucket Pequot Museum at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut, you’re missing out. The museum is more than three levels with informative exhibits that depict a fact-based history based on artifacts, ecofacts, and primary sources. You will never learn as much about Native Americans as you will at this museum.

One exhibit that stood out was a timeline of The Pequot War. Often only colonists are depicted by political revisionists as power hungry, warmongers, dishonest, and greedy. Author Kirkpatrick Sales is guilty of portraying the Americas as a Garden of Eden prior to colonization and Friar Bartolome de las Casas portrayed the myth of “the noble savage.” Contrary to these skewed and simplified historical accounts, the Pequot museum tells a more balanced narrative. Humans are imperfect, European or Native American. The following are excerpts from the Pequot War timeline.

1626 - As fur-bearing animals are depleted along the coast, the Pequots and Narragansetts become key players in the fur trade by supplying the Dutch with wampum for use in obtaining pelts from inland Native groups. Both tribes gain power as a result.

1628 – In order to dominate the production of wampum, the Pequots subjugate the tribes of eastern Long Island.

1632 – The Pequots are in conflict with the Narragansetts.

1633 – The Pequots defeat the forces of Sequeen, a local sachem, in a battle for control of the lower Connecticut River. A smallpox epidemic begins in the fall and continues into the winter of 1634, devastating Native groups across the region, including the Pequots. The Dutch West India Company and the Pequots agree to peace and free passage for Indian traders in the Connecticut River Valley.

1634 – Despite their agreement with the Dutch to allow free passage, the Pequots kill a group of Indian traders en route to the Dutch trading post on the Connecticut River.

1636 – Uncas, the sachem of the Mohegans and a rival of Sassacus, the Pequot sachem, spreads a rumor among the colonists that the Pequots are preparing for war against the English.

1636 September – The Pequots seek an alliance with the Narragansetts, laboring “to persuade them that the English were minded to destroy all Indians.”

1636 October – The Narragansetts rebuff the Pequots and agree to join with the English in their war against the Pequots.

1637 May 17 – Captain John Mason leads 80 English and 100 Mohegan and River Indians to Fort Saybrook to join Underhill’s force.

1637 May 23-26 – Mason and Underhill, with a force of English, Mohegan, and Narragansett allies, attack the Pequot fortified village at Mystic on May 26, 1637. As many as 600 Pequots are killed.

1637 May 26 – Narragansett, Niantic, Mohegan, and River Indians join the English colonists in an attack on the Pequot fortified village at Mystic. As it becomes clear that the English intend to kill all of the inhabitants of the village, including women and children, some of the colonists’ Native allies protest that the attack is too severe.

1637 – Skirmishes occur between the Pequots and the Narragansetts. May – A group of Native people is driven from their homes near the English settlement of Wethersfield. Their sachem, Sequeen appeals to the Pequots for help. To prove their loyalty to the English, the Mohegans kill five Pequots and capture and torture a sixth.

1637 June-August – The English and their Native allies pursue the surviving Pequots, capturing hundreds and killing many of the tribe’s leaders. Approximately 200 Pequots who had sought shelter in a Fairfield swamp are captured. As many as 30 men are killed, and most of the women and children sold into slavery or given as servants to Natives allied with the English. In all, some 1,500 Pequots are killed or captured. The surviving Pequot sachems petition the English for peace.

1637 August – Sassacus, the Pequot sachem, is killed by the Mohawks, with whom he had sought refuge.

Broken agreements, subjugation, revenge, and alliances to maintain power – and that was by the Native Americans. Then the English and Dutch were not angels, but neither were the Pequots, Mohegans, and Narragansetts. Is that a different history than you expected based on modern-day revisionism? Lastly, the movement to end Columbus Day is anti-Christian. One time I was informed that a certain city council would never consider any facts because many sitting members could “never get over the fact that Columbus brought Christianity to America.” The simplified narrative ignores the fact that many Native Americans embraced Christianity. According to the Pequot museum, Ephraim Williams, a Pequot born in 1865 who lived on the reservation and in Stonington, is remembered best as “a Christian man who spread the Gospel in neighborhood prayer meetings.” Learn more about the history of Pequots by watching this video.

Portray Italians Positively

Summer vacation in August in Italy is called Ferragosto. Technically, the Italian holiday is celebrated on August 15, but traditionally it could last the entire month. Photographer and Author Carla Gambescia once again portrays the beauty of all that’s Italian. Gambescia provides the following descriptions of her eye-appealing photographs. Click here to view her photojournal, Postcards from the Boot.

These days Ferragosto is a national holiday celebrated on August 15th, marking the official start of the exodus from the cities to Italy’s 5,000-plus miles of spectacular coastline and its stunning mountain villages.
Usually, public holidays mean a total shutdown, even in major towns and cities, with everything from post offices to public transport closed, and that’s the case with August 15th, though many museums and major tourist sites remain open along with restaurants, at least for lunch. You’ll see ‘chiuso per ferie’ signs popping up all over the place, often with images of the mountains and the sea.
Ferragosto is derived from the Latin Feriae Augusti meaning "the festivals of the Emperor Augustus," after whom the month of August is named.
This was Augustus' favorite time of year and he formally instituted the August ‘vaca’ by connecting various annual festivities celebrating the harvest to create an extended period of rest from the year’s labors and filled the time with rituals, races, games and FUN!
Later Ferragosto took on a Christian meaning by coinciding with the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin into Heaven, also celebrated on August 15th.
Throughout the country, Italians celebrate the day with colorful religious processions, festivals overflowing with live music and fireworks and, naturally, great feasts. Roma comes alive for the Gran Ballo di Ferragosto, a city-wide party during which every street, square and corner becomes a place for dancing.

Preserve Traditions

The following text is from the Boston Herald article, “The Madonna Emerges Again in Boston’s Annual North End’s Fisherman’s Feast.” Read the full article and view photos, here.

There are very few fishermen at the Fisherman’s Feast, but many at the North End’s rite of summer profess the ocean’s bounty remains at the heart of the ritual. “It’s Italian culture,” said Rick Miravella, who’s been selling oysters and calamari at the festival for 47 years. “And the people of New England love it.” The Fisherman’s Feast boasts the title of Boston’s oldest continuous Italian festival, according to the event’s organizers, with origins dating back to 1910. But that’s only in Boston. The feast dates back to the 16th century in Sciacca, Sicily. In 1503, over 200 fishermen in the city made a dangerous trek to get a solid marble statue of the Madonna del Soccorso, or Lady of Perpetual Help, to Sciacca, barely staying afloat under the weight.

And in Chicago, the Chicago Monument Project, commissioned by the city, once again disregards Italian-American community members by recommending the removal of two Columbus statues and one additional Italian-American monument of Italian Aviator Italo Balbo.

Is the total disregard for Italian-Americans supported by antiracist theory? Academics, such as Ibram X. Kendi, formulated a brand of anti-racism that discriminates against European groups. Here are Kendi’s words from his book, How to be an Antiracist, “The only remedy to racist discrimination is antiracist discrimination. The only remedy to past discrimination is present discrimination. The only remedy to present discrimination is future discrimination.” If commissions, committees, and task forces believe in antiracist theory, they support retaliating against what they consider “privileged” groups. This wave of radical activism is spreading through school districts, towns, and cities across New England and America.

Because of these anti-American forces against us, now is the time to honor and celebrate Italian heritage. Here is a list of upcoming events in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Please email IADL if you would like to add an event to this list.

Connecticut:

In Guilford, CT at Saint George Catholic Church, the Men’s Group is hosting “Italian Fest” on August 26th and 27th.
In New Britain, CT on Sunday, September 25th, enjoy food, fun, eating contests, homemade wine contests, and raise funds for scholarships at Festa Italiana at 13 Beaver Street beginning at 9 a.m. “Chi mangia bene, vive bene!”
In Stamford, Connecticut, demonstrate your love of everything Italian at That’s Amore Festival on October 8th and 9th . Go to Mill River Park from 12:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. For more information go to the festival’s Facebook page. For more information, email: ilario@parachuteconcerts.com .
The Greater New Haven Italian American Heritage Committee is seeking sponsors and marchers for its October 9, 2022 Columbus Day Parade in East Haven, Connecticut. For more information, read this article and go to the committee’s website.

Massachusetts:

Today is the last day of The Fisherman’s Feast in Boston, MA (North, Fleet, and Lewis Streets). Go to fishermansfeast.com for all of the details.
Also, in Boston (Endicott, Thacher, and North Margin Streets) is St. Anthony’s Feast from August 25-28. Go to the St. Anthony’s Feast website at stanthonysfeast.com to learn more about the North End’s celebration.

IADL Newsletter

August 14, 2022

In today’s newsletter, learn about the Marxist, new beginning, on October 12, 1992. According to monthlyreview.org, an independent Socialist magazine, “beginning in the 1950s and stretching into the 1970s, there were major attempts to integrate Marxian theory with Native American struggles.” Today those attempts are reality. Then, on a more positive note, find out how two Italian brothers are funding Italian-American film projects. Lastly, if you ever wondered where to find the most Italian Americans, now you’ll know.

Promote Education

If you were asked to pick one day, a day that modern-Marxism in the United States was born, what would you choose? Events leading up to and after October 12, 1992, the Quincentenary 500th Anniversary of Columbus’s discovery of America, focus our attention on Berkeley, California. The City of Berkeley was the first city in the United States to change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day, and is the epicenter for a cultural revolution that spread across America.

In A Documentary History of the Origin and development of Indigenous Peoples Day, Curator John Curl describes the significance of Columbus’s 1992 celebration in creating a coalition of progressive Native American groups, La Raza Hispanics, Black progressives, environmentalists, and even the United Nations. According to Curl, “Oakland’s Laney College Forum was electric on March 25, 1991, as over 100 Indian delegates from across North America met with over 200 nonIndian environmentalists, educators, artists, media people, and a wide variety of progressives, human rights activists, and cultural workers at the 1992 All People’s Network Conference.” The stated mission of this Resistance 500 conference was to “to form a broad coalition of all peoples in order to counter the official ‘Encounter’ of Two Worlds or ‘The Discovery of America.’” Moreover, Curl wrote:

The purpose of the conference is to develop an action plan and strategize for October 1992. The suggested agenda will include workshops on Education, Media, Cultural and Art Activities, Legislation, and Environment. We are calling on all sectors of society to form an alliance to demand that governments, religious institutions and educational institutions tell the truth about what took place 500 years ago and examine how these injustices continue today. We welcome your suggestions for the agenda.

Not only did the conference seek to rebrand the American perspective on history, they actually organized a physical blockade of ships that prevented replicas of the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria from reaching San Francisco. As stated below, that day was the start of a social movement that is mainstream today. Curl continued:

At that point our real work was just beginning. We already knew that we were going to propose replacing Columbus Day. But we needed to educate and lobby every public body in the city to gain citywide support for the idea that Indigenous Peoples Day fitted with the values of the people of Berkeley much more than celebrating Columbus with a holiday.

Further evidence that the conference’s mission extended far beyond discrediting the famous explorer is Goal 3 of the conference, sponsored by SAIIC, IITC, ACD, the National Chicano Human Rights Council, the Casky, and the African People’s Revolutionary Party, which stated in 1992, “encourage legislation that liberalizes border crossing. We do not recognize borders.” Is there is a better example of how the organized attack on the quincentenary celebration of Columbus directly affects policy today? The following article concisely supports the thesis of the importance of the Columbus Quincentenary to anti-Columbus, pro-Marxist activists.

Portray Italians Positively

Congratulations to Joe Russo, Anthony Russo, Zach Baliva, and Naomi Baliva! Why? The Russo Brothers funded Zach and Naomi Baliva’s production of the film, “Potentially Dangerous,” a World War II documentary about Italian-American internment and the breach of civil liberties. John Turturro is the executive producer. Noah Readhead is also a producer. The Italian American Film Forum Grant supports filmmakers to produce, “fiction or non-fiction narrative films that explore the Italian American experience for the benefit of future generations.” Read more about the viewing of Potentially Dangerous at the Ferrara Film Festival in Italy on September 11th. Also included in the weblink is a preview of the film. For a list of other Russo Brother grant film projects, some are available to view on the National Italian American Foundation website.

Preserve Traditions

Did you ever wonder where you’d be able to have the best chance to eat a tasty pizza? Perhaps you’re looking for an Italian spouse. Maybe you want to attend an Italian festival. Whatever you want to do Italian, wouldn’t you want to know where to go? Connecticut and New Jersey are tops on the list. If you’re from Connecticut, would it surprise you that North Branford is more Italian by percentage than East Haven? If you’re from New Jersey, would you have guessed that Fairfield, NJ is by percentage the most Italian in the USA? Don’t forget Massachusetts where Saugus made the top 20 list! Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and Ohio also made the list, which you can view, here.

There is so much to do to honor and celebrate Italian heritage. Here is a list of upcoming events in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Please email IADL if you would like to add an event to this list.

Connecticut:

In Guilford, CT at Saint George Catholic Church, the Men’s Group is hosting “Italian Fest” on August 26th and 27th.
In New Britain, CT on Sunday, September 25th, enjoy food, fun, eating contests, homemade wine contests, and raise funds for scholarships at Festa Italiana at 13 Beaver Street beginning at 9 a.m. “Chi mangia bene, vive bene!”
In Stamford, Connecticut, demonstrate your love of everything Italian at That’s Amore Festival on October 8th and 9th . Go to Mill River Park from 12:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. For more information go to the festival’s Facebook page. For more information, email: ilario@parachuteconcerts.com .
The Greater New Haven Italian American Heritage Committee is seeking sponsors and marchers for its October 9, 2022 Columbus Day Parade in East Haven, Connecticut. For more information, read this article and go to the committee’s website.

Massachusetts:

Today, Sunday, August 14th, is the last day to enjoy the St. Rocco's Feast in Malden, MA (Pearl and Thacher Streets). Go to Saint Rocco’s Association of Malden’s website for more information at saintroccosfeast.org .
In Boston, MA (North, Fleet, and Lewis Streets), Fisherman’s Feast is taking place from August 18-21. Go to fishermansfeast.com for all of the details.
Also, in Boston (Endicott, Thacher, and North Margin Streets) is St. Anthony’s Feast from August 25-28. Go to the St. Anthony’s Feast website at stanthonysfeast.com to learn more about the North End’s celebration.

IADL Newsletter

August 7, 2022

A big win in Massachusetts! The bill to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day died in session. Tom Damigella and the Italian American Alliance – Massachusetts formed a Save Columbus Action Group. After meeting with legislators and encouraging Italian Americans to call and email representatives, Columbus Day will continue to be honored in Massachusetts. The opposition is motivated and the battle will likely continue in upcoming legislative sessions. Until canceling or changing Columbus Day becomes a political liability, Italian Americans will continue to be ignored. In this case, Speaker Ron Mariano heard the Italian American voice. Despite the win, Damigella reminds us to stay active, “In the meantime, we need to make it clear to our own legislators that we will not support them with our vote if they insist on supporting this bill in the future.” Read Damigella’s full press release, here. Thank you to all Italian-American Defense League members who wrote, emailed, or called legislators.

Promote Education

Did you know that Indigenous peoples are honored in the United States on three days, an entire week, and a month? With all of those days to recognize Native Americans, why are so many far-left politicians attacking Columbus Day? Is there a larger agenda? Each year on August 9th, the United Nations observes an International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. According to the UN’s website, “By resolution 49/214 of 23 December 1994, the United Nations General Assembly decided that the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples shall be observed on 9 August every year. The date marks the day of the first meeting, in 1982, of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights.” Learn more about the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, here. Or click here for a brief overview.

The Italian-American Defense League supports honoring Native Americans/Indigenous Peoples on any day other than Columbus Day, including August 9th, the Fourth Friday in September (Native American Day), or the Friday after Thanksgiving (Native American Heritage Day) which is during Native American Week/Month.

Portray Italians Positively

Candidate for Connecticut’s Secretary of the State, Dominic Rapini (R) is facing off in a primary election on Tuesday, August 9th. The former football coach, Apple, Inc. employee, and family man is running on a platform for election integrity. If elected, Rapini would the first Italian-American Secretary of the State since Ella Grasso in 1970. Learn more about Rapini on his website. On Rapini’s campaign website, he posted an article in support of Columbus Day and Italian-American heritage. For more information on Tuesday’s primaries go to https://www.ctinsider.com/projects/politics/2022/ct-primaries-2022-voter-guide/.

Preserve Traditions

President Basil Russo of the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations is asking President Joe Biden for a meeting. A recent COPOMIAO press release states 56 like-minded Italian-American organizations are, “moving forward to secure a meeting with President Joe Biden to discuss appropriate language to be used in the White House’s 2022 proclamations concerning Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day.” Does President Biden understand the impact of his 2021 proclamation on people of Italian descent? Whom is Biden listening to? For other accomplishments and future events of COPOMIAO announced at a recent meeting in New York City, read here.

In Chicago, the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans continues to pressure Mayor Lori Lightfoot to return the city’s Columbus Statues to their former locations by Columbus Day. According to the article, Ron Onesti and the JCC, “paid a security firm to prepare plans to protect statues of Christopher Columbus removed from Grant and Arrigo parks two years ago amid protests. Recommendations include cameras, motion detectors and 24-hour guards.” Read the Chicago Sun Times article to learn more about how with action Italian-Americans are making a difference in the windy city.

There is so much to do to honor and celebrate Italian heritage. Here is a list of upcoming events in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Please email IADL if you would like to add an event to this list.

Connecticut:

In Danbury, CT attend the OSDIA Amerigo Vespucci Lodge’s Italian Festival today, Sunday, August 7th. It is the last day of the festival. Go to 10 Christopher Columbus Avenue in Danbury and find more information at the lodge’s website: https://www.sonsofitaly.org/ .
In Guilford, CT at Saint George Catholic Church, the Men’s Group is hosting “Italian Fest” on August 26th and 27th.
In New Britain, CT on Sunday, September 25th, enjoy food, fun, eating contests, homemade wine contests, and raise funds for scholarships at Festa Italiana at 13 Beaver Street beginning at 9 a.m. “Chi mangia bene, vive bene!”
In Stamford, Connecticut, demonstrate your love of everything Italian at That’s Amore Festival on October 8th and 9th . Go to Mill River Park from 12:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. For more information go to the festival’s Facebook page. For more information, email: ilario@parachuteconcerts.com .
The Greater New Haven Italian American Heritage Committee is seeking sponsors and marchers for its October 9, 2022 Columbus Day Parade in East Haven, Connecticut. For more information, read this article and go to the committee’s website.

Massachusetts:

Enjoy the St. Rocco's Feast in Malden, MA (Pearl and Thacher Streets) from August 12-14. Go to Saint Rocco’s Association of Malden’s website for more information at saintroccosfeast.org .
In Boston, MA (North, Fleet, and Lewis Streets), Fisherman’s Feast is taking place from August 18-21. Go to fishermansfeast.com for all of the details.
Also, in Boston (Endicott, Thacher, and North Margin Streets) is St. Anthony’s Feast from August 25-28. Go to the St. Anthony’s Feast website at stanthonysfeast.com to learn more about the North End’s celebration.

IADL Newsletter

July 31, 2022

As some far-left politicians continue to cancel Columbus Day and hold Columbus statues in storage indefinitely, some candidates realize that many Italian Americans are seeking to vote for candidates in favor of honoring Italian American heritage, history, and culture. Though Italian Americans traditionally have supported Democrat candidates in cities like New London, they may be considering new possibilities. On Tuesday, Gubernatorial Candidate Bob Stefanowski visited the New London American Italian Association (AIA). According to an article in The Day, a group of fifty Italian Americans “cheered the Republican candidate’s arrival.” Could Italian American voters influence the next election? Stefanowski highlighted his platform to the AIA. Read what Stefanowski had to say and how the AIA received him, here.

Promote Education

Vinnie Rotondaro gives a raw and honest look at Italian American identity today and discusses how Italian Americans are shifting their support in politics in Pennsylvania. Rotondaro discusses modern day stereotypes and the effects of politics on the way Italian Americans are perceived. He talks about his father, immigration, and Southern Italian history. He believes many have a distorted view of Italian-American history. He stated, “If Italian Americans like to imagine their ancestors landing on Ellis Island with the American Dream swelling in their hearts, they might be surprised to learn that for most of those immigrants, that dream meant all of the Americas—not just the U.S.—and that as many as half returned home to Italy.”

Did you know? Italian immigrants were escaping more than a millennium of war, slavery, and poverty. Southern Italians were the conquered, desperately seeking a new home and opportunity. Southern Italians were considered racially inferior by eugenicists. Antonio Gramsci in 1926 shared his view of Southern Italians, “Southerners are biologically inferior beings, either semi-barbarians or out and out barbarians by natural destiny; if the South is underdeveloped it is not the fault of the capitalist system, or any other historical cause, but of the nature that has made Southerners lazy, incapable, criminal and barbaric.” Read the article, “Which Italian America?”

Portray Italians Positively

Tom Stabile, a former NFL referee, is being inducted into the National Italian-American Sports Hall of Fame on August 4th. Stabile spent 20 years officiating in the NFL including the Pro Bowl, playoff games, and the Super Bowl. He was a teacher while officiating other sports, and finished his career in education as a principal. Browse a list of former inductees on the Hall of Fame’s website, including Joe DiMaggio, Gino Auriemma, and Bruno Sammartino, among many others. The mission of the Hall of Fame is “celebrating generations of Italian Americans in sports.”

Preserve Traditions

The Garibaldi Society of Lewisboro, New York was battling to obtain public funding to honor “Italian Heritage Day,” a New York state holiday which takes place on Columbus Day. Though the town will not fund the event, the town waived fees and granted the permit for the festival. Once again, the lie that Columbus committed genocide was repeated in a letter read at a town meeting. Glenn DeFaber, a member of the Garibaldi Society, is attempting to redefine the event from the celebration of Columbus to Italians. In this article, Journalist Brian Marschauser paraphrases DeFaber’s comments, “previous celebrations for Pride and Juneteenth had inspired him to start a celebration for Italian Americans. He also said he realized that while there is much controversy around celebrating Columbus and his actions, he wants the celebration to focus on the Italian-American community.” Do you agree with these compromises in far-left towns and cities?

There is so much to do to honor and celebrate Italian heritage. Here is a list of upcoming events in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Please email IADL if you would like to add an event to this list.

Connecticut:

In Danbury, CT attend the OSDIA Amerigo Vespucci Lodge’s Italian Festival on Friday, August 5th from 5-11, Saturday August 6th from 1-11, and Sunday August 7th from 1-9. Go to 10 Christopher Columbus Avenue in Danbury and find more information at the lodge’s website: https://www.sonsofitaly.org/ .
In Guilford, CT at Saint George Catholic Church, the Men’s Group is hosting “Italian Fest” on August 26th and 27th.
In New Britain, CT on Sunday, September 25th, enjoy food, fun, eating contests, homemade wine contests, and raise funds for scholarships at Festa Italiana at 13 Beaver Street beginning at 9 a.m. “Chi mangia bene, vive bene!”
In Stamford, Connecticut, demonstrate your love of everything Italian at That’s Amore Festival on October 8th and 9th . Go to Mill River Park from 12:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. For more information go to the festival’s Facebook page. For more information, email: ilario@parachuteconcerts.com .
The Greater New Haven Italian American Heritage Committee is seeking sponsors and marchers for its October 9, 2022 Columbus Day Parade in East Haven, Connecticut. For more information, read this article and go to the committee’s website.

Massachusetts:

Enjoy the St. Rocco's Feast in Malden, MA (Pearl and Thacher Streets) from August 12-14. Go to Saint Rocco’s Association of Malden’s website for more information at saintroccosfeast.org .
In Boston, MA (North, Fleet, and Lewis Streets), Fisherman’s Feast is taking place from August 18-21. Go to fishermansfeast.com for all of the details.
Also, in Boston (Endicott, Thacher, and North Margin Streets) is St. Anthony’s Feast from August 25-28. Go to the St. Anthony’s Feast website at stanthonysfeast.com to learn more about the North End’s celebration.

Though IADL membership is free, consider making a donation. Help IADL fulfill its mission by joining and donating, here! Receive a free book, Christopher Columbus the Hero: Defending Columbus from Modern-Day Revisionism by Rafael Ortiz, with a $30.00 donation or more. IADL is an all-volunteer organization and needs your support. Or click on one of the donor links to pay with PayPal or debit/credit card. Levels of Donors: Tier 1: Giovanni da Verrazzano - $20.00 . Tier 2: Amerigo Vespucci - $50.00 . Tier 3: Christopher Columbus - $100.00 . Follow IADL on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/IADLnow. Have family and friends join the IADL at: https://iadlnow.org/become-a-member. If you have any questions about the IADL or Christopher Columbus, email us at iadlnow@yahoo.com. Now is the time!

IADL Newsletter

July 24, 2022

Immediate Call to Action

Support the Italian American Alliance in Massachusetts. A bill to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day moved forward at the STATE level. Despite efforts by Massachusetts Italian American organizations which include research, reasons, and alternate solutions – the bill did NOT die in committee. Read this article by OSDIA which includes a possible template to use to contact Speaker Ronald Mariano (D) who could allow the bills to die in session. The session ends July 31, therefore acting now is URGENT. Email Mariano at Ronald.Mariano@mahouse.gov .

Here is IADL’s letter to Speaker Mariano:

Dear Speaker Mariano,

Bills in favor of eliminating Columbus Day are contrary to today's effort of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Furthermore, the act of voting on such bills is not worthy of the Massachusetts's legislature.

Would a bill eliminating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day be voted on?
Would eliminating Thanksgiving make it this far?

The fact that this made it to session is an insult to past Italian immigrants, Americans who are proud that we have the most just nation that ever existed, and those who understand that Christopher Columbus must not be blamed for the actions of contemporaries and those after him, for the decimation of Native Americans by disease and their own warfare, and the unjust actions by the English, French, Dutch, and American government during colonial times and Westward Expansion.

There are other solutions that have been proposed that must be taken seriously because they reflect history in context and more inclusive solutions: honoring Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day on two separate days.

Let these bills die!

Good News

Unlike in the New Haven, Hartford, and New London, CT – Italian Americans in Chicago are well informed and have energy to enter the political arena. Now Mayor Lori Lightfoot is changing her tune about the removal of Columbus statues in Grant and Arrigo parks by saying, “I’ve been very clear. I do not believe in erasing history. I think you’ve got to put it in a proper context. I think you’ve got to honor the entirety of that history.” Lightfoot continued by describing Columbus as an "incredibly controversial figure, given what happened to the Native population across the Americas. But I also know that Columbus is an incredibly important figure to many — not the least of which is the Italian American community in Chicago. So, we’ve got to put that into the proper context."

Promote Education

Did you Know? “When asked in a 2000 census what their ancestry was, 15,723,000 Americans answered “Italian”, boosting Italian Americans to the fifth largest ethnic group in the United States (Vecoli, “To Be or Not To Be” 1). According to 1999 FBI statistics, only 0.3% of the Italian American community is involved in organized crime and the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) stated that out of 500,000 individuals connected to organized crime in America, only 1,700 were of Italian descent (Lawton 82-83).” Read more of Stefano Maranzana’s research called: Italian Americans and the Mythology of Crime: “The Godfather Paradox.”

Did the FBI stir up controversies and instigate assassinations within New York’s five families? Were there ethics and rules that mob bosses followed? What are the children of the 1970’s to 1990’s organized crime families doing today? Why did an alleged QAnon follower kill a member of the Gambino family in March 2019? If any of these questions interest you, read The New Yorker magazine interview with Chris Columbo, son of Joseph Columbo, Sr., leader of the Columbo crime family before his assassination in 1971 in Columbus Circle. Nowadays, “In his spare time, he [Chris Columbo] volunteers at a nonprofit that teaches reading and science to underprivileged youths.” Columbo says, “You are only as good as your last deed. If you take the crime out of what they say is Italian organized crime, the ethics are really very good.”

Portray Italians Positively

Gary Vecchio, 68, a proponent of Italian American heritage in Worcester, Ma passed away. “Vecchio was also a defender of recognizing Columbus Day in the city as a proud Italian American.” Now the next generation must carry on his important work. Read about a man who dedicated himself to making his neighborhood a better place.

Ivana Trump was remembered and honored last Wednesday after passing away at the age of 73. Many remember Ivana as the wife of President Donald Trump, divorced in 1992. That marriage was Ivana’s second and after 1992 remarried. What many do not know is that Ivana was romantically involved with three Italian men including a businessman, aristocrat, and a young actor. Read more about her relationships with Richard Mazzucchelli, Roffredo Gaetani, D’Aragona, and Rossano Rubicondi.

Preserve Traditions

The schedule of activities is in for the Italian American Festival in Southington, CT from July 29th through July 31st . Enjoy tarantella dancers, live music, and food on each of the first two days. On Day 3, listen to more live music, participate in the raffle, and watch closing ceremonies. On Friday, festivities begin at 5 p.m. and end at 10 p.m. including fireworks. On Saturday, events are planned from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. On Sunday, visit the main stage between 12:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Mass begins at 10 a.m. followed by a street procession with the statue of Madonna della Strada. For more information, visit the festival’s Facebook page, here. For information regarding the Southington Italian-American Festival, contact Dave Zoni at 860.384.9103 or Tony Cusano at 860.681.3451. The festival will take place on Center Street, 06489.

There is so much to do to honor and celebrate Italian heritage. Here is a list of upcoming events. Please email IADL if you would like to add an event to this list:

Southington, Connecticut’s Italian American Festival is set for Friday, July 29th, Saturday, July 30th, and Sunday July 31st. Read about the event, here, sponsored by the Sons of Italy, Sorelle d'Italia in America and Southington Unico.
In Guilford, CT at Saint George Catholic Church, the Men’s Group is hosting “Italian Fest” on August 26th and 27th.
In New Britain, CT on Sunday, September 25th, enjoy food, fun, eating contests, homemade wine contests, and raise funds for scholarships at Festa Italiana at 13 Beaver Street beginning at 9 a.m. “Chi mangia bene, vive bene!”
In Stamford, Connecticut, demonstrate your love of everything Italian at That’s Amore Festival on October 8th and 9th . Go to Mill River Park from 12:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. For more information go to the festival’s Facebook page. For more information, email: ilario@parachuteconcerts.com .
The Greater New Haven Italian American Heritage Committee held its kickoff event at Silver Sands Beach Club last week. The committee is seeking sponsors and marchers for its October 9, 2022 Columbus Day Parade in East Haven, Connecticut. For more information, read this article and go to the committee’s website.

IADL Newsletter

July 17, 2022

The New Haven Historic District Commission discussed options and voted to maintain the Columbus Pedestal in Wooster Square. The Wooster Square Monument Committee now supports the decision of the Historic Commission in favor of covering the Columbus markings on the pedestal, while keeping the pedestal in its place. According to the article, “The plinth stones [the square slab at the base of a pedestal] currently sport engraved words commemorating the year 1492 and the name ‘Columbus.’ The Monument Committee proposed installing a plaque over those words with yet-to-be-determined text explaining the story of the Columbus Statue’s former presence in the park.” The pedestal, or plinth, will stand behind the new immigrant statue that was approved by the commission. Andy Illiano, moderator of Facebook’s Save Columbus Day group comments on the Monument Committee, “They're acting like a bunch of uneducated buffoons. During the summer of 2020, the city removed the original Wooster Square Park statue after backlash regarding Columbus’ genocide of the Taíno people." WHAT GENOCIDE OF THE TAINO PEOPLE?“ Illiano mentions that the author of the article cites references to Howard Zinn, a Communist and political revisionist. The American Italian Women of Greater New Haven continue their lawsuit to return the 1892 Christopher Columbus statue to its former pedestal.

People of Italian descent in Southington, Connecticut face unintended consequences after a new flag ordinance passed – no Italian flags on utility poles during the town’s Italian festival. Members of the festival committee were forced to remove the flags after setting them up in preparations for festivities at the end of July. Local Italian Americans found themselves in the middle of a local political battle. According to the article, “Democrats said they wanted a process for selecting which flags are appropriate to fly on town property.” Furthermore, the chair of the town council and Republican Victoria Triano said “It was too bad that the flags had to come down but said the ordinance has to be evenly applied.” The good news is that the ordinance does not have an effect on private property.

Promote Education

As Columbus Day is cancelled across school districts in America and as Italian history is being lumped into a “White European” oppressor narrative, without noting the discrimination against Italian American immigrants, it is more important than ever to support Italian American Studies. A kindergarten through grade 12 curriculum is available for Italian Studies and could be used as a model as local school districts seek to implement a more inclusive education. Recently Native American studies were adopted in Connecticut, while Italian-American contributions are rarely mentioned in school and Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month is often ignored in October. “The Universality of Italian Heritage” is the title of the curriculum, and according to this COPOMIAO press release, “Through this K-12 infusion model, Italian cultural content in all subjects in grades K-12 can be integrated into a school district's existing, approved curriculum. Every lesson begins with an Italian theme then expands to incorporate the heritage of all students.” Review the entire curriculum at the New Jersey Italian Heritage website.

Portray Italians Positively

Growing up Italian, you’ve been on the receiving end of ignorant and stereotypical comments. Could you imagine today being described as a henchman, greasy, sausage-maker, or Don Corleone? That is a thing of the past, right? Guess again. In Youngstown, Ohio, Lisa DeNunzio Blair, assistant clerk in the commissioners’ office, “filed a lawsuit in U.S. Court Northern Ohio District against Commissioner Niki Frenchko, in particular, and commissioners, in general, for derisive statements regarding Italian Americans.” Frenchko claims no wrongdoing after the Office of Civil Rights dismissed the case. It seems OCR offices frequently ignore calls of discrimination against Italian Americans in favor of other ethnic groups. Read more about the lawsuit, here.

Preserve Traditions

In Portsmouth, New Hampshire, city officials voted to eliminate Columbus Day after previously adopting a dual Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ holiday. Though the Italian-American Defense League supports Indigenous Peoples’ Day, this is an example which shows why IADL is against sharing the holiday. In Portsmouth, changing Columbus Day to a dual holiday was the first step in removing any observance of Italian American heritage and eliminated a patriotic holiday. Yes, we Italian Americans are pleased that Columbus connected two worlds providing an opportunity to the people of the world to seek a better life and freedom in the United States. Read about the council's decision, and lastly, where are New Hampshire Italian Americans?

There is so much to do to honor and celebrate Italian heritage. Here is a list of upcoming events. Please email IADL if you would like to add an event to this list:

Southington, Connecticut’s Italian American Festival is set for Friday, July 29th, Saturday, July 30th, and Sunday July 31st. Read about the event, here, sponsored by the Sons of Italy, Sorelle d'Italia in America and Southington Unico.
In Guilford, CT at Saint George Catholic Church, the Men’s Group is hosting “Italian Fest” on August 26th and 27th. More information will follow.
In New Britain, CT on Sunday, September 25th, enjoy food, fun, eating contests, homemade wine contests, and raise funds for scholarships at Festa Italiana at 13 Beaver Street beginning at 9 a.m. “Chi mangia bene, vive bene!”
The Greater New Haven Italian American Heritage Committee held its kickoff event at Silver Sands Beach Club last week. The committee is seeking sponsors and marchers for its October 9, 2022 Columbus Day Parade in East Haven, Connecticut. For more information, read this article and go to the committee’s website.

IADL Newsletter

July 10, 2022

Former Connecticut Gubernatorial Candidate and current host of Connecticut Valley Views Susan Patricelli Regan interviewed members of the Italian American and pro-Christopher Columbus community. Regan’s high-profile interviews include Dr. Ben Carson and reaches much of Connecticut. It was an honor to appear on her show. On CTVV’s website, Regan described the interview. Read the description below and watch the interview on IADL’s YouTube channel.

The Italian American Defense League was founded by Matthew Guarnieri to bring together the many Italian American groups to express their concerns with the destruction, defacing, and removal of Christopher Columbus statues in CT towns over the past few years. Dario Gagliano, a Member of the Italian American Alliance, and Author Rafael Ortiz add their expertise to explain the importance of maintaining the rich Italian culture. The guest interviewees provide the current standing of these challenges and the League's activities and solutions to reinstate an admirable profile of Italian Americans, their historical contributions, artistic accomplishments, and many cultural benefits supporting our quality of life in America.

Promote Education

Rosario Iaconis, Chairman of the Italic Institute of America, published the most concise and informational opinion article in the New York Daily News explaining Christopher Columbus’ historical significance to Italian Americans. Iaconis mentions inconvenient truths, such as the connecting of two worlds as the most significant event in human history after the birth of Jesus, the enslavement of Native Americans by African Americans, and that Mohawks practiced cannibalism. He wrote about happenings in New York City but can be applied to cities and towns across America. Iaconis wrote, “In killing Columbus Day and replacing it with the hastily contrived Italian Heritage Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the New York City Department of Education sent a message to the sons of Italy: Drop dead.” Read the full article, here.

Portray Italians Positively

In Jersey City, John Di Genio and Albert J. Cupo describe stereotypes of Italian Americans and say to “highlight the worthwhile contributions that Italians/Italian Americans have made for the betterment of our community. Forget about the overstated and over-emphasized ‘Mafiosi minority!’ Focus instead on the positive contributions that Italians/Italian Americans have made to our community.” The Italian Educational and Cultural Center – Casa Colombo is reaching young people to show them positive role models. This outreach needs to be replicated across America.

Whether we like it or not, mafia movies are part of our Italian American cultural identity. From The Godfather to The Sopranos, mafia characters were developed that were relatable to the human experience in contemporary tragedies. Two actors passed away this week who should be remembered and honored for their talents and charities in the movie industry – Tony Sirico and James Caan. Read this CNBC article which states “Actor Tony Sirico, who played the lovable but murderous gangster Paulie Walnuts on the HBO series The Sopranos and was frequently cast in Woody Allen films, died on Friday at age 79." James Caan was not Italian, but was born in the Bronx and played Sonny Corleone in The Godfather. Caan, who died at the age of 82, is described as “a Hollywood leading man of the 1970s who memorably displayed his tough-guy screen presence as the trigger-happy Mafioso Sonny Corleone in The Godfather but who also proved, beyond his macho exterior, a versatile performer of wry expressiveness and unexpected vulnerability.” Read about Caan in the Washington Post or a more detailed article in the New York Post. May their souls rest in peace.

Preserve Traditions

As Italian American club numbers dwindle and more people of Italian descent are fully Americanized, remaining Italian club members are trying to memorialize and recognize the impact of Italian immigrants and workers in their communities. This is true in Rumford, Maine. Jim Rinaldo, a member of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, read the names of 78 families newly engraved into a monument, that displays the family names of Italians who contributed to the Town of Rumford. Rinaldo stated, ““Today, we are here to honor the people whose names are on this monument … Those who aren’t related, they are friends. They were proud of their Italian heritage, equally as proud in becoming citizens of the United States of America.” Read about the ceremony, here.

There is so much to do to honor and celebrate Italian heritage. Here is a list of upcoming events. Please email IADL if you would like to add an event to this list:

In Guilford, CT at Saint George Catholic Church, the Men’s Group is hosting “Italian Fest” on August 26th and 27th. More information will follow.
Southington, Connecticut’s Italian American Festival is set for Friday, July 29th, Saturday, July 30th, and Sunday July 31st. Read about the event, here, sponsored by the Sons of Italy, Sorelle d'Italia in America and Southington Unico.
In New Britain, CT on Sunday, September 25th, enjoy food, fun, eating contests, homemade wine contests, and raise funds for scholarships at Festa Italiana at 13 Beaver Street beginning at 9 a.m. “Chi mangia bene, vive bene!”
The Greater New Haven Italian American Heritage Committee held its kickoff event at Silver Sands Beach Club last week. The committee is seeking sponsors and marchers for its October 9, 2022 Columbus Day Parade in East Haven, Connecticut. For more information, read this article and go to the committee’s website.

Though IADL membership is free, consider making a donation. Help IADL fulfill its mission by joining and donating, here! Receive a free book, Christopher Columbus the Hero: Defending Columbus from Modern-Day Revisionism by Rafael Ortiz, with a $30.00 donation or more. IADL is an all-volunteer organization and needs your support. Or click on one of the donor links to pay with PayPal or debit/credit card. Levels of Donors: Tier 1: Giovanni da Verrazzano - $20.00 . Tier 2: Amerigo Vespucci - $50.00 . Tier 3: Christopher Columbus - $100.00 . Follow IADL on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/IADLnow. Have family and friends join the IADL at https://iadlnow.org/become-a-member. If you have any questions about the IADL or Christopher Columbus, email us at iadlnow@yahoo.com. Now is the time!

IADL Newsletter

July 3, 2022

In Chile, the Winter Solstice on June 21st was celebrated as Indigenous Peoples’ Day for the second consecutive year. In addition to this day in Chile, days honoring Indigenous peoples take place in August, September, October, and November. Moreover, November is Native American History Month and includes Native American Week. Why is it necessary to denigrate Italian Americans on the second Monday of October by replacing Columbus Day?

In Watertown, Massachusetts, the city council did not take action on renaming a grassy area and removing an engraving on a Columbus Delta in Watertown Square, but will continue to explore a name change. Supporters of the Columbus Delta stated, “Italian immigrants to Watertown dedicated the delta to a man they considered a hero, and it was a way of becoming part of American society after many endured discrimination and violence. They said removing Columbus’ name insults Italian Americans and disrespects what previous generations went through.”

At the Massachusetts statehouse, two bills, Bill H3191/S2027, currently sit in committee that would change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Action on the bills must be taken by July 15th, so be sure to contact the committee. Send correspondences to: Jordan Pouliot Latham, Research and Communications Director, Office of State Representative Antonio F.D. Cabral, Chair; Joint Committee on State Administration & Regulatory Oversight, 13th Bristol District, New Bedford, jordan.latham@mahouse.gov, (pronouns: she/her), 617-722-2017 (leave a message).

Promote Education

In celebration of the Fourth of July, read about Italian Filippo Mazzei, a major influencer of the Declaration of Independence and friend of Thomas Jefferson. Mazzei was a merchant and learned man, often credited with the phrase “all men are created equal.” This article shows Mazzei’s exact words in Italian, “Tutti gli uomini sono per natura egualmente liberi e indipenti (All men are by nature equally free and independent)” in Mazzei’s essay, ‘Furioso.’ After being imprisoned by the British, he was released, and later improved diplomatic relations between France and Poland. Read more about Mazzei, here, an Italian proponent of the American Revolution. In addition to Mazzei, here is a list of Italians of the American Revolution.

Portray Italians Positively

The Italian American Once Voice Coalition announced the passing of its founder. Dr. Manny Alfano “is nationally and internationally recognized as a leader in activism and defense of Italian American heritage and culture. This passion for his heritage inspired him to create an organization solely dedicated to that mission. In 1992 he founded IAOVC in an effort to unite Italian American organizations and individuals into a coalition to oppose stereotyping, discrimination and denigration of Italian Americans. He created, compiled and distributed The Alfano Digest, IAOVC’s regular email newsletter, to more than 5,000 individuals and Italian American organizations nationwide. The Digest issues alerts on instances of bias, stereotyping, discrimination and defamation and contains informative and educational Italian American cultural and heritage information.” Continue reading IAOVC’s press release.

Stanley Tucci is an American actor of Italian descent. He is teaming up with S.Pellegrino as a promoter. He relates drinking the bottled water to summer by saying, "In Italy, the spirit of summer comes alive in the simple things. It's about the wonderful times spent relaxing outdoors and gathering around the table with family and friends. S.Pellegrino fits naturally into those moments. While they may be divided on the country's best dish, Italians collectively enjoy an extended summer holiday. This creates an amazing sense of community nationwide. I hope our celebration of this time-honored tradition inspires Americans to give it a try." Outside of promoting his favorite bottled water, Tucci speaks about his experience as an Italian American. Watch Tucci’s interview on People TV.

Preserve Traditions

In Newark, New Jersey, a state historical commission panel rejected plans to approve a Harriet Tubman monument that would replace the already removed Christopher Columbus statue. A historical commission representative, Flavia Alaya, says that replacing the statue of one group over another is “confrontational.” Alaya stated that “wiping out” the representation of Italian Americans makes Newark “less inclusive.” Furthermore, most of the stakeholders involved, including Newark Landmark Founder Liz Del Tufo, believe that Harriet Tubman is a heroine who is worthy of recognition, but also agree that Italian Americans need recognition to preserve the area’s history. According to article, “the winning proposal didn’t include any local Italian-Americans or members of preservation groups.” Del Tufo stated, “The plan is a disaster, causing chaos and accomplishing nothing.”

There is so much to do to honor and celebrate Italian heritage. Here is a list of upcoming events. Please email IADL if you would like to add an event to this list:

In Clinton, CT, the Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring an International Food and Beer Festival on Friday, July 8th from 4 – 8 p.m. behind the town hall at 54 East Main Street. There will be 15 to 20 vendors, Italian wines, and entertainment that includes an Italian opera singer.
Southington, Connecticut’s Italian American Festival is set for Friday, July 29th, Saturday, July 30th, and Sunday July 31st. Read about the event, here, sponsored by the Sons of Italy, Sorelle d'Italia in America and Southington Unico.
In New Britain, CT on Sunday, September 25th, enjoy food, fun, eating contests, homemade wine contests, and raise funds for scholarships at Festa Italiana at 13 Beaver Street beginning at 9 a.m. “Chi mangia bene, vive bene!”
The Greater New Haven Italian American Heritage Committee held its kickoff event at Silver Sands Beach Club last week. The committee is seeking sponsors and marchers for its October 9, 2022 Columbus Day Parade in East Haven, Connecticut. For more information, read this article and go to the committee’s website.

IADL NewsLetter

June 26, 2022

There is conflicting news in Martha’s Vineyard for Italian Americans. On one hand, Italian American history is being recognized as Author Elisa M. Speranza signs her book, The Italian Prisoner, set in 1943 in New Orleans, at a local bookshop. “The Italian Prisoner does a smoothly confident job drawing readers into the world of wartime New Orleans. The dynamics of foreign prisoners of war spending years quartered in American cities and towns will be unfamiliar to many readers, and those dynamics are well-drawn in these pages. The novel belongs entirely to [the main character] Rose, but nevertheless, the large cast of secondary characters are well fleshed-out and often represent different life-paths or choices than the ones Rose herself makes.” For more information and to read the rest of the article about today’s book signing, click here.

On the other hand, the trend to “cancel” Columbus Day, a traditional American and Italian holiday, continues in Massachusetts as more Martha’s Vineyard schools replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This initiative against Columbus Day is the exact opposite of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Read more about Martha’s Vineyard’s Diversity Coalition’s decision, here. Does this decision help rich and entitled members of the coalition feel good about themselves and justify their wealth and privilege?

Promote Education

Interfaith coalitions have become a force in social change, specifically in the canceling of Columbus Day and anti-Catholic propaganda. In Rochester, New York, the city council and mayor passed a resolution to change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day. “Throughout the process, Pollack [Planning Committee Member] said she sought to center Indigenous perspectives while also highlighting the shortcomings of the Catholic Church among her non-Native peers.” Again, this is evidence that the “canceling” of Columbus Day is a by-product of a larger social agenda. Looking back at the 500th Anniversary of Columbus’ discovery, the National Council of Ministers in Christ in the USA, more of a political than religious organization, passed an anti-Columbus resolution.

It is ironic that a coalition of Protestant ministers criticize Columbus when it was the Dutch and English that decimated Native Americans in the Northeast. In 1637, English Captain John Mason, in an alliance with about 500 Niantics, Mohegans, Narragansetts, and 90 English colonists massacred Pequots living near today’s Mystic, Connecticut, without sparing women and children. The Dutch sided with the Pequots eventually losing the war. Furthermore, this leads to important questions: When will these interfaith coalitions and Native Americans take ownership of their own roles in the destruction of Native American civilizations? When will they stop playing the blame game against Columbus while disregarding the importance of Columbus Day to Italian Americans and Catholics?

Portray Italians Positively

Two athletes of Italian descent are being recognized today, one posthumously and another at the onset of his professional career. Former Pittsburgh Panther and NFL Defensive Tackle Tony Siragusa passed away at the age of 55 last week. Siragusa was known for his focus, strength, and determination as a member of the Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens. On and off the field, Siragusa was known for his “larger than life” personality as a player and broadcaster. Read about Siragusa’s career in the New York Times, read social media tributes, and watch a Raven’s video from May 2022. In Siragusa’s book, he wrote, “"I was born in Kenilworth, [NJ] a two-square-mile borough that seemed like it was 99 percent Italian. My mother used to stand on the back steps and yell, 'Anthony!' and twenty kids would come running. We had pasta for every meal."

Just like many Americans, a closer examination of one’s descent is a mixture of ethnicities and races. This is true for Former Duke University basketball standout Paolo Banchero. Banchero is the first person of Italian-American descent to be the number one pick in an NBA draft. He is an Italian citizen and played for the Azzurri, Italy’s national team. Last year, Banchero led Duke to the Final Four, averaging 17 points per game. Banchero reflected on his family background by saying, “I’m proud to wear the Azzurri jersey. I will never forget when I received it for the first time. I have it framed in my room. I’m proud to be playing for Italy and proud of the heritage of my family.” Now Banchero is a player on the Orlando Magic.

Preserve Traditions

Today, Sunday, June 26th, is the last day to attend the 122nd Saint Andrew Society Festa of Italian American Culture in New Haven, CT. Watch this video of Thursday’s opening night. For more information about the Saint Andrew Festa, follow them on Facebook. Learn more about St. Andrea, the patron saint of Amalfi and his feast day. Here is today’s schedule of events in New Haven:

10 a.m. Old World Traditional Procession Through Historic Wooster Square
11:30 a.m. A Liturgical Mass at the Church of Saint Michael in Wooster Square
2:30 p.m. “Let the Festa Begin” at 515 Chapel Street
3 p.m. Connecticut Yankee Barbershop Chorus
4 p.m. Jukebox 45: 50’s and 60’s Oldies and Doo Wop Dance Band
7 p.m. Honors, Scholarships, and Awards Ceremony

Here is a list of upcoming events. There is so much to do to honor and celebrate Italian heritage. Please email IADL if you would like to add an event to this list:

In Clinton, CT, the Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring an International Food and Beer Festival on Friday, July 8th from 4 – 8 p.m. behind the town hall at 54 East Main Street. There will be 15 to 20 vendors, Italian wines, and entertainment that includes an Italian opera singer.
Southington, Connecticut’s Italian American Festival is set for Friday, July 29th, Saturday, July 30th, and Sunday July 31st. Read about the event, here, sponsored by the Sons of Italy, Sorelle d'Italia in America and Southington Unico.
In New Britain, CT on Sunday, September 25th, enjoy food, fun, eating contests, homemade wine contests, and raise funds for scholarships at Festa Italiana at 13 Beaver Street beginning at 9 a.m. “Chi mangia bene, vive bene!”
The Greater New Haven Italian American Heritage Committee held its kickoff event at Silver Sands Beach Club last week. The committee is seeking sponsors and marchers for its October 9, 2022 Columbus Day Parade in East Haven, Connecticut. For more information, read this article and go to the committee’s website.

IADL Newsletter

June 19, 2022

Often Italian Americans are asked the question: Why should we celebrate Christopher Columbus when there are so many other Italians we can honor? No doubt, there are many people of Italian descent that have made major contributions to the human race, past and present. Though there are many individuals to honor, there is no one better than Christopher Columbus. Columbus was a faithful man of modest circumstances from the Italian peninsula. He waited almost his entire life to have the privilege of sailing as a trusted servant of Queen Isabella. He sought to spread Catholicism, set-up trade posts with the Grand Khan of Asia, and earn respect for his family’s name. Because his discovery united the entire world and began what we call today globalization, millions of immigrants seeking a better life had and will have the opportunity to become Americans – all because of the courage, knowledge, and vision of one man. As an Italian-American, I am humbled to be connected to the origins of America’s founding. Read more about how Columbus brought the world together, here.

Special Fundraising Opportunity

Make a donation to the IADL and receive Christopher Columbus The Hero: Defending Columbus from Modern-Day Revisionism by Rafael Ortiz as a free gift. For a $30 online recommended donation to the Italian-American Defense League, we will mail you a free copy of Ortiz’s book. Click here to donate $30 and receive the free 237-page book. When paying online, write “Spanish” if you would like a copy in Spanish. The book counters every anti-Columbus accusation, a perfect gift for indoctrinated high schoolers or college students. Also, give a copy to local board chairs or representatives. Plus, you’re helping a good cause!

Promote Education

Two years ago, then high school student Tessa Rock, with little knowledge about Columbus, wrote in a petition to remove New London’s Columbus statue. “Columbus never stepped foot in North America, and he represented a time in which Native people were exploited for the benefit of European powers.” Her statement shows her immaturity because the Caribbean is part of North America and Columbus sailed along the coast of South America, Central America, and Cuba. Furthermore, Ponce De Leon and Amerigo Vespucci were sailors accompanying Columbus on his four voyages, so to discredit Columbus’ European discovery is juvenile at best. The second part of Rock’s statement shows that those discrediting Columbus know nothing about him. They are using Columbus as a symbol to represent all the sins of the past, rather than looking at the details.

New London Mayor Passero gave in. On June 9, 2020, the city’s Columbus statue was vandalized. On June 14th, Passero removed the statue for “public safety” and the City Council voted to permanently remove the statue on June 16th. The following November 2020, the City Council voted to change Columbus Day to Italian Heritage Day, without any consideration from Italian-American Organizations. The statue was a gift to the city by Italian immigrants on October 12, 1928.

In January 2021, IADL was founded after multiple speaking attempts by individuals were ignored in New London, New Haven (more on that next week), and across the nation. People of Italian descent and patriotic Americans must continue to unite to honor the past, but recognize mistakes, so we can build a better future. The good outweighs the evil, and that is something to celebrate. New London’s Christopher Columbus Statue remains in an undisclosed location despite multiple groups offering to accept the statue.

Portray Italians Positively

Here is a break from Columbus, as we tune-in to the beauty of everything Italian. There is no one who better portrays Italians than Tenor Andrea Bocelli. He is touring the United States and will make an appearance in Bridgeport, CT on Sunday, December 11, 2022. Bocelli is described as “the timeless, global sound of classical opera music.” Read more, here or listen to his “Music for Hope,” April 2020 performance to unite the world in love and healing.

Preserve Traditions

Even though Father’s Day in Italy is celebrated during March on the Feast of Saint Joseph, Festa di San Guiseppe, happy Father’s Day to all the Italian American fathers. Even today, we can keep in mind that St. Joseph is the epitome of an all loving and selfless father figure.

Here is a list of upcoming events. Added this week is Festa Italiana in New Britain! So much to do to honor and celebrate Italian heritage. Please email IADL if you would like to add an event to this list:

On Saturday, June 25, 2022, the Gravinese Society will sponsor a dinner dance with tarantella dancers, an open bar, and live music by Vanessa Racci. Cocktails start at 6:00 with dinner following. For more information, email GravineseSociety@gmail.com . Location: Italian Center of Stamford, 1620 Newfield Avenue, Stamford, CT; Cost is $125 per person.
In Clinton, CT, the Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring an International Food and Beer Festival on Friday, July 8th from 4 – 8 p.m. behind the town hall at 54 East Main Street. There will be 15 to 20 vendors, Italian wines, and entertainment that includes an Italian opera singer.
Southington, Connecticut’s Italian American Festival is set for Friday, July 29th, Saturday, July 30th, and Sunday July 31st. Read about the event, here, sponsored by the Sons of Italy, Sorelle d'Italia in America and Southington Unico.
In New Britain, CT on Sunday, September 25th, enjoy food, fun, eating contests, homemade wine contests, and raise funds for scholarships at Festa Italiana at 13 Beaver Street beginning at 9 a.m. “Chi mangia bene, vive bene!”
The Greater New Haven Italian American Heritage Committee held its kickoff event at Silver Sands Beach Club last week. The committee is seeking sponsors and marchers for its October 9, 2022 Columbus Day Parade in East Haven, Connecticut. For more information, read this article and go to the committee’s website.

Though IADL membership is free, consider making a donation. Help IADL fulfill its mission! IADL is an all-volunteer organization and needs your support. Click on one of the donor links to pay with PayPal or debit/credit card. Levels of Donors: Tier 1: Giovanni da Verrazzano - $20.00 . Tier 2: Amerigo Vespucci - $50.00 . Tier 3: Christopher Columbus - $100.00 . Follow IADL on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/IADLnow. Have family and friends join the IADL at: https://iadlnow.org/become-a-member. If you have any questions about the IADL or Christopher Columbus, email us at iadlnow@yahoo.com. Now is the time!

IADL Newsletter

June 12, 2022

At the Madison, Connecticut board of education meeting on Tuesday, June 7, the VFW awarded Italian-American Christopher Pagliuca its “Teacher of the Year” award. Watch the brief video clip, here. Congratulations to Pagliuca on his achievement, dedication to students, and respect for veterans. Earlier in the evening, the IADL President read a public statement regarding Columbus Day on the school calendar. Listen to the statement on YouTube. I am optimistic that there will be a positive outcome in Madison. The superintendent and board acts with professionalism and kindness.

In Stonington, Connecticut, Board of Education Chair Farouk Rajab amended the agenda upon IADL’s arrival to exclude diversity, equity, and inclusion from the agenda. Was this coincidence or a tactic because public comment at the onset of the meeting is only on agenda items? When attempting public comment, Rajab stated that only Stonington residents could comment. The IADL President cited Open Meeting Law and was permitted to speak. Here is the video of the public comments. At the end of the meeting during additional board concerns/comments, Rajab asked the tech department to shut off the microphone because he said he researched Open Meeting Law and it is past practice that only Stonington residents could speak. At the end of the meeting, Rajab tore up my card and said, “You are not welcome in Stonington!” One might question if Rajab is fit for public office.

Special Fundraising Opportunity

Make a donation to the IADL and receive Christopher Columbus The Hero: Defending Columbus from Modern-Day Revisionism by Rafael Ortiz as a free gift. For a $30 online recommended donation to the Italian-American Defense League, we will mail you a free copy of Ortiz’s book. Click here to donate $30 and receive the free 237-page book. When paying online, write “Spanish” if you would like a copy in Spanish. Also include your mailing address. In person, we recommend a donation of $20. The extra $10 online covers PayPal fees, packaging, and postage costs.

Promote Education

Here are some little-known facts about Italian-American history by the Sons of Italy and National Italian American Foundation:

John Cabot [1450 c. - 1498], born Giovanni Caboto, discovered North America in 1497. Cabot sailed for the British. His voyage led to the English colonization of America. His son, Sebastian Cabot [1482-1557] explored South America for Spain.
Two signers of the Declaration of Independence were of Italian descent: Maryland’s William Paca and Delaware’s Caesar Rodney.
Five to ten thousand Italians fought in the Civil War for both the Union and the Confederacy. Three were Union generals. One Union officer, Col. Luigi Palma di Cesnola received one of the first Medals of Honor. He later became the first director of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Italian immigrant Attilio Piccirilli and his five brothers carved the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. They also carved the lions on the steps of the New York Public Library and the facade of the Brooklyn Museum among many other works.
In 1978, at age 38, A. Bartlett Giamatti (1940-1989) became the youngest president of Yale University in 200 years and the first president not of Anglo-Saxon heritage. He served until 1986, leaving to become president of the National League and later commissioner of major league baseball.
Ed McBain (1926-2005), a master of the police novel, was born Salvatore Albert Lombino in New York’s East Harlem, but changed his name when a publisher told him it was “too hard to pronounce.” Over 50 of his novels were published, some under the name “Evan Hunter.” Many focused on the work of beat cops and forensic detectives.
The only enlisted Marine in World War II who earned the nation’s two highest military honors, the Navy Cross and the Medal of Honor, was John Basilone, a U.S. Marine sergeant, who died at the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. He received the U.S. Medal of Honor in 1942 and was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for heroism at Iwo Jima during February 1945. He was honored with a commemorative stamp in 2005.
Robert Gallo, M.D., a research scientist and virologist, co-discovered the AIDS virus in 1984 and developed a blood test to screen for the disease. In 1978, he discovered and isolated the virus that is linked to leukemia.
Susan Sarandon, Bruce Springsteen and Georgia O’Keeffe are of Italian descent

Source: https://www.osia.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Columbus05_factvsfiction.pdf

Portray Italians Positively

The American-Italian Women of Greater New Haven have an inner fortitude and appreciation for Italian-American Heritage and Culture that many men on the Wooster Square Monument Committee lacked. The Wooster Square Committee chose to compromise and approve an Italian immigration statue, but the Italian women know true facts about Columbus, not political revisionist lies. Columbus ties Italians to the founding of this nation which makes Columbus Day an American holiday, not just an Italian-American holiday. The Italian women face a set-back with their lawsuit against the City of New Haven, but they haven’t given up! Read about how the court dismissed the lawsuit, but there is still time for the Italian women to refile.

Preserve Traditions

Here is a list of upcoming events. Please email IADL if you would like to add an event to this list:

On Saturday, June 25, 2022, the Gravinese Society will sponsor a dinner dance with tarantella dancers, an open bar, and live music by Vanessa Racci. Cocktails start at 6:00 with dinner following. For more information, email GravineseSociety@gmail.com . Location: Italian Center of Stamford, 1620 Newfield Avenue, Stamford, CT; Cost is $125 per person.
In Clinton, CT, the Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring an International Food and Beer Festival on Friday, July 8th from 4 – 8 p.m. behind the town hall at 54 East Main Street. There will be 15 to 20 vendors, Italian wines, and entertainment that includes an Italian opera singer.
Southington, Connecticut’s Italian American Festival is set for Friday, July 29th, Saturday, July 30th, and Sunday July 31st. Read about the event, here, sponsored by the Sons of Italy, Sorelle d'Italia in America and Southington Unico.
The Greater New Haven Italian American Heritage Committee held its kickoff event at Silver Sands Beach Club last week. The committee is seeking sponsors and marchers for its October 9, 2022 Columbus Day Parade in East Haven, Connecticut. For more information, read this article and go to the committee’s website.

IADL Newsletter

June 5, 2022

The story of Chula Vista, California near San Diego is similar to that of New Haven and New London, Connecticut. City officials removed Columbus statues in each of the cities. What will come of these statues? San Diego’s Knights of Columbus and Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America are interested in receiving Chula Vista’s statue, but city officials are requiring the recipient to cover the costs. New Haven is set to erect a new immigration statue, but what about the removed Columbus statue? Worse yet, New London officials refuse to even engage in a dialogue about relocating the city’s statue. Do you believe in the preservation of art history?

In Madison, Connecticut, a board of education meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 7 at 7:30 at Daniel Hand High School. Columbus Day and the school calendar are not on the agenda, but it is important to speak in favor of returning Columbus Day to the school calendar during public participation.

In Stonington, Connecticut, a member of the public Ashley Toole spoke in favor of Columbus Day at the board of education’s May 12th meeting. The draft meeting notes state, “She would like administration to revisit the issue of Columbus Day on the school calendar. She suggested maybe there is an opportunity to recognize both days Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day.” The next BOE meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 9 at 6:30 in the District Office Board Room.

Special Fundraising Opportunity

Make a donation to the IADL and receive Christopher Columbus The Hero: Defending Columbus from Modern-Day Revisionism by Rafael Ortiz as a free gift. For a $30 online recommended donation to the Italian-American Defense League, we will mail you a free copy of Ortiz’s book. Click here to donate $30 and receive the free 237-page book. When paying online, write “Spanish” if you would like a copy in Spanish. Also include your mailing address. In person, we recommend a donation of $20. The extra $10 online covers PayPal fees, packaging, and postage costs.

Promote Education

June 2nd was Italian Republic Day, a national holiday, similar to our Fourth of July, to celebrate the decision of the Italian people to choose a republic over a monarchy after WWII in 1946. Also this week in honor of D-Day, June 6, 1944, read about the battle for Italy. “For almost two years during the Second World War (1939-45), the Allies fought an attritional campaign in Italy against a resolute and skillful enemy. Far from being the ‘soft underbelly of Europe’, Italy became one of the war’s most exhausting campaigns.”

Portray Italians Positively

After receiving three negative comments about being Italian in three days, this opinion piece struck a chord with me. One comment had to do with being inducted into the mafia, one about Italians being overly emotional, and another comparing a leadership role to being the Godfather. Enough is enough! Let us focus on “the positive contributions that Italians have made in the world.”

Preserve Traditions

Southington, Connecticut’s Italian American Festival is set for Friday, July 29th, Saturday, July 30th, and Sunday July 31st. Read about the event, here, sponsored by the Sons of Italy, Sorelle d'Italia in America and Southington Unico.

The Greater New Haven Italian American Heritage Committee held its kickoff event at Silver Sands Beach Club last week. The committee is seeking sponsors and marchers for its October 9, 2022 Columbus Day Parade in East Haven, Connecticut. For more information, read this article and go to the committee’s website.

IADL NEWSLETTER

May 29, 2022

Special Fundraising Opportunity

Recently, I was speaking to a parent of a high school student. The parent left a copy of the book: Christopher Columbus The Hero: Defending Columbus from Modern-Day Revisionism by Rafael Ortiz on the kitchen counter. Upon seeing the book, the child and her friends started repeating many of the lies that they are being taught about Columbus. Wouldn’t the book be a great gift for students or any adult taking an honest look at historical events in context?

For a $30 online recommended donation to the Italian-American Defense League, we will mail you a free copy of Ortiz’s book. In person, we recommend a donation of $20. The extra $10 online covers PayPal fees, packaging, and postage costs. Make a difference in the lives of children in your life and adults who are against political revisionist history and could use a resource to battle the propaganda that many accept as fact, today. Click here to donate $30 and receive the free 237-page book. Copies are also available in Spanish.

In other news, Actor Ray Liotta, most famous for his role in “Goodfellas” died at the age of 67. Did you know that Liotta was adopted by Italian-American parents and recently discovered he was of Scottish descent? Read about Liotta’s life and achievements in this Vanity Fair article. There is no doubt about Liotta’s contributions to some of the most successful films of all time.

Promote Education

In honor of Memorial Day, read the story of fifteen Italian-American soldiers (If you open the link in a Google browser, you may have to click “translate” to read the article in English), heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice to save the world and liberate Italy during World War II. This long forgotten platoon is remembered today. “The "Silver Star" and "Purple Heart" were awarded to all the "fifteen: Sgt De Flumeri, Sgt Vieceli, T / 5 Tremonte (also awarded the" Bronze Arrowhead "), T / 5 Sirico, T / 5 Leone, T / 5 Libardi, T / 5 Squatrito rest in the Florence American Cemetery; Sgt Noia and Lt Traficante in the Calvary Cemetery in Woodside, NY; Lt Russo in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery of Upper Montclair, NJ, T / 5 Mauro in St. John's Cemetery in Middle Village NY, T / 5 Calcara in Mazara del Vallo and a park in Detroit is dedicated to him, T / 5 Farrell (also awarded the Bronze Arrowhead) in St. Thomas' Cemetery in Fairfield Connecticut, T / 5 Di Sclafani in the Cypress Hills Cemetery, NY, T / 5 Savino in the Long Island National Cemetery in East Farmingdale NY.”

Portray Italians Positively

East 189th Street and Belmont Avenue in Little Italy in New York City are now named “Phil Foglia Way.” Foglia was a Bronx Assistant District Attorney who “filed a federal lawsuit against City University of New York (CUNY), alleging that the university routinely discriminated against Italian Americans in its hiring practices. A legal settlement was reached between CUNY and Foglia, which led the university to officially recognizing Italian Americans as an underrepresented demographic group in its staff hiring decisions.” Read about this champion of New York’s Italian-American community, here.

Preserve Traditions

Now that the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic is over, many municipalities and civic organizations are moving on with traditional parades and celebrations. For example, the 43rd Annual Italian Heritage Festival is on in Clarksburg, West Virginia in September. Also, the Italian American Alliance is holding Festa Italiana in Waltham, Massachusetts on Saturday, June 11th. In East Haven, Connecticut, the Greater New Haven Italian-American Heritage Committee is holding its parade on Sunday, October 9, 2022. Read more about the committee on its website.

IADL Newsletter

May 22, 2022

Local boards of education seem to be breaking their own policies. In Stonington, Connecticut where Indigenous Peoples’ Day replaced Columbus Day, Policy 6111 states, “The school calendar shall show school days in each school month, the number of school days in each month, legal and local holidays, staff development days, early closing days, vacation periods, and other pertinent dates, including graduation for students in grade twelve."

In Guilford, Connecticut where there is a shared Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day on the school calendar, BOE Policy 6110 states, "The school calendar shall show and identify school days in each school month, the number of school days in each month, legal and local holidays, staff development days, early closing days, vacation periods, and other pertinent dates.” Columbus Day has more precedent over Indigenous Peoples’ Day because that is the name of the Federal Holiday. Furthermore, U.S. Congress and presidents of four different time periods passed laws honoring Native Americans in November or the Friday after Thanksgiving, yet Indigenous Peoples are now recognized during Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month, not Native American Heritage Month.

In Madison, Connecticut the Board of Education Policy Committee is reviewing Policy 6030 on Tuesday. On the district calendar, the second Monday of October is listed as “School Holiday,” with no mention of Columbus Day. The policy states, “The Board of Education shall establish an official school calendar which shall show the number of school days in each month, legal and local holidays . . . observe Labor Day, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Thanksgiving Day (Thursday and Friday), Martin Luther King Day, Good Friday, and Memorial Day as holidays for students;”. Will the BOE add Columbus Day in October, Indigenous Peoples’ Day in November, and Juneteenth in June, days worthy of celebration for all Americans? Stay tuned.

Promote Education

Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America published a document explaining what Columbus accomplished. Here is an excerpt from OSDIA.

HISTORICAL:

Columbus proved that it was possible to safely cross the Atlantic Ocean.
Columbus founded the first permanent European settlement in the Western Hemisphere, Hispaniola (now Haiti and the Dominican Republic).
Columbus was the first to open relations between Europe and the Western Hemisphere. His voyages mark the beginning of more than 500 years of cultural, economic and political relations between Europe and the Americas.
The recorded history of the Western Hemisphere begins with Columbus. There was no written history about these vast continents before his arrival in 1492.

NAVIGATIONAL:

Columbus was the first European to realize the full importance of the Atlantic wind pattern called the prevailing Westerlies, which blew steadily west to east. This convinced him it was possible to sail west with the Trade Winds to the New World and return to Europe with the Westerlies.
During his four transatlantic voyages, Columbus chartered the route for what today are the islands of Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the Lesser Antilles and the coasts of Panama, Honduras and Venezuela.
Columbus’ trans-Atlantic route lay the foundation for future navigation in the region. His maps were used by Amerigo Vespucci (after whom the American continent takes its name), whose maps were used by later explorers of South America.
The route across the Atlantic Ocean that Columbus charted in the 15th century is still used by sailors today.
Columbus introduced the principle of compass variation (the variation at any point on the Earth’s surface between the direction to magnetic and geographic north) and observed the rotation of the Pole star.

(Source: https://www.osia.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Columbus05_factvsfiction.pdf)

Portray Italians Positively

CEO and President Andre Dimino of ADM Tronics is a champion of Italian-American civil rights as Communications Director of the Italian-American One Voice Coalition. In the field of science and engineering, he carries on the tradition of Italian ingenuity. His company ADM Tronics uses cutting edge technology to create medical devices. Recently, Dimino was honored by his appointment to the board of the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program. Like Italian Physicist Guglielmo Marconi and these 23 Italian physicists, Dimino represents people of Italian descent positively.

Preserve Traditions

Since, 1880 the Italian-American newspaper called “Il Progresso” has been a medium that connected Americans with all things Italian. In 1988, another newspaper called “America Oggi” was founded. Italian-American newspapers served the Italian-American community with news, heritage, and culture. This summer, North Sixth Group will revamp the two newspapers and create a digital platform called, “America Domani.” CEO and Publisher Al DiGuido says, “As a proud Italian American, it is an honor to bring together Americans of all backgrounds who share a passion and love for Italy.” Read the entire article, here.