IADL Newsletter

February 5, 2023

As thermometers displayed zero-degree temperatures on Friday and Saturday, perhaps you began dreaming about summer. If an Italian vacation is in your future, would you dine at an Italian McDonalds? One American did and compared American McDonald cuisine to its Italian counterpart. Would you rather eat an Italian or American Big Mac? Find out here. Maybe you’re thinking, “No way will I eat at a McDonalds!” Capicola, mortadella, salami, pepperoni, or prosciutto are more of an authentic Italian experience. If so, read how to make the perfect Italian sandwich.

Promote Education

On a more serious note, what new information did Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro read before flip-flopping on Columbus by supporting the renaming of the holiday in New Haven and removing the statue? Was it that her political base in New Haven changed? Did she bow down to pressure and blow with the political wind? Were too many of the “old” Italian guards of Wooster Square deceased? Here are some excerpts of Rosa’s words from the Library of Congress and news articles that show her strong support of Columbus and then her flip-flop.

September 27, 1996 – Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro states Columbus discovered America and calls an OpSail event, one of which celebrated the 500th Anniversary of Columbus’ discovery, a “glorious event.”

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my Republican colleague’s request to pass Senate Joint Resolution 64 by unanimous consent request. Senate Joint Resolution 64 is a bipartisan resolution honoring the OperationSail Organization and OpSail 2000, an international gathering of tall ships that will take place in New York Harbor to celebrate the 224th birthday of the United States and to welcome the new millennium. This glorious event follows the tradition of the previous OpSail events: OpSail ’76 which celebrated the bicentennial of the Nation; OpSail ’86 which celebrated the centennial of the Statue of Liberty; and, OpSail ’92 which celebrated the 500th anniversary of Columbus’ discovery of North America.

November 20, 2004 – Congresswoman DeLauro eulogizes Tom Foglietta for naming “Christopher Columbus Boulevard” in Philadelphia and for raising funds to preserve Columbus’ home in Genoa, Italy.

A fellow Italian-American, Tom [Foglietta] and I often discussed how it was our parents’ example serving on our respective city councils—his in Philadelphia, mine in New Haven—that inspired us to enter a life of politics and give back to the communities that had given us so much. He knew that preserving our heritage was a matter of values, which is why as a Member of Congress he took on the fight back home to create Christopher Columbus Boulevard in south Philly. When he become Ambassador to Italy, Tom made and kept a commitment to visit every province in Italy. To Tom, Italy was not some foreign place—it was his new district. When the First Lady introduced the Save America’s Treasures project, Tom worked to raise private funds to preserve Christopher Columbus’ childhood home in Genoa. In truth, it would not be the last time his passion for the job would make officials in the State Department crazy. I will never forget his signature moment—when he knelt down in prayer for the victims in the Cavalese cable-car tragedy, sending a powerful message to the world that America weeps for the sons and daughters of its allies are as if they were our very own.

October 22, 2019 - DeLauro is criticized by Yale Daily News for her support of keeping the name “Christopher Columbus Family Academy” on a local school.

We ought to be more focused on the repression of immigrants (today) than concerning ourselves with trying to denigrate someone else who created an immigrant experience.

June 18, 2020 – DeLauro eulogizes a matriarch who “worked to revive the Columbus Day celebration in New Haven.”

Theresa [Carrano Argento] dedicated most of her adult life to preserving and celebrating the community and its members’ shared Italian heritage. She was a founding member of the Saint Andrew’s Ladies Auxiliary, the women’s branch of one of New Haven’s Italian-American Societies and an organization she led for decades before stepping down only a few short years ago. She was also a dedicated communicant of St. Michael’s Church, Connecticut’s oldest Italian church, organizing and supporting fundraisers and even serving as its bookkeeper for a time. She worked to revive the Columbus Day celebration in New Haven and was a constant presence at Wooster Square’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival. She was a member, and often served in the leadership, of most of the Italian-American clubs and organizations in the community. Theresa understood the importance of preserving and sharing that culture and those traditions with new generations. She was, in a word, remarkable. Theresa was a matriarch in the Wooster Square community, much like my own mother, Luisa.

June 25, 2020 – Seven days after honoring Argento for her involvement in the revival of the Columbus Day celebration and one day after the city’s Columbus statue is removed, DeLauro publicly justifies her flip-flop.

I supported the decision of Wooster Square community leaders to take down the statue of Christopher Columbus and move it to a place for civic education and to replace it with a new statue that honors the contributions of Italian immigrants and America’s rich immigrant history. I also support renaming the Christopher Columbus Family Academy.

The focus on “Christopher Columbus” and what happened in the Americas to Native peoples is an important period to be explored and re-examined as we reunite our country, but it has nothing to do with why my mother and I and communities across the New Haven area were celebrating Columbus Day every year. . .

I attended and spoke at nearly every Columbus Day dinner before and after being elected to the U.S. Congress. I sometimes spoke of Columbus’ navigation skills. But my speeches were about the Italian-American immigrant experience. I reminded people that America is a nation of immigrants and that our ancestors would have not been able to come if our current refugee and immigration policies were in place then.

On October 22, 1892, Mayor Joseph Sargent stated in the Morning Journal-Courier, “I pledge to you the care and keeping of this statue by the city. It will stay here as a pledge of the loyalty of the Italians of this country to the nation and its flag.” If erecting the statue was a pledge of loyalty to our country, does that mean supporters of its removal renounced their loyalty to our country? Furthermore, has DeLauro worked to take the statue out of storage? Isn’t Wooster Square the best location to use the statue for civic education within the enclave of the Italian-American experience in New Haven?

Portray Italians Positively

Tenor Anthony Nunciata, born in Brooklyn, NY and now residing in Nashville, TN, creates music that all can enjoy. While many perceive Italian music as an artform of the past, Nunciata’s music is modern, romantic, and relevant. Some songs have a country twang. Broadwayworld described his music as an “explosion of love and entertainment.” Nunciata wrote the song, “The Gift is You,” to honor his own mother while she battled cancer. Watch his latest music video, “Don’t You Forget” using this YouTube link. Listen to Nunciata’s original music, a total of 16 songs on his website.

Preserve Traditions

Also in Tennessee last week, headlines read that lawmakers in the state proposed a bill to add Super Bowl Monday as a state holiday in lieu of Columbus Day. One inaccuracy in much of the reporting is that Super Bowl Monday would replace Columbus Day. The fact is that Columbus Day was already eliminated as a state holiday in Tennessee after lawmakers replaced it with the Friday after Thanksgiving. Read more about the Tennessee bill that would delight National Football League fans.

In Nortvale, NJ, Italian One Voice Coalition is praising Toms River Regional School District officials who restored Columbus Day to the region’s school calendar. IAOVC President Andre Dimino stated, “Columbus Day is a crucial day to Italian Americans as an apology for the terrible discrimination, denigration, and lynchings our ancestors experienced in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.” Vice President Frank Lorenzo added, “A cultural holiday is significant to any group. By removing Columbus Day you're telling all the students here it doesn't mean anything.” Read the entire IAOVC press release here.

Upcoming Events:

Last chance to attend Taste of Italy: Enjoy authentic Italian food and enjoy the Musical Entertainment of Tony V. Friday, February 10, 6-9 p.m. Location: Father Callahan Hall – St. Agnes Church, 400 Merwin Avenue, Milford, CT. Includes Antipasto, Penne ale Vodka, Meatballs, Sausage & Peppers, Chicken Marsala, Eggplant Rollatini, Ensalada, Italian Pastry, Coffee, Wine, BYOB. Tables include 8 or more. $40 per person. For more information, call Dave (203) 824-3255 at or call Tony at (203) 722-3547.
If you are in the Waterbury area, this event is for you. It's the most wonderful time of the year!! Time to celebrate St. Joseph's & St. Patrick's Day with our signature event –the UNICO O’Talian Corned Beef Dinner! The 2023 Event will take place on Wednesday, March 8th at Aria Wedding & Banquet Facility in Prospect. Doors will open and dinner will be served at 6:30 PM. Family Style Meal Includes: Pasta e Fagioli, Sliced Corned Beef, Potatoes, Cabbage & Carrots with Italian Bread. In addition, each attendee will receive One Vanilla Custard Filled Traditional St. Joseph’s Day Zeppole from Chimirri’s Bakery. Soda/Water is included and there will be a Cash Bar. Ticket price is $35.00 per Person. No takeouts available. We will still require advanced purchases and on-line ordering. Order tickets here.
The Department of Italian Studies at Yale University announced dates for the “Annual Festival of New Italian Cinema” on April 20, 21, 22, and 23. Save the date! The films will be announced soon. For more information, visit the event's webpage.
Save the date, September 10, 2023 for Festa Italiana at 13 Beaver Street in New Britain, CT. Enjoy Italian Food, Culture and Fun!

To improve communication so it isn’t one way or filtered through IADL officers, email addresses are in the “TO” section of the email. Therefore, members can “REPLY ALL” and communicate with one another. The goal is to make our communications interactive and create more of a community atmosphere. IADL is an all-volunteer organization and needs your support. If you have any questions about the IADL or Christopher Columbus, email us at iadlnow@yahoo.com. Get involved. Now is the time!

IADL Newsletter

January 29, 2023

I couldn't help but notice that Groundhog’s Day and an Italian Catholic tradition called Candelora have something in common, predicting the weather on February 2nd. The Feast of Candlemas honors the purification of the Virgin Mary when she takes Jesus to the temple. On this day priests bless candles that will be used throughout the year. Some Italians believe that the weather on this holy day predicts winter weather or early spring. Snow and rain mean an early spring. Partly sunny or sunny weather means more winter. Sound familiar?

Promote Education

Many people of Italian descent have not been taught our Italian-American history and it has been lost over the generations since most Italian immigrants journeyed to our shores.

On October 21, 1892, the 400th Anniversary of Columbus’ discovery based on adjustments to the Gregorian Calendar, Mayor Joseph Sargent of New Haven stated, “It gives me great pleasure as mayor and chief executive of this city of New Haven to accept from you this beautiful and artistic statue. I pledge to you the care and keeping of this statue by the city. It will stay here as a pledge of the loyalty of the Italians of this country to the nation and its flag. I believe that all prejudices should be wiped out. Let such be the aim of future generations. Where the people to-day welcome the gift of this statue I accept the same, and in accepting it my mission here is ended.”

Earlier Paul Russo on behalf of united Italian societies stated, “May you never have cause to regret our entrance into your midst. May this enduring structure of bronze and stone indicate and incite a desire for art and science in the hearts and minds of those what follow us. May it cement the bond of friendship so long existing between our native and adopted countries. May it serve to eliminate the distinction between Italians and Americans, merging our race differences in the American citizen, working and striving for a common good and common purpose.”

Unfortunately, in schools, most of this history is ignored, or it is viewed through a present-day lens. It is up to Italian Americans and all Americans to speak the truth about Columbus and what he represents. It is our duty to counter the anti-Columbus movement, which is part of anti-Christian movements, historical revisionism, the decolonization movement, anti-capitalism, and pro-Marxist movements. Columbus is the “whipping boy” of people who want to fundamentally change the United States.

MSGR. Richard Antall, pastor of Holy Name Church in Cleveland, Ohio understands the complications of history. In this article from last year, “Redemption of Christopher Columbus,” Antall states, “History should give us a more complicated and nuanced view of human affairs, not a narrower one.” Blaming Columbus for all the sins of humanity is a gross oversimplification of history based on politics of our time, not history. This is one of the best articles to read about the political revisionism of Christopher Columbus.

Portray Italians Positively

Today we portray the successes of people of Italian descent and figure skating. Italian figure skater pairs finished number 1 and number 2 at the ISU European Skating Championships. Sara Conti and Niccolo Macii finished in first place. Rebecca Ghilardi and Filippo Ambrosini finished in second place. Read about the Pairs Free Skate competition here. Click here and scroll down to watch a quick clip of Conti and Macii in action on the ice. In the United States, teenager Isabeau Levito is the World Junior Champion. Yesterday the fifteen-year-old won her first U.S. title. Levito’s mother immigrated from Italy in 1997 and the young figure skater from New Jersey speaks Italian. Read about the future Olympian and her parents or watch her full winning performance on YouTube.

Preserve Traditions

In Philadelphia, just weeks after courts decided to unveil and keep the city’s Christopher Columbus statue, another decision was made in favor of the elimination of Columbus Day as a city holiday. According to this article, “A federal appeals court has upheld a lower court’s dismissal of a lawsuit alleging that the mayor of Philadelphia discriminated against Italian Americans in renaming the city’s Columbus Day holiday to Indigenous Peoples’ Day.” In other words, the plaintiff could not prove that Italians were harmed or that they were discriminated against by city officials. Read the entire article here.

Upcoming Events:

Taste of Italy: Enjoy authentic Italian food and enjoy the Musical Entertainment of Tony V. Friday, February 10, 6-9 p.m. Location: Father Callahan Hall – St. Agnes Church, 400 Merwin Avenue, Milford, CT. Includes Antipasto, Penne ale Vodka, Meatballs, Sausage & Peppers, Chicken Marsala, Eggplant Rollatini, Ensalada, Italian Pastry, Coffee, Wine, BYOB. Tables include 8 or more. Contact IADL if you would like to make a table.
If you are in the Waterbury area, this event is for you. It's the most wonderful time of the year!! Time to celebrate St. Joseph's & St. Patrick's Day with our signature event –the UNICO O’Talian Corned Beef Dinner! The 2023 Event will take place on Wednesday, March 8th at Aria Wedding & Banquet Facility in Prospect. Doors will open and dinner will be served at 6:30 PM. Family Style Meal Includes: Pasta e Fagioli, Sliced Corned Beef, Potatoes, Cabbage & Carrots with Italian Bread. In addition, each attendee will receive One Vanilla Custard Filled Traditional St. Joseph’s Day Zeppole from Chimirri’s Bakery. Soda/Water is included and there will be a Cash Bar. Ticket price is $35.00 per Person. No takeouts available. We will still require advanced purchases and on-line ordering. Order tickets here.
The Department of Italian Studies at Yale University announced dates for the “Annual Festival of New Italian Cinema” on April 20, 21, 22, and 23. Save the date! The films will be announced soon. For more information, visit the event's webpage.

IADL is an all-volunteer organization and needs your support. If you have any questions about the IADL or Christopher Columbus, email us at iadlnow@yahoo.com. Get involved. Now is the time!

IADL Newsletter

January 22, 2023

The Italian-American Defense League is conducting is Annual Membership Drive. Today members represent 43 municipalities and 9 states. We have a far reach. However, to have a local impact we need concentrations of members in every town. Many members ask how they can help. Here is the answer. Share this link and help family members and friends fill it out. We value all opinions and levels of involvement, from cheerleaders on the sidelines to supporters of special events, and to board members. Membership is free. The goal is to unite like-minded people of Italian descent and friends who love being American. All are welcome of every ethnicity and cultural background.

Promote Education

With so much disinformation and indoctrination influencing young people, it is essential that we include them in our conversations about history and culture. Young America’s Foundation is doing that. YAF published a booklet called In Defense of Columbus which puts Columbus into historical and today’s context. Read the excerpt below and read the booklet (pdf) here.

At a moment when even George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Thomas Jefferson are under attack in America, it was inevitable that the unrest and radical criticism would also engulf Christopher Columbus. His case is unique because unlike the others, few people – least of all those who have vilified him and even pulled down his statues – know much about him. They assume that he brought slavery and genocide to the New World. Europeans did commit many sins. But they did not introduce new evils; all of them – including slavery and genocide – already existed among Indigenous peoples, as they did throughout the world.

Portray Italians Positively

Connecticut was represented at the Italian American Future Leaders Conference. Young professionals from around the country met in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to discuss the future agenda of Italian Americans in the United States. The conference is an initiative by Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organization, COPOMAIO. Read the conference’s press release here. Or you can view pictures of the event by clicking this link.

Italian-American Defense League and Italian American Alliance member, Dario Gagliano represented Connecticut. Gagliano isn’t just a future leader, he is a current leader of Italian heritage and culture in Connecticut. Thank you for taking time out of your schedule for this important cause. Here, Gagliano described his experience at the conference:

I had the time of my life at the Italian American Future Leaders convention. I was thrilled to meet people whom, until now, I've only known via Facebook like Stephanie Longo and Umberto Mucci. You could say I made 100 friends. But honestly I rediscovered 100 family members of my extended Italian family. We made such an incredible bond, and I am so impressed by everyone who attended. From the beginning to the very end, everything flowed, and everyone had one objective: cultivating our Italian culture for future generations. If I felt pessimistic before, this family reunion gave me a jolt of energy and optimism for our future. I am so grateful to the Italian Sons and Daughters of America, the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations, Viola Foundation, and the Italian American Podcast for organizing this event and bringing motivated, humble, but amazing leaders to help shepherd the next generation of Italian Americans. Judge Basil Russo called this a seminal moment in the future of our people. The incredible success of this event proves that he was right. L'ITALIA CHIAMÒ! E I SUOI FIGLI IN AMERICA HANNO RISPOSTO!

Preserve Traditions

Italian women traditionally are popular in American film. The Actress Gina Lollobrigida was known as an Italian Bombshell. Last week she passed away at the age of 95. Read more about this Hollywood Walk of Fame star's career and achievements here. Variety journalist Nick Vivarelli writes that the actress, nicknamed La Lolla, was “A global sex symbol during the 1950s and ’60s, Lollobrigida worked with Hollywood heavyweights such as Humphrey Bogart, Frank Sinatra, Errol Flynn and Rock Hudson.”

Since we are on the topic of Hollywood and movies, Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci do not necessarily portray positive Italian-American stereotypes in film. However, they have impacted the film industry with entertaining movies, and whether we like it or not, they are part of Italian-American culture in the United States. In this Screenrant article, their top movies are ranked. Does your favorite make the list?

Upcoming Events:

Taste of Italy: Enjoy authentic Italian food and enjoy the Musical Entertainment of Tony V. Friday, February 10, 6-9 p.m. Location: Father Callahan Hall – St. Agnes Church, 400 Merwin Avenue, Milford, CT. Includes Antipasto, Penne ale Vodka, Meatballs, Sausage & Peppers, Chicken Marsala, Eggplant Rollatini, Ensalada, Italian Pastry, Coffee, Wine, BYOB. Tables include 8 or more. Contact IADL if you would like to make a table.

If you are in the Waterbury area, this event is for you. It's the most wonderful time of the year!! Time to celebrate St. Joseph's & St. Patrick's Day with our signature event –the UNICO O’Talian Corned Beef Dinner! The 2023 Event will take place on Wednesday, March 8th at Aria Wedding & Banquet Facility in Prospect. Doors will open and dinner will be served at 6:30 PM. Family Style Meal Includes: Pasta e Fagioli, Sliced Corned Beef, Potatoes, Cabbage & Carrots with Italian Bread. In addition, each attendee will receive One Vanilla Custard Filled Traditional St. Joseph’s Day Zeppole from Chimirri’s Bakery. Soda/Water is included and there will be a Cash Bar. Ticket price is $35.00 per Person. No takeouts available. We will still require advanced purchases and on-line ordering. Order tickets here.

The Department of Italian Studies at Yale University announced dates for the “Annual Festival of New Italian Cinema” on April 20, 21, 22, and 23. Save the date! The films will be announced soon. For more information, visit the event's webpage.

To improve communication so it isn’t one way or filtered through IADL officers, email addresses are in the “TO” section of the email. Therefore, members can “REPLY ALL” and communicate with one another. The goal is to make our communications interactive and create more of a community atmosphere. Email IADL if you would like to OPT OUT of having your email address visible before next week's newsletter. IADL is an all-volunteer organization and needs your support. If you have any questions about the IADL or Christopher Columbus, email us at iadlnow@yahoo.com. Get involved. Now is the time!

IADL Newsletter

January 15, 2023

In reverence of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I would like to honor him by sharing his words. It is noticeable that Dr. King spoke of Negroes, Jews, and Italians, together, as the groups that faced discrimination and “separateness” from the American majority. Read more of King’s quotes here.

I look forward confidently to the day when all who work for a living will be one with no thought to their separateness as Negroes, Jews, Italians or any other distinctions. This will be the day when we bring into full realization the American dream—a dream yet unfulfilled. A dream of equality of opportunity, of privilege and property widely distributed; a dream of a land where men will not take necessities from the many to give luxuries to the few; a dream of a land where men will not argue that the color of a man's skin determines the content of his character; a dream of a nation where all our gifts and resources are held not for ourselves alone, but as instruments of service for the rest of humanity; the dream of a country where every man will respect the dignity and worth of the human personality. That is the dream...

AFL-CIO Convention, December 1961

Promote Education

Have you ever wondered what the world would be like today if history unfolded differently? Or what events of the past make today possible? Would slavery be abolished? Would there still be Jim Crow laws? Would Congress have passed civil rights legislation? Many believe that God’s Truth is revealed to humanity over time. What events lead to Truth? This idea sets the stage for my essay: Christopher Columbus: The Content of his Character.

Christopher Columbus and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. are two great men connected centuries apart. Columbus carried Christendom to the New World and Martin Luther King, Jr. renewed the assurance of Christianity in the “Promised Land” for all people. Without Columbus, there would be NO United States. Without Christianity, there would be NO inalienable rights bestowed upon humanity by the Creator regardless of race or ethnicity. Without the unfolding of Truth and history, we would NOT be moving closer to King’s vision of economic equality and justice.

In King’s speech, “The Three Dimensions of a Complete Life,” he explains, “there are three dimensions of any complete life to which we can fitly give the words of this text: length, breadth, and height. Now the length of life as we shall use it here is the inward concern for one’s own welfare. In other words, it is that inward concern that causes one to push forward, to achieve his own goals and ambitions. The breadth of life as we shall use it here is the outward concern for the welfare of others. And the height of life is the upward reach for God. Now you got to have all three of these to have a complete life.” According to MLK’s criteria, did Columbus live a complete life?

It is indisputable and commonly known that Columbus possessed a depth of inner fortitude, showing length, characterized by conviction and courage to push through adversity. He tried to achieve his life-long goals and ambitions of sailing West to find a new route to Asia. Lesser known is Columbus’s upper reach to new heights by his desire to form alliances with leaders in Asia to retake Jerusalem for the greater glory of God. The question remains: Did Columbus demonstrate the breadth of life showing outward concern for the welfare of others?

Not only did Columbus meet MLK’s third aspect of a complete life, Attorney Robert F. Petrone, Esquire, calls Columbus, “The Father of American Civil Rights” in his report on the “History of the Indies.” Petrone states, “Friar Bartolomé de las Casas’s History of the Indies makes abundantly clear that the slanderous claims so famously and popularly raised in the Twenty-first Century by the misinformed masses against Christopher Columbus are, in fact, the deeds of the villainous Francisco de Bobadilla and his successors. Columbus not only took no part in these deeds, but actively opposed them, rendering him the first civil rights activist in the Western Hemisphere. [He] dared defy the longstanding encomienda system; oppose the knight commander Francisco de Bobadilla and the entitled and greedy hidalgos; and, preferring the pen to the sword, fought until his dying breath to persuade the Crown of Spain to undo the harm Bobadilla and his successors had inflicted upon the West Indies.”

Christopher Columbus meets Martin Luther King, Jr.’s criteria for leading a complete life, including a balance of depth, breadth, and height. Without Columbus, the spread of Christianity, and the formation of the United States, truth and history would have never presented the stage for King’s prophetic vision. The two men from different times and circumstances are forever connected by their faith, reason, and humanity. Columbus is the conduit that carried Christianity to the promised land and MLK reveals the vision of where we are heading as a unified people - both a navigator and a prophet.

Furthermore, not mentioned in the essay, is the fact that Columbus was devoted and loyal to God, the Spanish monarchy, his family, and Native American allies.

Portray Italians Positively

In this case, Singer Gwen Stefani is not portraying Italians positively. As matter of fact, lately she is identifying as Japanese and throwing her Italian heritage aside. Read this unusual story about a unique performer.

In better news, Stamford Italian Americans are representing Italian heritage positively. With activism by attending board of education meetings and starting a petition, the Stamford Board of Education restored Columbus Day to its school calendar. Now the second Monday is designated as Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The next step is to separate the two days on the calendar. In other school districts on the shoreline, it was stated that moving Indigenous Peoples’ Day would be arbitrary. However, precedent has already been established for honoring Native Americans in November. Read more about Stamford here.

Without being too political, it is notable that Columbus Day or Columbus statues have been removed in places with Democrat majorities. There are some exceptions, thankfully. In New Canaan the new Republican Board of Education restored Columbus Day to its calendar after having it removed for a decade. In New Hampshire, a bill was introduced to eliminate Columbus Day, but based on the current makeup of the statehouse, it likely will not have any “legs.” However, now that the new legislatures are in session, Italian-American watch groups must stay vigilant. And at the federal level, the House of Representatives, now with a new majority, is creating an “anti-woke" caucus. As we know, Italian heritage is a target of “the woke.” This leads us to an update about the vandal who beheaded Waterbury’s Columbus statue. The statue has been restored, including a new head. In the meantime, the vandal and New York resident Brandon Ambrose, 24, failed to pay his fine and was expelled from his rehabilitation program. Often we are asked, “Who are the people against Columbus?” In this case, it is someone young, uninformed, angry, and woke. Read the article here.

Preserve Traditions

Many are unaware that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. worked on a Simsbury, Connecticut tobacco farm as a high school student for a summer job. It was perhaps the first time that collectively, he worked with other students of diverse backgrounds, together. It is noted that King wondered, why couldn’t it be like this everywhere. This New York Times article talks about the preservation of the tobacco farm that made a major impact of Dr. King’s “dream.”

Upcoming Events:

Taste of Italy: Enjoy authentic Italian food and enjoy the Musical Entertainment of Tony V. Friday February 10, 6-9 p.m. Location: Father Callahan Hall – St. Agnes Church, 400 Merwin Avenue, Milford, CT. Includes Antipasto, Penne ale Vodka, Meatballs, Sausage & Peppers, Chicken Marsala, Eggplant Rollatini, Ensalada, Italian Pastry, Coffee, Wine, BYOB . Tables include 8 or more. Contact IADL if you would like to make a table.
The Department of Italian Studies at Yale University announced dates for the “Annual Festival of New Italian Cinema” on April 20, 21, 22, and 23. Save the date! The films will be announced soon. For more information, visit the event's webpage.

IADL is an all-volunteer organization and needs your support. If you have any questions about the IADL or Christopher Columbus, email us at iadlnow@yahoo.com. Get involved. Now is the time!

IADL Newsletter

January 8, 2023

Remember to sign the petition to request that the US Postal Service recognizes Medal of Honor recipient Lt. Fr. Vincent Capodanno on a commemorative postage stamp. Capodanno was a humble man of faith who sacrificed himself while serving his country. Sign here at https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/a-stamp-in-honor-of-lt-fr-vincent-capodanno .

IADL representatives WILL NOT attend the Madison, Connecticut Board of Education meeting on Jan 10 at 7:30 because of another commitment on that date. We also need more time to organize to restore federal and state holidays on next year's school calendar. Only the names of Thanksgiving Recess and Veterans Day remain on the school calendar. Reply to this email if you are interested in helping or have more information.

Promote Education

Center of New York City Law published an article summarizing recent cases ruled in favor or against the removal of Columbus statues. Issues include free speech, government speech, private speech, and contracts. Ross Sandler, a professor of city law, provides statistics about the number of Columbus monuments and those removed. He also gives a synopsis of arguments in favor of maintaining and removing statues. Boston, Chicago, Newark, New Haven, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Syracuse are among cities analyzed in his article, here.

After the State of Virginia drafted a new K-12 education history curriculum that was described as far left, a new draft was accepted that fixed what was described as errors. Involvement by the new administration made a difference and shows with involvement we can make a difference. Read about the curriculum in this article.

In Pensacola, Florida visitors can learn about life in the fifteenth century on a replica of Columbus’s Pinta. According to the news story, “It’s very important for these ships to travel around and teach history,” said the ship’s captain Stephen Sanger. “Everyone has learned about it in the classroom but to be able to walk on board, touch and feel the ship, gives you a much better perspective and appreciation for how good we have it today.” Continue reading at this link.

Portray Italians Positively

Italian Soccer Star Gianluca Vialli died after a long battle with cancer at the age of 58. Vialli is known for his championship play and coaching, but recently stepped down from his role with the Italian national team. Read this ESPN article to learn more about Vialli’s life.

Preserve Traditions

As the Feast of the Epiphany comes to an end, ISDA’s chaplain writes about what is known as “Little Christmas” and the spiritual significance of the holiday. Read Fr. Leo Joseph Camurati’s meaningful understanding and perspective.

RIP Ronzoni pastina. Every Italian’s cure to the common cold or flu is being discontinued by the famous Italian pasta company. Read reactions to the decision, here.

IADL is an all-volunteer organization and needs your support. If you have any questions about the IADL or Christopher Columbus, email us at iadlnow@yahoo.com. Get involved. Now is the time!

IADL Newsletter

January 1, 2023

Buon Anno! Happy New Year! Did you eat your New Year’s Eve lentils last night? Did you go for your New Year’s Day morning swim? Read about these New Year’s traditions across Italy.

Here is one change to the IADL’s newsletter this year: To improve communication so it isn’t one way or filtered through IADL officers, I will add email addresses into the “TO” section of the email. Therefore, members will have the opportunity to “REPLY ALL” and communicate with one another. The goal is to make our communications interactive and create more of a community atmosphere. Email IADL if you would like to OPT OUT of having your email address visible before next week's newsletter.

The next Madison, Connecticut Board of Education meeting is Jan 10 at 7:30. Please let me know if you can attend to discuss next year's school calendar. Only the names of Thanksgiving Recess and Veterans Day remain on the school calendar. In Randolph, New Jersey, a school board made a similar decision in 2021; however, residents rallied to counter the Board of Education’s controversial move. Read the USA Today article, here.

Promote Education

Tony Traficante, Contributing Editor of ISDA, writes the history of the Legend of La Befana.

The Christmas season in Italy is one that begins with the Novena eight days before Christmas and lasts until the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6th. Traditionally it is a spiritual event and not so much a secular event of gifting and gift exchange…except with the arrival of “La Befana.”

Continue reading Traficante’s article or listen to the children’s storybook, “The Legend of Old Befana” by children’s author Tommie DePaola on YouTube. If you enjoyed this legend, read more Italian folklore for free at https://fairytalez.com/region/italian/ .

Portray Italians Positively

Tom Damigella, Vice President of Italian American Alliance, asks us to sign “A Petition for a Commemorative Stamp to honor Medal of Honor recipient Lt. Fr. Vincent Capodanno.” Damigella writes, “Father Capodanno was a recipient of this medal posthumously for his unselfish bravery during the Vietnam war. Please share with your members. I am sure that they too would agree that this is a well-deserved honor.” Capodanno was a humble man of faith who sacrificed himself while serving his country . . . there is no better person to honor. Sign here: https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/a-stamp-in-honor-of-lt-fr-vincent-capodanno .

Preserve Traditions

You can add your family name to a new Sicilian immigrant monument at the Great River Road Museum in Louisiana. American-Italian Federation of the Southeast has started the Fundraising Campaign to erect the 16' High Monument to the Sicilian Sugar Cane Harvester. Purchase your brick or more, here.

IADL is an all-volunteer organization and needs your support. If you have any questions about the IADL or Christopher Columbus, email us at iadlnow@yahoo.com. Get involved. Now is the time!

IADL Newsletter

December 25, 2022

One time I asked my Zio about how he celebrated the “Feast of the Seven Fishes” in Italy when he was a child. He answered, “we were just lucky to have some fish to eat.” Many think there is one set menu, but that is untrue. Or maybe the same fish could be cooked seven different ways. Read about the origin of the holiday. In Italian-American culture, this Christmas Eve tradition is one that many are curious about. Some say that the seven fishes represent the Seven Sacraments of Catholicism. Read this article about the Christmas Eve tradition and how it is spreading in the United States.

Always related to Italian-American culture is Catholicism. One IADL member shared this article which shows how one Catholic priest is being canceled. It certainly reminds us of the attitudes and lack of respect for traditional values. Whether it is Columbus, all holidays as you read later in this newsletter, or Catholic bishops, when will the attack on fundamental American values end? Instead of embracing, “My truth,” why not honor, “The Truth.” Buon Natale!!!

Later in this newsletter, read about a major development from Genoa, Italy, the life of Football Legend Franco Harris, and an update on Madison, Connecticut’s canceling of most holidays from its school calendar.

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A major development is happening right now, announced by the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations. A new Columbus Center will be established in Genoa, Italy at the historic Palazzo Ducale. Here is COPOMAIO’s press release:

Mayor Marco Bucci launches academic reexamination of Columbus’ life and legacy, days after Italian Americans win major lawsuit that saved navigator’s statue in Philadelphia.

A historical reckoning is underway in the U.S. and Italy as governmental and cultural leaders work to reset prevailing narratives that, for decades, have maligned Columbus’ legacy and the monuments that pay homage to him.

In Italy, Genoa’s Mayor — Marco Bucci — passed a resolution establishing a center for Colombian studies that will be housed in the historic Palazzo Ducale (a 700-year-old Genoese palace that has been converted into a world-renowned museum and cultural hub).

The new center will enlist researchers and academics to scan and catalog Columbus’ documents and artifacts, stored away in archives and museums across both Italy and the globe, to create a robust database that will offer a wealth of source material and analysis on the navigator and his world-changing voyages.

“Cherry-picked and decontextualized research has completely blurred our knowledge of, and perceptions toward, centuries-old global history,” said Basil M. Russo, who leads The Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations. “COPOMIAO proudly supports Mayor Bucci’s unprecedented Columbus project, as it will provide overdue clarity to Columbus’s innumerable contributions to the formation of our modern world.”

Never before have local Italian Americans, state and national organizations, and international scholars and leaders been collaborating on seeking TRUTH. It all starts locally, which is why IADL hopes its 110 members keep growing.

Portray Italians Positively

Football legend Franco Harris passed away at 72, known for his "Immaculate Reception" and "Franco's Italian Army." His mother was of Italian descent. Here are reactions from local Pittsburgh residents and a video link to his amazing catch. Harris made the catch on December 23, 1972, not only meaning so much to Pittsburgh’s Steeler fans, but also to the Italian-American community. Here is a recent interview with Harris at the New Orleans Italian-American Sports Gala by Charles Marsala. Harris talks about the first playoff game the Steelers ever won.

Preserve Traditions

Here is an update on the decision of Madison, Connecticut’s Board of Education to break tradition on its school calendar. Superintendent Cooke and the BOE approved a calendar with only Thanksgiving Recess and Veterans Day listed. Cooke says he has the support of the school community. I can't imagine that Madison residents support excluding the listings of Labor Day, Yom Kippur, Columbus Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, and other federal, state, and local holidays.

At the December 13, 2022, Madison Regular Board of Education meeting: Superintendent Craig Cooke responded to the question of why holiday names are excluded from the school calendar by saying, "For me I saw it becoming a controversial issue across districts." Here is a link to the video where Cooke makes his statement: Board of Education Meeting . Is naming the holiday that recognizes the achievements of fallen heroes on Memorial Day controversial? Honoring those who died on our road to fairer labor laws too controversial? Honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement too controversial? Recognizing Jewish holidays too controversial? Honoring Italian-Americans and all immigrants too controversial?

Additionally IADL received a response from the superintendent’s office stating “The now-approved calendar has the support of our Madison administration, Madison teachers union, Madison PTO groups, and the Madison Board of Education as worded. It will be posted and distributed shortly. “ As a result of this communication, IADL wanted to know which groups in the community supported Madison BOE’s decision.

IADL sent this Freedom of Information Act request, “Italian-American Defense League would like to request, per the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act, all records, including, but not limited to, minutes, emails, letters, text messages, phone calls, and any other form of communication regarding the decision to adopt the 2023-2024 including but not limited to communications among Madison teachers, Madison administration, Madison teachers union, Madison PTO groups, and the Madison Board of Education. Additionally, include communications with local civic organizations and groups including but not limited to Italian-American civic organizations, Knights of Columbus, American Legion, NAACP, and Jewish Defense League. “

Out of more than 160 pages provided to IADL, one page shows a meeting mentioning the calendar at a Parents Council Meeting. A few students wrote that they would like the Solar Eclipse off in April, but that's the only feedback the superintendent received regarding the school calendar. There is no indication of community involvement. I do not characterize community apathy or not knowing about the removal of holiday names as support. There were no communications shared that show Madison administration, Madison teachers union, or Madison PTO groups support the removal of holiday names from the calendar as stated in the BOE response to IADL.

The next BOE meeting is Jan 10 at 7:30. Please let me know if you can attend to discuss next year's school calendar.

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 suggested $30.00 online donation or more. IADL is an all-volunteer organization and needs your support. If you have any questions about the IADL or Christopher Columbus, email us at iadlnow@yahoo.com. Now is the time!

IADL Newsletter

December 18, 2022

At the Italian-American Defense League’s December 11, 2022 Annual Meeting, we expanded our Board of Directors for the final year of a three-year term. Our board now includes:

Matthew Guarnieri, President
Mary Guarnieri, Vice President
Vincent Angelino, Treasurer
Andrew Randi, Director
Anthony Sansone, Director
Phil Dickey, Director
Virginia Gardner, Director

During the past year, IADL held an Italian Unity Dinner, book discussion with Author Rafael Ortiz, and made presentations to a variety of groups in Connecticut. We have 95 full members and 14 Newsletter Subscribers. As we continue to grow, IADL needs to know what you would like to see happen in 2023. Respond to this email. If you don’t like to type, we can set up a time to talk on the phone. There is so much we can do with involvement!

Now, to the world of television, CNN’s “Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy” has been canceled. Here’s Tucci’s interview on “The Tonight Show” where he confirmed the news. CNN canceled all of its original programming and Tucci’s show is now searching for a new network or platform.

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Did you know that according to Connecticut State Statutes, if students are in session on a Federal Holiday, then they must be taught about the holiday on that day in school? Many school districts in Connecticut hold classes on Veterans Day and appropriately recognize veterans, include them in educational programming for the day, and teach students about the holiday. Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, and Westport plan to keep classes in session on Columbus Day. According to State Law those districts are required to teach about Columbus Day if students are in session. What do you think? Here is the statute:

Sec. 1-4. Days designated as legal holidays. In each year the first day of January (known as New Year's Day), the fifteenth day of January of each year prior to 1986, and commencing on the twentieth day of January in 1986, the first Monday occurring on or after January fifteenth (known as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day), the twelfth day of February (known as Lincoln Day), the third Monday in February (known as Washington's Birthday), the last Monday in May (known as Memorial Day or Decoration Day), the fourth day of July (known as Independence Day), the first Monday in September (known as Labor Day), the second Monday in October (known as Columbus Day), the eleventh day of November (known as Veterans' Day) and the twenty-fifth day of December (known as Christmas) and any day appointed or recommended by the Governor of this state or the President of the United States as a day of thanksgiving, fasting or religious observance, shall each be a legal holiday, except that whenever any of such days which are not designated to occur on Monday, occurs upon a Sunday, the Monday next following such day shall be a legal holiday and whenever any of such days occurs upon a Saturday, the Friday immediately preceding such day shall be a legal holiday. When any such holiday, except holidays in January and December, occurs on a school day, each local and regional board of education may close the public schools under its jurisdiction for such day or hold a session of the public schools on such day, provided, if a session is held, the board shall require each school to hold a suitable nonsectarian educational program in observance of such holiday. If a holiday in January or December occurs on a school day, there shall be no session of the public schools on such day.

Portray Italians Positively

Days before the Court of Common Pleas ordered for a box hiding Philadelphia’s Columbus statue in Marconi Plaza to be removed, Jennifer Flowers, an attorney in Pennsylvania wrote this commentary called, “Exonerating Columbus Statue.” Unlike in other cities, such as New Haven, Connecticut, people of Italian descent in Philadelphia understand the history and significance of Columbus statues, which Flowers explains, “The meaning of the monument transcends the stone and the carving. It represents the struggle and the glory of a heritage that has contributed so much to this nation. The attacks on the statue and the figure of Columbus are justifiably seen as a direct attack on Italian Americans.” In the article, Flowers gives credit for the diligence and dedication of two Philadelphia attorneys: George Bochetto and Robert Petrone. Together with the Italian-American community, they saved the city’s Columbus statue, but there are more legal battles to come to restore Columbus Day in the city.

Preserve Traditions

After a school calendar policy review, IADL’s conversation with the Superintendent of Schools in Madison, Connecticut, and IADL’s submission of public comments, the Madison Board of Education chose to adopt a school calendar with most holidays omitted. IADL wrote:

Regarding the 2023-2024 School Calendar proposal tonight, the names of Labor Day, Yom Kippur, Columbus Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents Day, and Memorial Day ARE NOT listed on the school calendar. By including the names of Federal, State, and Local holidays on the calendar, children may look at the calendar and ask, “Why do I have today off from school?” That question may spark a curiosity that future learning can build on. Each of these holidays has a long history deserving of recognition and inclusion. They weren’t designated a holiday on a whim or overnight.

Now regarding Columbus Day: On Oct. 9, the listing states “No School Students/Prof. Development.” It could very easily be changed to “Columbus Day/Prof. Development.” As mentioned earlier in these comments, we advocate for the holiday names to be listed. However, if the holiday names are not listed, being the only Federal holiday that is not listed as “School Holiday” seems inequitable.

Unlike most other towns in Connecticut, the Madison BOE chooses to break tradition and only includes Veterans Day and Thanksgiving Recess on its school calendar. Are BOE members only including those holidays because they are afraid of backlash? Are those two holidays going to be eliminated next? Here is a link to the December 13, 2022 Meeting Agenda with a copy of the 2023-2024 Madison School Calendar.

IADL Newsletter

December 11, 2022

We hope to see you on ZOOM tonight! Today is the Italian-American Defense League’s Annual Meeting. All are welcome to attend; however, only IADL members have voting privileges at the meeting. To become a full member, fill out the online form. It is free to join. The meeting will be less than 40 minutes, and here is the agenda:

I. Call to Order

II. Roll Call

III. Minutes

IV. President's Report

V. Treasurer’s Report

VI. New Business

VII. Adjourn

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Great news in Philadelphia! The “boxed in” Columbus Statue in Marconi Plaza must be revealed for public display after a legal appeal in court. Philadelphia Judge Paula Patrick taught a legal lesson to the mayor of Philadelphia. Patrick explained, “It is baffling to this court as to how the City of Philadelphia wants to remove the Statue without any legal basis. The city’s entire argument and case is devoid of any legal foundation,” said Judge Patrick, who first ruled on the matter in August 2021.” Attorney George Bochetto, a prominent member of the Italian-American community, stated the importance of the statue, “As a proud Citizen of Philadelphia, I am delighted that both Judge Patrick of the Court of Common Pleas and the Judges of the Commonwealth Court have boldly reaffirmed that the rule of law still matters. That we are not a society ruled by cancel culture mobs. That all ethnic groups can proudly protect and honor their diverse heritages.” Read the entire ISDA article, here. Also read about the decision in the Philly Voice or New York Times.

Portray Italians Positively

In Bridgeport, Connecticut Italian Americans not only recognize our great contributions of the past, but our positive impact today. In doing so, “The Council of Italian American Societies of Greater Bridgeport presented eight area Italian Americans with the John A. Arcudi, Esq Award for their professional success and service to others.” Continue reading this “Only in Bridgeport” article, here. How are people of Italian descent improving your community?

Preserve Traditions

Stamford, Connecticut residents created an online petition and attended Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting advocating for keeping Columbus Day on the school calendar.

The online petition states, “The combined members of the Knights of Columbus, Lafayette Council, UNICO National, Stamford Chapter and the Italian American community, (whose numbers represent tens of thousands of Stamford Citizens and taxpayers) join together to demand the keeping of the Columbus Day Holiday on the school calendar. We further demand that all classroom curricula clearly reflect the many contributions of Christopher Columbus including his historical importance to the ultimate creation of the United States of America. While the state mandate of 180 days of instruction has been in effect for many years, numerous additional holidays have been periodically added to the Stamford school calendar. We maintain that Columbus Day has always been on the Stamford school calendar, and demand that it should not be removed for any reason.”

No decision was made at the meeting, but the topic will be discussed after the new year. Read the Stamford Advocate article, here.

IADL Newsletter

December 4, 2022

Save the Date for IADL’s Annual Meeting: Sunday, December 11, 2022, at 6:30 PM on ZOOM. Attend the meeting to hear a brief presentation, financial report, and vote to expand our current Board of Directors. The entire meeting will take approximately 40 minutes. We would love to welcome new board members. Email iadlnow@yahoo.com with any questions or to express interest in serving on the board. To do more during the next fiscal year requires more involvement. I will send out a Zoom link to IADL members later this week.

If you are a subscriber, you only provided your email address and name. To become a full voting member, please go to "Become a Member" on iadlnow.org and fill out the online form: First Name, Last Name, Address, Zip Code, Email Address, and Phone Number. The information is required for membership. Membership is free. Or reply to this email with the required information.

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Many who attempt to change Columbus Day or eliminate it as a federal holiday, often say, “We have nothing against Italians.” They justify their argument by stating that “Columbus isn’t even Italian.” Author Rafael Ortiz investigates this frequently repeated lie. According to Ortiz’s website Official Christopher Columbus:

Columbus was born in Genoa, Italy. Anyone who says otherwise is not a historian but a conspiracy theorist. There is NOT one single primary source that says Columbus was NOT from there. All primary sources, including Columbus himself, say he was.

Here is what the primary sources had to say:

1. Andrés Bernáldez [1] (1450 - 1513) said “There was a man of Genoa… that was called Christopher Columbus.” ( “Obo un hombre de Génova… que llamaban Christoval de Colon…” Historia de los Reyes Católicos by Andrés Bernáldez, Tomo I, Cap. CXVIII, p. 269. Translation from Archaic Spanish to English made by me).

Bernáldez was a historian and the archbishop of Seville, Spain. He was a friend of Columbus, and Columbus had stayed at his house a few times.

2. Fray Bartolomé de las Casas [2] (1484 - 1566) called Columbus “the illustrious Genoese Christopher Columbus…” History of the Indies by Las Casas, Book One, Ch. 3, p. 15.

Las Casas was a friar, priest, bishop, and historian who personally knew Columbus and he testified Columbus had a foreign accent.

Continue reading, here.

Portray Italians Positively

With Andrea Bocelli performing in Bridgeport, CT on Sunday, December 11, 2022, IADL understands if you attend his performance instead of our Annual Meeting. However, if you choose to meet with us on Zoom or have other plans, you can still enjoy Bocelli in “A Bocelli Family Christmas.” According to Andrea Bocelli’s YouTube channel, “A Bocelli Family Christmas - Sunday 4th December at 12pm EST - Rediscover the wonder of Christmas here on YouTube with the musical performance of the season. A Family Christmas - the album - out now: https://matteobocelli.lnk.to/AFCUS .”

Preserve Traditions

At the November 29, 2022 Board of Education meeting in Madison, CT, the board approved changes to the School Calendar Policy. Board member Lewis casted the one vote against the changes. The updated policy calls for all Federal and State holidays to be recognized on the school calendar, which means that Columbus Day should be listed. The next Board Meeting is December 13, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. I hope to thank the board for thoughtfully revisiting this policy.

In Branford, CT, the Board of Education placed Meaghan DeLucia on the district’s school calendar committee. The BOE currently designates the second Monday of October as “Fall Recess.” Previously, Superintendent Hamlet Hernandez met with representatives of the Italian-American community assuring as that Columbus Day would be restored to the school calendar, but the district has not kept its promise yet. The United States government continues to ask citizens to honor and recognize Columbus Day, but not the Branford Board of Education.

According to the October 19, 2022 meeting notes “Among the items that Superintendent Hernandez discussed were; the BOE 2023 Meeting Schedule, the calendar for the 2023/2024 school year and the possibility of creating a two-year calendar, holidays list posted on our website, Juneteenth, convening a Calendar Committee (Meaghan DeLucia agreed to be the representing BOE member on this Committee), student enrollment counts, COVID cases in the District, recent vaccination clinics, the District’s social media numbers and the CABE Convention.” Those are the latest meeting notes posted on the district’s website. IADL contacted DeLucia and is waiting for a response. Branford’s next BOE meeting is Dec 21, 2022 at 7:30 p.m.

Other school calendar changes are happening in Stamford (read about it here) and throughout Connecticut. Where we have success, we have local involvement. That is why we need to continue IADL’s growth and membership recruitment.

IADL Newsletter

November 27, 2022

The Wooster Square Monument Committee and New Haven Alders made headlines last week after approving a new Italian immigrant statue in Wooster Square. Here is the latest update from Yale Daily News that includes the opinion of the American Italian Women of Greater New Haven. Francis Calzetta, President of the AIW, described the statue by stating, “I think it’s an abomination. It’s a disgrace that Italian American people have disgraced themselves by throwing away Columbus and choosing to do a statue — which could have been a very good statue — but choosing that particular statue that represents a very, very poor image of the Italian American immigrant”

In addition to Calzetta, Italian American One Voice Coalition leader Andre Dimino commented, “It is disturbing to read that there are some Italian Americans agreeing with this in New Haven. It is capitulation to accept an alternative statue as a replacement for Columbus. Doing so concedes to the lies about Columbus. Don't placate us with an alternative monument. No one should contribute any funds to the fundraising for this placating monument.”

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Just as activists began redefining Columbus Day in the days leading up to 1992, their protegees are now “decolonizing” Thanksgiving. Attorney and radio host Michael Coard is calling Thanksgiving a racist holiday. Coard writes, “When the Pilgrims arrived on the Mayflower in 1620, they didn’t bring thanks. They didn’t even give thanks. Instead, they brought racist genocide and gave nothing.” The parallels between the anti-Columbus and now anti-Thanksgiving movements are clear. Coard cites Activist James Loewen as one of his sources whose book, Lies My Teacher Told Me, is often used against Columbus Day. Loewen was one of a new wave of history professors during the late seventies, eighties, and afterwards that believed that history could not be taught objectively and should be used to promote a social and political agenda. Read Coard’s entire opinion piece here or read an op-ed in the LA Times with a politically revisionist take on Thanksgiving.

Portray Italians Positively

Singer and songwriter Giada Valenti was born and raised in Venice, Italy and now resides in New York City. You can listen to her PBS special, “Venice With Love” on her YouTube channel. Lately, she appeared on Holland’s Got Talent and performed in New York City’s Columbus Day Parade. In addition to enjoying clips of her music and videos, you can listen to Valenti’s weekly podcast about food and music by visiting her website.

Preserve Traditions

Mortadella is the precursor to bologna, but where can you get the most authentic form of the tasty lunch meat? How about Bologna, Italy, the birthplace of mortadella! According to columnist Melissa Corbin, mortadella is “A mixture of ground pork and chunks of fat from the pig's jowls (via Meats and Sausages), it's easy to see why true Mortadella is treasured in Italy. It's so highly renowned, in fact, that it can only be made in certain places.” Popular Italian Food TV Star Stanley Tucci describes his experience eating mortadella as “If one goes to heaven, this is probably it. Mortadella is what gave birth to bologna. American bologna doesn't taste like this. It's so silky, garlicky, and sweet.” Read the entire article here.

Email IADL to add events to our calendar. 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 suggested $30.00 online donation or more. IADL is an all-volunteer organization and needs your support. If you have any questions about the IADL or Christopher Columbus, email us at iadlnow@yahoo.com. Now is the time!

IADL Newsletter

November 20, 2022

In Stamford, Connecticut, on Thursday, November 17th, the Board of Education discussed which holidays to keep and remove on the school calendar. Of course, Columbus Day was the center of the discussion. One new board member Versa Munshi-South wrote in the chat, "I would like to hear the opinion of someone other than old men.” How ageist and sexist is that? However, this type of thinking is what we are dealing with town by town. On the Connecticut Shoreline from New Haven to Stonington, where IADL is based, we are losing ground every year. Currently, these are the Boards of Education that recognize Columbus Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, both, and none. There are variations in the naming of IPD; however, because Native Americans are not ONE people, I will place the apostrophe after the “s” in “Peoples’.”

New Haven: Indigenous Peoples’ Day
East Haven: Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Branford: Fall Recess
Guilford: Columbus/Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Madison: Fall Break
Clinton: Columbus Day
Westbrook: Columbus Day
Old Saybrook: Columbus Day
East Lyme/Reg. DISTRICT 18: School Recess
Groton: Columbus Day
New London: Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Stonington: Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Promote Education

The American media, public institutions, and school districts continue to celebrate Thanksgiving, an American holiday, as they should. But isn’t it hypocritical that mainstream leaders honor Thanksgiving while ignoring Columbus Day? Read about this hypocrisy in my article: “Why Thanksgiving?” which was published in “We the Italians.” The article was first published in 2020. Here is an excerpt:

We, the defenders of Columbus, are not fighting against the Civil Rights of others, but defending our own, and most importantly, Truth. Context and citations exonerate Columbus, but of course, if we only read out of context quotes, we would have a different stance.

In “A Brief Account of the Destruction of the Indies,” Bartolome De Las Casas, known as the defender of the Indians, writes, “But here is observable, that the desolation of these Isles and Provinces took beginning since the decease of the most serene Isabella, about the year 1504.” The year 1504 is long after Columbus’s governorship of the West Indies and his voyages.

Is the attack on Columbus Day diverting attention from those who really decimated Native Americans in North America? If you are interested, keep reading.

Portray Italians Positively

A new series called “Tulsa King” is streaming on Paramount+ starring Sylvester Stallone, portraying a New York mob boss in Oklahoma. This review from the Chicago Tribune states, “There’s something reassuring about Stallone as a screen presence. His is a stardom that’s become increasingly rare, but there’s more to it than that. He knows how to carry a story that would be less interesting in other hands and he understands how to wield his charisma and that low, rumbly voice in ways that never seem pushy or forced. He can do this sort of thing with style and economy. Not unlike the guy he’s playing.” Is this series a stale genre, or worthy of watching? Read the full review.

The second season of “The White Lotus” is set in Sicily. According to Wikipedia, “It follow the guests and employees of the fictional White Lotus resort chain, whose stay becomes affected by their various dysfunctions.” New Jersey actor Michael Imperioli, formerly of the Sopranos, discusses his role as Dom Di Grasso in The Hollywood Reporter. Will we experience deep and complicated character development, or superficial Italian stereotypes?

Preserve Traditions

Food Network Star and Chef Giada De Laurentiis talks about her Thanksgiving menu which includes antipasto, Calabrian fig jam crostini, grape and rosemary focaccia, porchetta-style sliced turkey breast, ciabatta stuffing with chestnuts and pancetta, chocolate hazelnut pie, and much, much more. Read about Giada’s Tuscan Thanksgiving menu, here. If that menu is not enough, be sure to include pasta or lasagna to your Italian-American Thanksgiving. Read more about how to incorporate this tradition into your holiday menu.

The State of Virginia is updating its state standards and many of the revisions are under scrutiny. “Looking at the current version, established in 2015, major differences could be found between the standards listed in the documents for second graders including the major holidays that will be taught. The draft of the new standards shows Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, and Veteran's Day while the previous version listed Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Columbus Day.” Follow this link for more details. Are these holiday traditions at risk in school districts near you?

IADL Newsletter

November 13, 2022

In New Haven, Connecticut, a new Italian immigration statue is a step closer to becoming a reality with the approval of New Haven alders. In an article written by Laura Glesby in the CT Mirror, she explains that the city’s Columbus statue was removed "after protests called attention to the colonizer’s enslavement and murder of many Native Taino people.” As we know from Author Rafael Ortiz’s presentation earlier this month, that assumption is based on lies. Yet, the Wooster Square Monument Committee is either too politically connected to the politicians who are using uniformed protestors for political gain or incapable of reading primary source documents or the academic writing of experts such as Ortiz, Professor Mary Grabar, or Anthropologist Carol Delaney. The American Italian Women of Greater New Haven filed a lawsuit against the city in Federal Court for discrimination. Read the entire article here. For an audio link to Author Rafael Ortiz’s presentation to the IADL, click here and scroll to 8:26. This link is more compatible with a variety of devices than the link shared last week.

Promote Education

Many Americans are unaware about the designation of Italian immigrants and citizens as “enemy aliens” during World War II. Zach Baliva, a filmmaker, is trying to change that. His documentary, “Potentially Dangerous” received accolades at the 2021 Russo Brothers’ film festival, won awards in Italy, and will be playing on PBS. Baliva only recently became familiar with the topic himself, ““Even as an Italian American with dual citizenship, I had never heard about these events. I started looking into it, became fascinated, and contacted Larry [Di Stasi, a historian] who helped get my research going and put me in touch with many of the people affected by these events that we interviewed in the film.” Read more about the documentary in the State Journal Register.

Also, read about the Russo Brothers’ latest award winner. “Leaving the Factory.” The documentary “focuses on the story of the mistreatment of Italian immigrant women factory workers, and their struggle to overcome oppression.” Read about the Santa Monica College student film.

Portray Italians Positively

Actor Chazz Palminteri who starred in “A Bronx Tale” narrated the documentary “The True Story of Christopher Columbus: Courage and Conviction.” This weekend, Palminteri is taking his one man show on the road, telling his own “A Bronx Tale” story growing up in New York. Watch an entertaining interview and read about his one man show.

Preserve Traditions

In today’s politicized environment, Italian-American heritage and culture are frequently ignored in education, business, and the media. According to Christopher Tremoglie, commentary writer for the Washington Examiner, “Living in the era of diversity, equity, and inclusion, it seems every ethnic group has a celebratory month nowadays. As such, October is traditionally recognized as the month to celebrate Americans of Italian descent. Yet, one would never know this by the reaction from our country's companies and large corporations. While they typically go all-out to celebrate other cultural months, they largely ignored Italians and October. It wasn't very diverse or inclusive of them.” Click here to read the full article.

IADL Newsletter

November 6, 2022

Tuesday is Election Day. When you investigate the cancellation of Italian-American history through the removal of Columbus statues, prominent Italian-American statues, and Columbus Day, look no further than your local representatives. Have they ignored Italian-American culture and heritage month? Have they succumbed to “cancel culture” politicians? Are they afraid to speak positively about Italian immigrants embracing Columbus Day on their road to Americanization? Have your local representatives used their ethnicity for their political benefit for years, and as soon as they thought it would upset their voting base, turned their back to the Italian-American community? If you are tired of inflation, anti-Catholicism, revisionist history, and anti-Italianism, vote smartly on Tuesday. If you are tired of attacks on the early events that set up the founding of our Nation, that Italian immigrants grew to love, vote smartly on Tuesday. If you have family or friends in Italy, that may face high gas prices and shortages, learn from overseas, and vote smartly on Tuesday. Later in this newsletter, we challenge lies that are being told. Don’t be duped by today’s politicians.

Last Tuesday, November 2nd the Italian-American Defense League in cooperation with Italian American Alliance, hosted a lecture by Author Rafael Ortiz via ZOOM. Rafael Ortiz is the author of several books, including his most popular title: Christopher Columbus The Hero. Ortiz received a warm welcome from 56 participants of his lecture. He informed the audience about the people behind deceitful anti-Columbus claims, the canceling of Columbus Day’s connection to Critical Race Theory, the differences between Slavery and Racism, and facts that are known based on actual writings of Columbus’ contemporaries, not Marxist writers, such as Howard Zinn. Ortiz made a key point that slavery was a human institution practiced around the world before Columbus, during Columbus’ life, and after Columbus, including by Native Americans. Furthermore, Columbus never engaged in the slave trade and spent most of his time exploring the coasts of South America, Central America, and the Caribbean islands. As a Puerto Rican man of Taino descent, descending from the very people that Columbus encountered, it sends a powerful message because Ortiz is a staunch defender of Columbus. Listen to the full audio, including an open question and answer session with Ortiz, here. Scroll ahead to 8:10 on the audio track. That is when the presentation begins.

Promote Education

Two authors, one a professor and another an anthropologist, recently collaborated with Italian-American groups to dispel revisionist historical lies and promote truth about history. Watch Professor Mary Grabar's lecture on Christopher Columbus, sponsored by Columbus Citizens Foundation and the National Italian American Foundation. Also, watch Anthropologist Carol Delaney’s interview by Primo Magazine which reveals the intent of Columbus and the goal of his journeys.

Portray Italians Positively

This Veterans Day our friends in the Italian American Alliance are remembering Father Vincent Capodanno, USN. On Saturday, November 19, 2022, at 11:30 AM in Newton, MA at the 9-11 Memorial on 1165 Centre Street, the Navy chaplain and Medal of Honor recipient will be honored in a ceremony. A dedication and memorial brick will be placed recognizing the Vietnam veteran on the Memorial Walkway. Read Father Capodanno’s biography, here, a man who sacrificed his life for God, Family, and Country. A committee led by Vincent Basile which includes the Italian-American Defense League supports a recommendation to the U.S. Postmaster General to create a commemorative stamp to keep alive Capodanno’s memory. By honoring this one deserving veteran, we are saying “thank you” to all veterans.

Preserve Traditions

In another American city, there is no respect for Italian Americans. In San Diego, California, the Sons and Daughters of Italy were ignored in attempts to relocate a Chula Vista Columbus statue. The 6-foot statue that stood on a pedestal since 1990 was previously removed. The park where the statue stood will be renamed Kumeyaay Park and the city council refuses to work with local Italian Americans on relocating the statue. Read more of the details which include a request to the daughter of late artist Mario Zamora Alcantara, creator of the statue, to accept the statue under the condition that it must be kept out of city view. What a disgrace!

IADL Newsletter

October 30, 2022

The Italian-American Defense League is seeking to expand its Board of Directors. Currently we have five members: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Director 1, and Director 2. The current Board has made IADL possible. Now that we are “raising the bar” for what we want to accomplish, now is the time to grow. Based on IADL’s bylaws, altogether we can have up to 9 members. We will meet once per month on ZOOM during the next fiscal year. That is the minimum commitment. Of course, we welcome much more involvement to promote education, portray Italians positively, and preserve traditions, such as saving Columbus statues and Columbus Day. Reply to this email to share your interest or ask any questions. Next, we will set our Annual Meeting date to approve all new members and the Board.

Here is your last chance to register and learn more about Christopher Columbus. So far 35 guests registered, let’s have more!

Special Event: Author Rafael Ortiz Live Presentation and Q & A on Zoom

When: Tuesday, November 1, 2022

Time: 7:30 P.M. EST

How: Email Matt at iadlnow@yahoo.com ASAP!

Promote Education

Isn’t this an interesting time to start following Italian current events? High gas prices, a change in leadership at the highest level, and an ongoing war at the door of NATO. Newly elected Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, according to this Washington Post article, considers herself an underdog and is seeking votes of confidence from both houses of the Italian parliament. She says she is interested in strengthening her ties with the West and that her government is conservative, but not far-right. The media brands Meloni as far-right and Fascist, instead of celebrating her as the first woman winning the country’s highest office, ready to take on great challenges in a volatile climate. Read or listen to this NPR interview or read a summary of President Joe Biden’s call with the Prime Minister.

Portray Italians Positively

Charles Geno Marsala is the President of the American-Italian Federation of the Southeast. He is also an Area Coordinator for National Italian American Federation (NIAF) and Divisional Vice-President for Italian Sons and Daughters of America (ISDA). Marsala has worked to preserve and honor Italian-American heritage and culture in New Orleans. Read more about Marsala, here. Also watch Part 1 and Part 2 of his documentary, “Who Killa da Chief?” The documentary which aired on PBS recounts the history of the New Orleans massacre of 11 Italian immigrants in 1891.

Preserve Traditions

The attacks against Christopher Columbus and Italian heritage are relentless. In Worcester, MA a radical member of the town council, once again is pushing for the city’s Columbus statue to be removed. Luckily, the motion was tabled for now, but like in other towns and cities, this is a yearly battle. Read and watch a news story about the latest City Council Meeting. If Columbus Day has been cancelled in your town or school district, please contact IADL. Local residents and the IADL can work together with you and your elected officials.

Email IADL to add events to our calendar. 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 suggested $30.00 online donation or more. IADL is an all-volunteer organization and needs your support. If you have any questions about the IADL or Christopher Columbus, email us at iadlnow@yahoo.com. Now is the time!

IADL Newsletter

October 23, 2022

Here is a follow up to the Conference of Italian American Organizations in Connecticut. Defending the truth about Columbus is one objective of the shared resolution presented at September’s Italian Unity Dinner. The Italian-American Defense League and Italian American Alliance National will host a live event on Zoom: Truth about Columbus.

Special Event: Author Rafael Ortiz Live Presentation and Q & A on Zoom

When: Tuesday, November 1, 2022

Time: 7:30 P.M. EST

How: Email Matt at iadlnow@yahoo.com or call/text (860) 552-9597 and we’ll send you a link before the event. RSVP by October 28th.

Who is Rafael Ortiz? The words below are from Rafael’s bio.

Rafael Ortiz is the author of several books on Christopher Columbus. His books are “Christopher Columbus: The Hero” (2017), “Columbus Day vs Indigenous Peoples’ Day” (2018), and “Christopher Columbus and the Christian Church” (2019). All the books were updated in a second edition in 2020. His fourth book is a children’s book for ages 6-9 which he is currently writing. A fifth book is also being written at this time.

Rafael appeared in the documentary “Courage and Conviction: The True Story of Christopher Columbus.” The documentary appeared on EWTN in 2020 and can be viewed on the Knights of Columbus website. He has been interviewed many times for radio, blogs, and magazines including “The Joe Piscopo (Radio) Show, ABC7News, Breitbart, and many others. He has also written articles for newspapers, blogs, news sites, both in the USA and Puerto Rico. Rafael is the administrator for the Official Christopher Columbus website and he collaborated with knowcolumbus.org.

Italian-American groups often request Rafael’s expertise including The Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, Italian American One Voice Coalition, and the Knights of Columbus, among many others. He has spoken at Drexel University and defended Columbus and Columbus Day to many city councils around the United States. He is a member of the National Christopher Columbus Association. He is Hispanic of Indigenous (Taino) descent born in Puerto Rico. Today he lives in South Carolina with his family. His mission is to disprove modern day revisionism based on objective truth rooted on primary historical source material.

Why is it important that we stay informed and share the truth about Columbus? There are reasonable elected officials on city councils and boards of education. They are often presented with one-sided revisionist opinions regarding Columbus. With a coalition of local informed citizens throughout the State of Connecticut, it is more likely that Italian heritage, Columbus Day, and Columbus statues will be preserved, recognized, and honored.

Promote Education

One of the first arguments to discredit Christopher Columbus is that the Vikings discovered America first. The Vinland Maps presented by Yale University were determined to be a forgery, but misconceptions and revisionist theories continue to be popular in education circles. Yale in the twentieth century proposed “eugenics” as a theory. Included in that supremacism is discrediting a lowly Southern European with the discovery of America. Hence, Yale popularized the Viking hypothesis. Watch this simple YouTube video which places the Vikings’ landing in North America into historical context: Christopher Columbus and the Vikings.

Portray Italians Positively

How are Italian Americans portrayed in the media? Do Americans value the relationship between the United States and Italy? How do Italian Americans perceive Columbus Day? These are relevant questions to understand Italian-American heritage. Before we move forward positively as Italian Americans, we need to understand our culture today. The Italian American Research Lab is doing just that. Learn more about this project by “We the Italians” at http://iarl.org/ .

Preserve Traditions

Is the destruction of art around the world the result of protest, mental illness, or a coordinated attack on Western civilization? First an American smashes two statues in the Vatican Museum. Then environmental activists throw tomato sauce on Van Gogh’s sunflowers painting. Furthermore, over 152 Catholic sites have been vandalized since May 2020. In the United States, Columbus statues also became a target of “cancel culture’ mentality.

In New Haven, the approval process continues to place a new Italian immigrant statue on a new pedestal that sits in front of the pedestal of the removed Columbus statue. The two pedestals juxtaposed one in front of the other looks very awkward, though the preservation of the Columbus base is imperative. The American Italian Women of Greater New Haven have an ongoing lawsuit to return the Columbus statue to its rightful place. Read this one-sided article from the New Haven Independent.

In Bridgeport, the removed Columbus statue from Seaside Park is changing hands. City officials are storing the statue at an Italian club in the city. The decision follows the request of the Council of Italian-American Societies of Greater Bridgeport for the release of the statue by the city. From here, will the statue return to its former location or another site? Read how the city secretly moved the Columbus statue again.

Connecticut/Massachusetts:

Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at 7:30 on ZOOM, the Italian-American Defense League and Italian American Alliance - National host a Zoom presentation and questions & answers with Author Rafael Ortiz. Email Matt at iadlnow@yahoo.com if you are interested in attending.

Email IADL to add events to our calendar. 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 suggested $30.00 online donation or more. IADL is an all-volunteer organization and needs your support. If you have any questions about the IADL or Christopher Columbus, email us at iadlnow@yahoo.com. Now is the time!

IADL Newsletter

October 16, 2022

In news from across the nation, Billionaire Rick Caruso, a candidate for Mayor of Los Angeles is receiving backlash after a political debate by his opponents. When asked if he is white, Caruso answered that he is Italian, which is Latin. Though history shows that Italians were not accepted by the dominant culture, many are mocking Caruso for expressing what many Italian Americans feel. Read about the interview or watch a clip. Is the criticism justified?

In lighter news, which cheeses make the best topping on pizza? Everyone knows mozzarella tops the list. Read “Formaggio! An Italian-American's guide to choosing the best cheese for your pizza,” to learn about other options.

Promote Education

October is Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month. Today IADL recognizes influential Italian immigrant sculptors and carvers, creators of art that impacted American culture. “In 1888, Giuseppe Piccirilli, a well-known stone carver from Massa-Carrara in Tuscany, Italy, brought his wife, daughter, and 6 sons to New York. All of Giuseppe’s sons, Attilio, Feirrucio, Furio, Getulio (Giulio), Masaniello, and Orazio were trained as marble cutters and carvers.” Learn about Piccirilli’s family and the monuments they carved, making a mark on New York City. More than 80 years ago, Luigi Del Bianco, the chief carver of Mount Rushmore, finished final details on President Lincoln’s face carved into the mountain. Read the words of Bianco’s children describing their father and learn more about Bianco on this website dedicated to his legacy.

Portray Italians Positively

Where does Marvel, the character Thanos, and Italian heritage intersect? That would be at the Italian-American Museum of Los Angeles. The museum is showcasing a permanent Hollywood exhibit and items from Marvel movies directed by Joe and Anthony Russo. Successful blockbusters include Captain America, Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War. Read more about the exhibit honoring the work of two Italian American brothers.

In other news related to film, Mexican Guillermo Del Toro appeared at a London film festival holding a figurine of Pinocchio. His film Pinocchio, an Italian children’s favorite, can now be viewed in select theaters and on Netflix in November. Click here to see Del Toro and cast members holding their Pinocchio! Watch the movie’s trailer, here.

Preserve Traditions

Language, music, and, in this case, dance are ways to preserve culture and pass it down to future generations. Sorella D'Italia, a dance group of Italian-American women, has been growing since 2011! The women dance and showcase beautiful traditional Italian costumes. Many of the participants are mothers and daughters spending memorable time together dancing their way through the tri-state area. Watch this interview of Sorella D'Italia of Southington, Connecticut on Fox 61.

Connecticut:

On October 19, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. at the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library in Madison, CT, Monica Peterson shares stories and personal accounts of her grandparents during, “An Evening with My Grandparents: Stories of my Italian-American Family.” Click here to register for the event and learn more details.
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.

Email IADL to add events to our calendar. 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 suggested $30.00 online donation or more. IADL is an all-volunteer organization and needs your support. If you have any questions about the IADL or Christopher Columbus, email us at iadlnow@yahoo.com. Now is the time!

IADL Newsletter

October 9, 2022

Many Italian Americans are optimistic after learning that President Joe Biden’s Columbus Day proclamation on October 7th honored Italian Americans, included the origin of Columbus Day as a holiday after the 1891 lynching of 11 Italian immigrants in New Orleans, and no mention of indigenous peoples. Thanks to Basil Russo and the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations, suggestions were taken by senior officials in Biden’s administration. At first glance this is a cause for celebration; however, on the same day Biden made a second proclamation honoring Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Once again, the Biden administration shows that it doesn’t believe Italian Americans deserve their own day of recognition and must share it, even though Native Americans have the whole month of November and that Italian Americans already share half of October with Hispanic Heritage Month. As we know from local government officials, including those on the Board of Education in Branford, Connecticut, even when progress is made, if WE let up, the following year the gains will be lost. Read about this first step in changing the Columbus narrative in the United States.

Here is a link to Biden’s Columbus Day Proclamation and his Indigenous Peoples’ Day Proclamation. The IADL supports honoring indigenous people on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples in August, Native American Day in September, or Native American Heritage Day on the Friday after Thanksgiving, but not on Columbus Day. Italian Americans believe in lifting others up without putting others down.

Promote Education

Attorney Michael Santo was instrumental in bringing attention to the 1891 lynching of 11 Italian immigrants in New Orleans. In 2019, Mayor LaToya Cantrell made a formal apology by the city. A supporter of Columbus Day and recognizing Italian-American history, Santo wrote about the fake history that is taught about Christopher Columbus by dispelling myths and providing evidence of truth. Here are Santo’s main points:

Columbus’s main reason for the voyage was religious. He wanted to spread Christianity and the goal of the voyage was to meet the Gran Khan of China in order to set up a trading post, with the profits to be used to finance a crusade to retake Jerusalem from the Muslims.
Columbus was not a racist. Columbus spoke very highly of the natives, specifically making kind remarks and observations. Some tribes were described as kind and others were warlike, including those which practiced cannibalism.
Slavery was a common practice around the world and was practiced in the Americas before Columbus arrived. Queen Isabel was against slavery, allowing Columbus to capture native enemy combatants and criminals, which helped native allies.
There were instances of insubordinate Spaniards who disobeyed Columbus’s orders to maintain peace and went on to steal and inflict injuries on natives. As Columbus’s control became weaker and after Columbus was removed from his governorship, there may have been instances of hands being cut off as punishments for crimes, but not by Columbus or his orders.
Columbus followed the rule of law as a loyal servant to Papal Law and Queen Isabella. He was exonerated in court after being taken prisoner by his political adversaries.
The most used “quote” against Columbus is, “They were well-built with good bodies and handsome features . . . they do not bear arms . . . they have no iron. Their spears are made of cane . . . They would make fine servants . . . with 50 men, we could subjugate them and make them do whatever we want.”
The quote was taken out of context by Communist USA Member Howard Zinn and others. “With 50 men, we could subjugate them,” was made three days later after the other parts of the paragraph. Political revisionist writers put the quotes together to incriminate Columbus. Columbus was saying three days later that if he had to fight the natives, he could win with 50 men.

It was disease that killed large numbers of Native Americans, not Christopher Columbus. Though as Americans, we have great compassion for the suffering of Native Americans, we cannot demonize the founding of America, a place of opportunity to the people of the world in the past and today. . . all possible because of the Great Navigator.

Portray Italians Positively

Once again, an Italian American impacts the sciences, and this scientist from Massachusetts is the only female to receive a Nobel Prize this year. Carolyn Bertozzi won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Bertozzi’s research includes the role of sugars on cell surfaces and how to create chemical tools to target viruses and cancers through her group’s work at Stanford University. Read more about Bertozzi and her ancestry, here. To learn more about top Italian scientists who have contributed to science and technology, view this website.

Preserve Traditions

Pittsburgh’s Italian Sons and Daughters of America are appealing the ruling that the removal of the city’s Columbus statue is protected government speech. First the government’s reason for its removal was public safety and now it is free speech. Does the government have the right to remove symbols of one ethnicity and replace them with others? At what point is government speech limited? When eliminating representations of a cultural identity, does that constitute hate speech? This case may have a big impact in other cities including New Haven where discrimination lawsuits are pending in court.

The Greater New Haven Italian-American Heritage Committee’s parade will begin on Main Street in East Haven, Connecticut at 1 p.m. today. It has come to the Italian-American Defense League’s attention that the committee will not allow an actor dressed as Christopher Columbus to walk in the parade. Previously, the committee adopted “cancel culture” ideals and submitted to political revisionist history by changing the name of the Columbus Day Parade and committee to their current names. Regrettably, a few politically connected Italian Americans are denying their own history. Remember to wish these committee members and politicians a “Happy Columbus Day!” On the contrary, the Council of Italian-American Societies of Greater Bridgeport continues to celebrate a “Columbus Day Parade.”

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

Connecticut:

Today 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 .
Today the Greater Bridgeport Columbus Day Parade begins at 11 a.m. THE PARADE BEGINS AT THE CORNER OF MADISON AVENUE AND JEWETT AVENUE AND HEADS SOUTH ON MADISON. A street festival follows on 712 MADISON AVENUE. Later in the day the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band will perform in the evening at 6:45 at the Klein Memorial Auditorium. Admission is free, but the public is asked to donate non-perishable food items. Call Chris at (203) 362-9413 for more details.
At Seaside Park in Bridgeport on Monday the 10th, there is a wreath laying ceremony at the site of the removed Columbus statue at 10:30 a.m. A second performance by the Marine Band begins at 6:45. Call Chris at (203) 362-9413 for more details.
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:

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.

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 suggested $30.00 online donation or more. IADL is an all-volunteer organization and needs your support. If you have any questions about the IADL or Christopher Columbus, email us at iadlnow@yahoo.com. Now is the time!

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.

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 suggested $30.00 donation or more. IADL is an all-volunteer organization and needs your support. If you have any questions about the IADL or Christopher Columbus, email us at iadlnow@yahoo.com. Now is the time!

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.

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 suggested $30.00 donation or more. IADL is an all-volunteer organization and needs your support. If you have any questions about the IADL or Christopher Columbus, email us at iadlnow@yahoo.com. Now is the time!