IADL Newsletter

June 8, 2025 – Calling for Volunteers

Welcome Matthew Castner, our newest IADL member!

Yesterday I had the opportunity to represent the Italian-American Defense League at the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations’ annual meeting in Lower Manhattan at New York’s Italian American Museum. Currently, 77 organizations are associated under the umbrella of COPOMIAO’s leadership, making it the largest Italian American organization. We covered many topics including the new Italian law that restricts Italian Americans from applying for dual citizenship, efforts to preserve Columbus statues and Columbus Day across the United States, the steps being taken to create a National Italian American Museum in Washington D.C., the Italian American Future Leaders conference, solidarity sessions, and building support for creating Italian Heritage Commissions state by state.

IADL needs your help! We welcome young people 21-35 to contact us if they are interested in attending the next future leaders conference which happens in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida in January. We also are seeking volunteers to focus on the creation of an Italian Heritage Commission in Connecticut. During the legislative session that just ended, we took a major step with Sen. Ryan Fazio, 36th Dist., Rep. Chris Aniskovich, 35th Dist., Rep. Michael "MJ" Shannon, 117th Dist., and Sen. Paul Cicarella, 34th Dist. cosponsoring the bill. We can begin by sending them a thank you letter and reaching out for broader support. Lastly, if you are interested in the portrayal of people of Italian descent in the media, we need volunteers to focus on the positive portrayal of Italians. IADL welcomes your passion and talent!

The commitment of IADL’s board of directors and liaisons to other organizations who met at our Connecticut Council of American Italian Organizations were instrumental in maintaining Columbus Day as a state holiday during the past legislative session. Columbus not only brought two worlds together, but he is the conduit to recognizing Italian heritage in the United States. We are part of our nation’s founding story.

Italian Heritage News

Video. Italy marks Republic Day with military parade in Rome: Thousands of Italian troops and civil servants paraded through central Rome on Monday to mark the 79th anniversary of the country becoming a republic.

Now read more headlines.

Upcoming Events

Now - June 19, 2025 – Film at the Lincoln Center – New York, NY

We are happy to share with you the good news that the Film at Lincoln Center offers our members the opportunity to receive a special discount code to Open Roads: New Italian Cinema and Monica Vitti: La Modernista series. From Thursday, May 29 to June 5, Film at Lincoln Center and Cinecittà present the 24th edition of Open Roads: New Italian Cinema, ranging from works by acclaimed directors returning to Open Roads, to notable debuts by new filmmakers, with 14 filmmakers in person for Q&As. Open Roads from June 6–19, FLC and Cinecittà are excited to present Monica Vitti: La Modernista, a special career-spanning tribute to the actress who helped define one of the greatest periods in Italian and world cinema. Tickets are available for the general public at $17 and students at $14.

June 18, 2025– Icons of Italy: Celebrating Legends of Arts, Culture, and Sport

Join Fabiana Papaleoni for a fascinating seminar exploring some of the most cherished figures in Italian arts, culture, and sports throughout the centuries. From Dante to Roberto Benigni to Giovanni Falcone, we will dive into their lives, talents, work, and lasting legacies through interviews, images, and videos. Fabiana Papaleoni is an Italian teacher and tutor. She grew up in Italy, where she earned a degree in Italian Language and Literature from the Università di Lettere e Filosofia in Parma, and also pursued violin performance and music studies at the Conservatorio di Musica “Arrigo Boito.” She currently works as an Adjunct Professor at the University of New Haven and runs her own teaching platform, Ciao Italian Lessons, where she offers courses, classes, and seminars in Italian and Latin. Since 2019, she has lived in Guilford with her husband and their four children. In her free time, she enjoys running and spending time with family and friends. Register here.

October 12, 2025– Save the Date – Bridgeport's Annual 117th Columbus Day Parade

Be part of one of the oldest parades in Connecticut. Hope to see you there! For more information contact Joan Palaia, Asst Parade Chairman at 203-551-1519 or palaialand@gmail.com. Or visit the website at www.ciasgbpt.com.

October 13, 2025– Save the Date – Columbus Day Wreath Laying Ceremony

Join members of the Italian-American Defense League as we honor Christopher Columbus and our ancestors who dedicated a statue to him at Wooster Square in New Haven, Connecticut. The theme this year is “Let’s bring people together.”

Donate to the Italian-American Defense League and support our legal effort on GoFundme.

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Now is the time! Ora è il momento!

Italian-American Defense League is a 501(c)4 nonprofit charity and social welfare organization. The primary purpose of the Italian-American Defense League (IADL) is to promote mutual cooperation among its members, reinforce social welfare ideals with community involvement, and preserve the historical significance and achievements of Italian Americans. The IADL’s secondary purpose is to serve as a lobbying and advocacy group to local, state, or federal authorities and the private sector on matters of interest to Italian Americans.

IADL Newsletter

June 1, 2025 – Buffoonery & Bringing Two Worlds Together

Welcome James Andreano, our newest IADL member!

Recently an IADL member’s experience at the movies wasn’t what was expected. Before the film began, Cinemark, one of the largest theatre chains in the United States with three locations in Connecticut, ran an advertisement for its movie rewards program. To our member’s dismay, the advertisement portrays Italian American males as gangsters and buffoons. Should we accept this negative stereotype that Hollywood and the media continues to propagate generation after generation? Have you seen the ad? If not, watch it on YouTube and let us know your reaction.

Have you ever read a Columbus Day meme on social media that states Christopher Columbus was lost, even though he navigated by the stars and made the voyage four times? The most famous Italian male in history is often portrayed as a buffoon, probably by someone who needs a GPS to navigate across town. The point here is that both examples show an attack on Italian masculinity, including the ultimate patriarchal figure.

According to researcher Louis Gesualdi, “In rebuttal of the buffoon stereotype, the 1990 and 1980 US census and books such as Italian Americans into the Twilight of Ethnicity (1985) by Richard Alba and Italian Americans (1970) by Joseph Lopreato provide data demonstrating that since the 1960s, Italian Americans have experienced high levels of occupational and educational achievements. Moreover, starting in the 1960s, the average household income of Italian Americans has been well above the US average. Since the 1970s, the percentage of Italian Americans who have graduated from college has been well above the national average. These statistics also counter the related stereotypes that Italian American men are violent and uneducated and that Italian American women are overweight and spend most of their time cooking pasta and other ‘Italian’ foods or are elderly grandmothers.”

Italian Heritage News

On Thursday night, Mark One Wolf Yancy, a board member of Native American Guardian’s Association, was the keynote speaker at Italian American Alliance’s annual meeting in Watertown, MA. Yancy’s message was characterized by unity, with people of Italian and American Indian descent collaborating to fight cancel culture. He advocates for maintaining the celebration of Columbus Day, while also keeping Native American imagery in schools and sports. Watch IADL’s social media post on X to hear how Yancy believes that Columbus should be celebrated as the man who brought two worlds together, and to honor the most significant event in human history when American Indians met Europeans, we should stand together on Columbus Day.

Now read this week’s headlines.

Upcoming Events

May 29 - June 19, 2025 – Film at the Lincoln Center – New York, NY

We are happy to share with you the good news that the Film at Lincoln Center offers our members the opportunity to receive a special discount code to Open Roads: New Italian Cinema and Monica Vitti: La Modernista series. From Thursday, May 29 to June 5, Film at Lincoln Center and Cinecittà present the 24th edition of Open Roads: New Italian Cinema, ranging from works by acclaimed directors returning to Open Roads, to notable debuts by new filmmakers, with 14 filmmakers in person for Q&As. Following Open Roads from June 6–19, FLC and Cinecittà are excited to present Monica Vitti: La Modernista, a special career-spanning tribute to the actress who helped define one of the greatest periods in Italian and world cinema. Tickets are available for the General Public at $17, and Students at $14.

June 5, 2025 – Saints, Symbols, & Spaghetti – East Haven, CT

At the East Haven Italian American Club, enjoy dinner at 5:30 followed by a live webinar. Dr. Rocky Ruggiero will explore Italian art in an engaging and entertaining lecture. Call Sue Ianniello at (203) 218-9568 for tickets ($55) and more information.

June 7, 2025 – COPOMIAO Annual Meeting – New York, NY

IADL will represent our members in a conference of 77 Italian heritage organizations. At no time in history have more Italian organizations been unified at one gathering!

June 18, 2025– Icons of Italy: Celebrating Legends of Arts, Culture, and Sport

Donate to the Italian-American Defense League and support our legal effort on GoFundme.

Website: https://iadlnow.org/

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Member of COPOMIAO: https://copomiao.org/

Now is the time! Ora è il momento!

IADL Newsletter

May 25, 2025 – First Columbus Statues, Now Real People

One of Chicago’s three Christopher Columbus statues will be relocated to an Italian American museum instead of returning to Arrigo Park. Leaders of the Joint Civic Committe of Italian Americans, representing more than 50 organizations, negotiated a deal to take and relocate the Columbus statue that was removed in 2020. The two other statues remain in storage. Paul Basile of Fra Noi magazine is calling the outcome a miracle after five years of legal battles, politics, and activism in a city of one-party rule that leans to far-left extremes that are anti-Christopher Columbus. Did JCCIA President Ron Onesti and attorneys Enrico Mirabelli, Frank Sommario and Anthony Onesto make the best of an unreasonable situation, or did they surrender to the political machine that runs the city? Many are irked that the negotiations happened behind closed doors, and others are dissatisfied that the remaining two statues will not be returned to public space. Onesti believes that the battle will continue with future administrations. Read Fra Noi’s article here. One last thought, coincidentally this announcement was made during the same week as Mayor Justin Elicker’s press release that New Haven’s Columbus statue would be leased to a museum on Hamilton Street.

The far-left political environment in Chicago that tears down American icons and monuments shows how a well-educated political activist can become an extremist. In a newsletter earlier this year, I wrote about how Luigi Mangione, CEO killer, came of age in Baltimore where the Antifa extremist propaganda and presence are strong. Antifa rioters threw Baltimore’s Columbus statue into the harbor in 2020. Similarly, Chicago terrorist Elias Rodriguez has a history of involvement with anti-American protests, and now has been arrested for the assassination of two Israeli embassy diplomats outside of the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. The FBI reported that Rodriguez attended protests organized by the left-wing Party for Socialism and Liberation, and he wrote a 900-page manifesto justifying “armed action” within the United States to “Free Palestine.” Read more about the killer’s past here. According to the New York Post, Rodriguez praised Mangione on social media, further illustrating his radicalism. Even more infuriating is the discovery of how close extremists like Rodriguez are to high-ranking members of the Democrat political party. Rodriguez’s father was a guest of Chicago's Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García at President Donald Trump’s Joint Speech to Congress. Connecting back to Onesti’s negotiations with the City of Chicago, maybe his outcome for the former Arrigo Park Columbus statue is a miracle. First Chicago radicals targeted Columbus monuments, and now they are literally targeting real people. If law enforcement only stopped them in 2020, would we be here today?

Italian Heritage News

The number of soldiers of Italian descent in the US Armed Forces during WWII are estimated to be 1.5 million. During the war, up to 3 percent of the world’s population were killed. From North Africa to the Italian campaign, from the beaches of Normandy to Berlin, and to the Pacific, people of Italian descent saved the world. Read these hero's stories in detail here. In addition, here is a list of Italian-American Medal of Honor recipients. As we remember fallen heroes of long ago and today, have a meaningful Memorial Day!

Upcoming Events

May 28, 2025 – IADL Meeting – 6PM in Guilford, CT

Join IADL for a Board of Director’s meeting which will take place on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 6PM in Guilford. Meet IADL board members and discuss important IADL happenings. Your RSVP will help us prepare for the meeting. Register here! We will discuss the City of New Haven’s brief to the Federal Appeals Court, brainstorm next steps, and plan for 2025’s Italian Unity Dinner. Expect an email from us with the agenda before the meeting. Our meeting will take place in Guilford, CT. The address will appear on your screen after you submit the RSVP.

May 29, 2025 – Italian American Alliance Annual Meeting – Watertown, MA

IADL will be present at this meeting. IAA believes that all cultures are an integral part of America and deserve equal respect. Our Italian heritage, history, language, and culture are no exception. We affirm that Christopher Columbus is not only an historic Italian figure but a key figure in American and world history during the Age of Discovery. Any movement to erase our heritage—or any heritage—is an affront to our shared American ideals. Our answer is to educate, to inform, and to stand firm in the truth and value of our culture. Our agenda features a guest speaker: Mark OneWolf Yancey of the Native American Guardian’s Association.

June 7, 2025 – COPOMAIO Annual Meeting – New York, NY

IADL will represent our members in a conference of 77 Italian heritage organizations. At no time in history have more Italian organizations been unified at one gathering!

Donate to the Italian-American Defense League and support our legal effort on GoFundme.

Website: https://iadlnow.org/

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Member of COPOMIAO: https://copomiao.org/

Now is the time! Ora è il momento!

Christopher Columbus monument that was removed from Arrigo park in Chicago in 2020

The Christopher Columbus monument that was removed from Arrigo park will be relocated to a museum.

IADL Newsletter

May 18, 2025 – Elicker and DeLauro “Columbus for Sale”

Welcome Joshua Lavender, our newest IADL member!

In October 2024, Italian-American Defense League learned Mayor Justin Elicker held closed door meetings at the “Lost in New Haven” museum to convince invitees to support his scheme to place the Christopher Columbus statue that once stood in Wooster Square into private hands. A year earlier in a personal conversation, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro admitted that she planned to put the statue in a museum. DeLauro and Elicker’s plan has been in the works for several years. Why did the duo disrespect the public again? What do we know about “Lost in New Haven?”

According to the New Haven Independent, an Art Loan Agreement was signed by Robert S. Greenberg and Justin Elicker leasing the statue “Lost in New Haven” for zero dollars. In return, the museum must preserve, care for, and insure the statue, with an appraised value of $80,000. Click here to read the full loan agreement. Greenberg, executive director of the museum, reported $10,550 of compensation in 2021 and $37,750 in 2022 as the frontman at the museum.

Laura Clarke, Steven Jacobs, esq, and Roslyn Meyer are listed as five hour per week officers of the museum. Here is a link to the current board as listed on the museum’s website: President ROSYLN MEYER, Treasurer JEFFREY KLAUS, Secretary JAMES FARNAM, and DIRECTORS DAISY ABREU, LINDY LEE GOLD, LAURA CLARKE, STEVEN JACOBS, MARCELLA MONK FLAKE, ALEXIS GAGE, ELIHU RUBIN, WILLIAM GINSBERG, MAGGIE MOFFETT, and KELLY WUZZARDO. This group consists of a high-powered attorney, political insiders, and the Chief Executive Officer of the nonprofit that gave Lost in New Haven its largest grant, William Ginsberg. And where are all the Italians?

Reported contributions are $312,215 in 2021 and $621,161 in 2022. Another $110,000 of noncash donations were reported in 2022. Total assets in 2022 are reported as $1,429,731, which is quite amazing for a museum that is open by appointment only. The top three grants received are by Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program, and the Koch Ellis Fund. Click here for more tax information about Lost in New Haven, EIN 87-1163998. If there is this much of a money trail exchanging hands surrounding the Columbus statue in New Haven, you are compelled to ask, “What other backroom deals are happening under Elicker and DeLauro’s watch?”

To understand the power and money behind destroying Columbus, refer to this New Haven Register article about Lost in New Haven president Roslyn Meyers, “As for the Meyers, on Monday morning the couple gave what Jerry Meyer described simply as ‘a very big gift,’ to the newly-minted Harris campaign, on top of the $50,000 that they gave to Biden in February. Still, while Rosyln Meyer said she and her husband were ‘enthusiastically,’ supporting Harris’ entrance into the race, they are keeping their options open should another candidate put their name forward.” For the Republicans who think Christopher Columbus isn’t a big enough issue, the Democrat money bags certainly do.

Following the saga of Wooster Square’s Columbus monument gives insight into power, money, and politics. The girl from Wooster Square representing the hardworking Italians of New Haven is long gone. DeLauro “stole” the Christopher Columbus statue from generations of Italians and gave it to the power players she truly represents. We can’t even say Columbus was for sale because there was a preselected buyer.

Italian Heritage News

City of New Haven Files Brief of the Defendants

In response to the Brief filed by Italian-American Defense League to return the Christopher Columbus statue to its plinth in New Haven, Mayor Justin Elicker and the City of New Haven filed its Brief to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. New Haven Attorney Earle Giovanniello made the same claim as before, “[The IADL’s] allegations simply describe general concerns common to many New Haven residents. As the Supreme Court held in Diamond v. Charles, 476 U.S. 54, 62 (1986), allegations of generalized harm is insufficient to establish standing. Being a ‘concerned bystander’ is not enough.” Now we must wait until our case is heard.

In this New Haven Register letter to the editor (scroll down), Dr. Al Fusco of UNICO and IADL, explains the importance of Columbus Day. Fusco wrote, “October 12th is the day in 1492 when Admiral Christopher Columbus first stepped off his flagship, the Santa Maria, onto the land of the New World and reunited the two parts of the world that didn’t know the other even existed. It has been called by sociologists and anthropologists the most significant event in the history of the human race.” Click on the link above for access to the letter in its entirety.

Upcoming Events

May 20, 2025 – Solidarity Session – ZOOM Video Conferencing

Please join Italian American One Voice Coalition, Native American Guardian’s Association, and IADL at the next Solidarity Session - Tuesday, May 20, 8 PM EDT. Our guest speaker will be Jason Buck, NAGA Associate Board Member, defensive end for Super Bowl XXVI World Champion Washington Redskins, a direct descendant of several Native American tribes. Registration is required - please go to www.thesolidaritysessions.com to register.

May 28, 2025 – IADL Meeting – 6PM in Guilford

Join IADL for a Board of Director’s meeting which will take place on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 6PM in Guilford. Meet IADL board members and discuss important IADL happenings. Your RSVP will help us prepare for the meeting. Register here! Expect an email from us with the agenda before the meeting. Our meeting will take place in Guilford, CT. The address will appear on your screen after you submit the RSVP.

Donate to the Italian-American Defense League and support our legal effort on GoFundme.

Website: https://iadlnow.org/

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Member of COPOMIAO: https://copomiao.org/

Now is the time! Ora è il momento!

Justin Elicker and Rosa DeLauro

IADL Newsletter

May 11, 2025 - Columbus statue stolen from public view by Justin Elicker and Rosa DeLauro

Welcome new IADL member, Anthony Valanzola!

On Friday night, The New Haven Independent released this news article showing the hypocrisy of New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro. The mayor states the significance of the city’s Columbus statue and the importance of finding an appropriate location, yet he and the Congresswoman are the biggest players in removing it from its location of 128 years. Total hypocrisy!

Elicker and DeLauro put what they think is the final nail in Christopher Columbus’ coffin. The City of New Haven announced a loan agreement with Robert S. Greenberg, the owner of Lost in New Haven, a new museum on Hamilton Street. Despite an ongoing appeal by the Italian-American Defense League to return the statue to its pedestal in Wooster Square, Elicker and DeLauro have thrown salt into a deep wound before allowing the legal process to play out.

The seed of Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro’s political career was planted in Wooster Square, cultivated from the sacrifice and hard work of the very Italian immigrants who desired for Christopher Columbus to be honored in public view. They wanted the Columbus monument to be viewed for free, and now to add insult to injury, we’ll be required to pay. Now Rosa DeLauro has relegated Italian heritage to pizza and literally leased our culture to a private collector. Not only has DeLauro put the greatest symbol of our heritage behind closed doors, but she’s also destroyed her own legacy by surrendering to cancel culture.

The Columbus statue was paid for and dedicated by Italian immigrants in 1892 in response to discrimination and lynchings of Italians in New Orleans. On June 24, 2020, Mayor Justin Elicker ordered the removal of the statue with DeLauro’s blessing without a public hearing and input. Frank Carrano, former teacher union president, has also taken credit for the statue’s removal.

La Festa Della Mamma

The second Sunday of May is celebrated as Mother’s Day in Italy. Enjoy this poem by Edmondo De Amicis, called “If I Were a Painter.”

Se Fossi Pittore

Non sempre il tempo la beltà cancella
o la sfioran le lacrime e gli affanni:
mia madre ha sessant’anni,
e più la guardo e più mi sembra bella.

Time doesn’t always delete beauty
or tears and worries blemish it:
my mother is sixty years old,
and the more I look at her the more beautiful she seems.

Continue reading here, and happy Mother’s Day!

Italian Heritage News

A New Pope, A New Hope

American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who is now known as Pope Leo IV, has a mixed heritage that is 25% Italian. On his father’s side, Pope Leo is part French and Italian. Being the first American Pope, and spending much of his life doing missionary work in Peru, his experiences and heritage indicate that he is a Pope of the world. Catholics pray that Pope Leo will use his ability to speak French, Italian, Spanish, and English and Portuguese to communicate Catholic doctrine and evangelize spreading the gospel. Read more about the Pope who could be a great unifier.

Nonnas

A new movie on Netflix, called “Nonnas,” is gaining popularity among many people of Italian descent from our love of our Nonnas and Italian home cooking. The protagonist in the story opens an Italian restaurant with Nonnas as the chefs. The movie is based on the life of Joe Scaravella, owner of a restaurant on Staten Island. Read more in Entertainment Weekly.

Upcoming Events

May 28, 2025 – IADL Meeting – 6PM in Guilford

Join IADL for a Board of Director’s meeting which will take place on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 6PM in Guilford. Meet IADL board members and discuss important IADL happenings. Your RSVP will help us prepare for the meeting. Register here! Expect an email from us with the agenda before the meeting. Our meeting will take place in Guilford, CT. The address will appear on your screen after you submit the RSVP.

Donate to the Italian-American Defense League and support our legal effort on GoFundme.

Website: https://iadlnow.org/

Facebook: IADL account disabled by Facebook

X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/IADLPresident

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iadlnow/?hl=en

Member of COPOMIAO: https://copomiao.org/

Now is the time! Ora è il momento!

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro!

IADL Newsletter

May 4, 2025 - Columbus Day “Back from the Ashes”

Welcome new IADL members: Robert Giasi and Mario Gaboury!

“I’m bringing Columbus Day back from the ashes!” Although Columbus Day was never removed as a federal holiday, President Donald J. Trump’s social media post brought new life to an issue important to Italian Americans. To some, the resurrection of the pro-Columbus perspective is welcomed during this season of renewal, and to a few others, maintaining and expanding celebrations of Columbus is akin to giving life to the Frankenstein monster.

A flurry of media coverage followed the president’s post. On Connecticut’s WICC, Andre DiMino, Italian American One Voice Coalition president, expressed his excitement of President Trump’s support of separating Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Listen to Radio Host Paul Pacelli’s interview with DiMino. In Rhode Island, Democrat Joe Paolino talks about how the far left of his party hypocritically walked in every Columbus Day parade but then removed Providence’s statue. Since then, Joe Polisena, Jr. relocated the statue to Johnston, Rhode Island. Listen to Gene Valecenti’s radio segment here, which also includes Joe Polisena, Jr., his father, and Andre DiMino who made his radio rounds last week. Lastly, Vinnie Penn, the voice of New Haven Italians, chimed in with his analysis on WELI including criticism of Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro’s abandonment of Columbus.

The Italian-American Defense League welcomes President Trump’s support of Columbus Day. With the Native American Guardian’s Association, we stand against cancel culture. Together we advocate for the continued recognition of Columbus Day on the second Monday of October and for Native Americans to be honored in November during Native American Heritage Month or on August 9th, known as “The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.” Columbus Day was first proclaimed as a national holiday in 1892 by President Benjamin Harrison after the lynchings of 11 innocent Italians in New Orleans. In 1934 Congress designated Columbus Day on October 12th, a national holiday, and in 1968 Congress officially made Columbus Day a federal holiday on the second Monday of October.

The first presidential proclamation for Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Columbus Day was made by President Joseph Biden in 2021. President Biden included an apology to Native Americans in his Columbus Day proclamation. Italian American groups considered President Biden’s proclamation a slight to Italian-Americans, and the Biden administration worked with COPOMIAO to adjust the Columbus Day proclamation the following year. The United Nations first made its Indigenous Peoples’ Day declaration in 1977.

Italian Heritage News

Upcoming Events

May 28, 2025 – IADL Meeting – 6PM in Guilford

Join IADL for a Board of Director’s meeting which will take place on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 6PM in Guilford. Meet IADL board members and discuss important IADL happenings. Your RSVP will help us prepare for the meeting. Register here! Expect an email from us with the agenda before the meeting. Our meeting will take place in Guilford, CT. The address will appear on your screen after you submit the RSVP.

Donate to the Italian-American Defense League and support our legal effort on GoFundme.

Website: https://iadlnow.org/

Facebook: IADL account disabled by Facebook

X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/IADLPresident

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iadlnow/?hl=en

Member of COPOMIAO: https://copomiao.org/

Now is the time! Ora è il momento!

The words, "Columbus Day," and a compass

Make Columbus Day Great Again!

IADL Newsletter

April 27, 2025 - United to Fight Cancel Culture

Welcome new IADL members: Benjamin Cunningham and Michael Skrocki!

Illinois schools are fighting to protect Native American imagery from cancel culture and Tony Henson, President of the Native American Guardian’s Association (NAGA), has requested our help! We need everyone to oppose this cancel culture: A bill by Illinois State Rep Maurice West - HB1237 - would forcibly eliminate important Native American imagery and terms in Illinois schools. If passed, this would ban the terms Redskin, Braves, Chiefs, Chieftains, Tribe, Indians, or any synonymous term. NAGA needs our help - we must show Illinois lawmakers that NAGA has wide support. The bill has already been passed in the Illinois House of Representatives – we need your support in preventing it from passing in the Senate. Please contact: Illinois Senator & Assignments Committee Chair Kimberly A. Lightford at (708) 632-4500, to say that you oppose this bill in support of NAGA, and to urge her to prevent the bill from being assigned to a committee.

For more info on this issue: https://www.wifr.com/2025/03/19/some-illinois-high-schoolsmight-be-forced-switch-mascots/
To read the bill in full: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=1237&GAID=18&GA=104&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=157029&SessionID=114

Please help NAGA combat cancel culture by opposing this discriminatory bill. NAGA supports us in preserving Columbus Day - we must support NAGA in preserving their heritage! Read the news story here.

Italy Tightens Requirements for Citizenship of Italian Americans and COPOMIAO Responds

This CNN article explains that only Americans with parents or grandparents from Italy may become Italian citizens, which cancels the opportunity for millions of Americans of Italian ancestry to become dual citizens. COPOMIAO President Basil Russo wrote the following letter to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and IADL’s president was among the many Italian American leaders to sign it.

We write on behalf of the individual presidents of the 71 cultural, fraternal, charitable,

educational and anti-defamation organizations that comprise the membership of the

Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations, COPOMIAO.org, to

respectfully express our strong opposition to the sweeping decree that significantly

restricts eligibility requirements to obtain Italian citizenship by descent.

The reason being given by Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani for the change is that

there are over 60,000 pending applications for dual citizenship, and that the Italian

government is trying to curb the recent surge in applications to root out “fraud” and

“improper practices”. The vast majority of these pending applications are from only two

countries, Brazil and Argentina. If restrictions or quotas are necessary to correct abuses,

they should be placed on the residents of countries who have abused the process, not on

Italian Americans living in the United States, who have not done so.

Historically, Italy sent over four million immigrants to the United States between

1880 to 1920, more than any other country in the world during that period. Today nearly

all of the children and grandchildren of those immigrants are deceased, with only their

great-grandchildren and their descendants remaining. The new decree will now prevent

nearly all of the 18 million descendants of those immigrants from applying for dual

citizenship.

This new decree is not just about passports. It’s about heritage, identity and justice for

millions of Italian Americans who have maintained a cultural and familial connection to

Italy for generations. Italian Americans are extremely proud of their heritage, but this

decree sends the uncomfortable message to us that our motherland is not equally proud

to claim us, because it chooses to enact laws that will make it more difficult for Italian

Americans to maintain their historical bond with Italy.

Please understand that we, the undersigned leaders of the Italian American community,

respectfully request that this new decree be abolished so that the great-grandchildren

and their descendants will once again be allowed to apply for dual citizenship.

Italian Heritage News

Read this article published after the passing of Pope Francis which includes the section, “A family of Italian immigrants,” and explains the Holy Father’s Italian heritage. The article states, “Pope Francis comes from a family of Italian immigrants who made a life in Buenos Aires. His grandfather, Giovanni Angelo Bergoglio, left Italy at 20 and moved to Argentina with his wife, Rosa Vassallo, in 1929 to escape Mussolini’s regime. That journey shaped the family’s story. His dad, Mario José, worked in the railway industry, while his mom stayed home to raise the kids. They grew up in the Flores neighborhood, with strong values, deep faith, and a solid connection to their Italian roots.” For a more detailed dive into the legacy of Pope Francis and his Italian heritage, read Truby Chiaviello’s article in Primo Magazine online.

Dr. Gilda Battaglia Rorro Baldassari and daughter, Dr. Mary Rorro, will next receive a Ten for Trenton Award for contributions made to the local community. They led the charge in the creation of New Jersey’s Italian heritage curriculum. Continue reading here.

Prisencolinensinainciusol — Adriano Celentano’s gibberish song lives on. Fifty years since the Italian singer wrote it, his deliberately nonsensical track has found new life on social media.

Growing Up with Italian American Music: Songs of Home: From Italy to the U.S.A.

Column | In Praise of the Gentleman: Italian, American Chivalry

Russo Brothers Italian American Filmmaker Forum Announces 2025 Grant Recipients

The Best Little Italy Restaurants in Manhattan

Middletown Officials Deny Outside Probe into Alleged Violations in Columbus Statue Move

Upcoming Events

April 29, 2025 – NAGA & IAOVC Solidarity Session

Join IADL, Italian American Once Voice Coalition, and Native American Guardian’s Association, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 8 PM EST – Register online and receive a ZOOM link. Author and Columbus expert Rafael Ortiz will be the guest speaker. All Americans of every background are welcome as we call “to bring different cultures together and facilitate conversations about preserving cultural heritage in the face of cancel culture. Join us to learn more about the importance of cultural preservation and how we can work together to ensure that our respective heritages are protected from cancel culture.” Individuals and organizations are asked to consider joining the Seven Generations Alliance. Strength is in numbers, and the goal is to create a coalition 1 million people strong.

May 28, 2025 – IADL Meeting – 6PM in Guilford

Join IADL for a Board of Director’s meeting which will take place on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 6PM in Guilford. Meet IADL board members and discuss important IADL happenings. Your RSVP will help us prepare for the meeting. Register here! Expect an email from us with the agenda before the meeting. Our meeting will take place in Guilford, CT. The address will appear on your screen after you submit the RSVP.

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Now is the time! Ora è il momento!

IADL Newsletter

April 13, 2025 - Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and Easter in Italy

Let’s welcome new IADL member Gina Gallo who is an Italian teacher at Bristol Central High School. Gallo is asking for your help to become “Teacher of the Year.” All you have to do is use the link below to vote. Here is Gallo’s message below:

BUONGIORNO! ! I hope this message finds you well.

I’m reaching out to all Italian groups in the Tri-State area to rally support for the Bristol Central High School (BCHS) Italian program. I’m currently competing in a voting contest where the school with the most votes wins $25,000! While I’m certainly not claiming to be America’s Favorite anything, this is a fantastic opportunity to help our students without much effort on your part.

My Goal: To start a fund to help offset the cost of study abroad and exchange programs in/with Italy. These programs help us maintain our cultural ties to Italian and help our students USE their language skills in the most authentic ways!

How You Can Help:

Vote once a day until May 1 – it only takes a moment and voting is completely free!

Verify your vote using Facebook.

Share the voting link with your friends and family to increase our chances! PLEASE CONSIDER SHARING WITH YOUR LISTSERV!

🗳 Vote here: https://americasfavteacher.org/2025/gina-gallo

Voting Timeline: VOTE ONCE A DAY!!!

Quarterfinals: April 7 – April 17 (votes reset)

Semifinals: April 18 – April 24 (votes reset)

Finals: April 25 – May 1 (votes reset)

Winner announced on May 31!

Thank you for your time and support. I’m incredibly excited about the opportunity to help our students see the world and gain invaluable cultural experiences through this program. Your support means the world to us!

Grazie mille!
Gina Gallo

Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and Easter in Italy

If you're planning to visit Italy and would like to beat the summer heat, maybe consider a vacation during Holy Week for a cultural and spiritual experience of a lifetime. In the following article, Priscila Siano, marketing director of Tour Italy Now, takes us through the country's most cherished Holy Week traditions that bring entire towns together throughout Italy. Read the first two paragraphs and keep reading at the link provided.

Any visitor in Italy during Holy Week would do well to know a bit about the rich traditions that surround this occasion. With Roman Catholicism being considered as the largest religion in the country in which the Vatican can also be found, a number of Holy Week traditions in Italy, from practices to rituals still prevail, particularly in the southern regions.

The beginning of Holy Week is on Palm Sunday, and it lasts for the rest of the week up until Black Saturday, before ending in joyous Easter, or “Pasqua”, celebrations. Take note that the Monday right after Easter (“Pasquetta”) is also a holiday, so plan your trips accordingly. Continue reading here.

IADL Newsletter Milestone

Italian-American Defense League has published and emailed 217 consecutive weekly newsletters. That streak is about to come to an end as I will forgo emailing a newsletter on Easter Sunday, April 20th. Let’s take a look at our first newsletter from February 14, 2021 below. Buona Pasqua!

February 14, 2021

Italian-American Defense League (IADL) protects Italian-American heritage, history, and culture. A way to sum up IADL’s vision is that it promotes education, portrays positive stereotypes, and preserves traditions. That is what IADL will focus on in its newsletters.

Promote Education

Attorney Robert Petrone of Philadelphia has worked in the trenches advocating for Italian Americans by educating leaders and the general public about Christopher Columbus. Petrone has rigorously studied the primary source documents from Columbus’s times and found that Christopher Columbus is the first civil rights activist of the New World. Read Part 1 of 8 of Petrone’s articles on Columbus the Civil Rights Activist. Each article will be posted weekly at iadlnow.org/columbus-articles.

“Christopher Columbus became the first civil rights activist of the Americas and the founder of Western Culture in the New World, making him, beyond cavil, the greatest hero of the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Centuries.”

Portray Positive Stereotypes

Italian-American immigrants, their children, and grandchildren are some of the hardest working people in America. How could such a high quality and working-class people, now in many lucrative blue collar and white collar professions, still be associated with organized crime? I have to admit I’ve enjoyed the movies, but what about their impact? Read The Godfather Legacy: Assessing the Damage.

Preserve Traditions

During the past week, Italian civil rights leaders have been advocating for the preservation of Columbus Day as an Italian-American tradition. Advocates for Italian Americans believe that replacing one ethnic group’s holiday for another ethnic group’s holiday is a violation of the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution’s equal protection clause. In state legislatures, city councils, and boards of education across the United States, Italian-Americans have been silenced, limited to 2–3-minute soundbites with councilors and board members unwilling to listen. Have Italian-Americans been given due process?

In Syracuse, NY: Syracuse’s Columbus Statue Group Escalates Political War Against Ben Walsh

In Philadelphia, PA: Philadelphia Changes Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day

In Montana: Bill to Change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day Introduced in the State Senate

In Gary, IA: Gary Replaces Columbus Day with Holiday Celebrating City’s 1st Black Mayor

You can see that to protect Italian-American heritage, history, and culture: Now is the time! Encourage family, friends, and colleagues to join the IADL at https://iadlnow.org/become-a-member .

Italian Heritage News

Montana House approves Indigenous Peoples’ Day - Montana will soon have a new holiday on the books, after the House approved of Senate Bill 224 to add Indigenous Peoples’ Day to the list of legal state holidays. The House on Wednesday passed the bill 87-12, establishing the holiday to be celebrated on the second Monday of October, in addition to recognizing Columbus Day the same day.

Congress Bill Spotlight: Smithsonian Italian American Museum - The National Museum of Italian American History Commission Act would establish a commission to analyze whether a new Smithsonian museum about Italian Americans should be built in Washington, D.C.

Dear to My Heart': King Charles III Addresses Italian Parliament in Rome in Historic First - King Charles III has become the first British monarch to address both houses of the Italian parliament.

Prada Brings Versace Home to Create Italian Luxury Contender - Prada's deal to buy Versace revives hopes for a 'Made in Italy' luxury champion after many other family-founded brands ended up in French, Swiss or U.S. hands, and comes as many Italian groups are outperforming the struggling sector.

Italian Scientist’s Remains Found in Colombia Spark Multinational Investigation - An Italian scientist has been found dead in Colombia, according to local authorities, after several pieces of a human body were discovered lying on a path in the coastal city of Santa Marta on Sunday.

Upcoming Events

April 23, 2025 – IADL Meeting – 6PM in Guilford

Join IADL for a Board of Director’s meeting which will take place on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 6PM in Guilford. Meet IADL board members and discuss important IADL happenings. Your RSVP will help us prepare for the meeting. Register here! Expect an email from us with the agenda before the meeting. Our meeting will take place in Guilford, CT. The address will appear on your screen after you submit the RSVP.

April 24-27, 2025 - Yale Department of Italian Studies

Enjoy amazing films and great company at the 18th Annual Festival of Italian Cinema. The event takes place from April 24-27, 2025. Mark your calendars and there’ll be more information to come by Yale’s Department of Italian Studies.

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Duomo di Milano

IADL Newsletter

April 6, 2025 - Executive Order to Preserve Monuments

News of President Donald J. Trump’s tariffs dominated headlines this week; however, it was his “RESTORING TRUTH AND SANITY TO AMERICAN HISTORY” executive order which caught the attention of many in Italian American heritage groups. Section 4 “Restoring Truth in American History” of the executive order states: “(a) The Secretary of the Interior shall:”

(i) determine whether, since January 1, 2020, public monuments, memorials, statues, markers, or similar properties within the Department of the Interior’s jurisdiction have been removed or changed to perpetuate a false reconstruction of American history, inappropriately minimize the value of certain historical events or figures, or include any other improper partisan ideology;

(ii) take action to reinstate the pre-existing monuments, memorials, statues, markers, or similar properties, as appropriate and consistent with 43 U.S.C. 1451 et seq., 54 U.S.C. 100101 et seq.,and other applicable law; and

(iii) take action, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, to ensure that all public monuments, memorials, statues, markers, or similar properties within the Department of the Interior’s jurisdiction do not contain descriptions, depictions, or other content that inappropriately disparage Americans past or living (including persons living in colonial times), and instead focus on the greatness of the achievements and progress of the American people or, with respect to natural features, the beauty, abundance, and grandeur of the American landscape.

The National Park Service (NPS), under the Department of the Interior (DOI), oversees the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and the designation of Federal Historic Districts. Wooster Square Historic District is listed on the NRHP, giving it recognition at the federal level. Since the executive order directs the DOI to restore historical monuments, the federal government could pressure New Haven by tying the statue’s return to preservation grants, historic district regulations, or other incentives. However, even though the Columbus statue was located in a federally recognized historic district, the statue was on city-owned property, and in a one-party city, push-back against the executive order is expected. Read the entire executive order here.

Why does Columbus matter? Why should we protect his monuments and Columbus Day?

In 2017, Lori Hopkins-Cavanagh was fighting to protect Columbus Day and the Columbus monument in New London, CT. Due to impotent members of the Italian American community and DEI Democrats, Italian Americans in the city gave up and the monument which was dedicated in 1928 was removed in 2021. Hopkins-Cavanagh's CT Mirror opinion piece foreshadowed the removal of Columbus monuments three years later, defended Columbus’ legacy, and tied the removal of the Columbus monument to anti-Christian bigotry and discrimination of Italians in the small city. She wrote that anti-Columbus activists, “personify the country’s ‘Cultural Marxist’ movement and New London is a microcosm of this movement nationwide.” Access the article at this CT Mirror link.

Italian Heritage News

Upcoming Events

April 6, 2025 – New Haven’s Wooster Square Cherry Blossom Festival - Canceled

Due to weather conditions, the Historic Wooster Square Association has canceled the Cherry Blossom Festival. As of late last week, the buds of the cherry blossoms hadn’t yet bloomed. There is no rain date.

April 23, 2025 – IADL Meeting – 6PM in Guilford

April 24-27, 2025 - Yale Department of Italian Studies

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The White House

IADL Newsletter

March 30, 2025 - Promoting Italian Language

Why is it important to create an Italian-American Heritage Commission in Connecticut? For the answer, we can look south on I-95 to a successful model of promoting Italian-American heritage and culture to new generations of citizens in the tri-state area. The Consulate General of Italy in New York and the New Jersey Department of Education partnered to expand Italian language education. Language is key to maintaining culture because it serves as the foundation for communication, identity, and social cohesion. The two parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote and expand Italian language education in New Jersey schools. The Consulate General of Italy in New York also has jurisdiction over Connecticut, and the creation of an Italian-American heritage commission in the state would help cultivate a partnership similar to the parties in New Jersey. Shared goals agreed upon in the MoU include to:

Seek to further expand language instruction and introduce new programs to encourage student engagement with Italian culture and history.
Expand Italian language instruction in elementary, middle, and high schools, leading to AP Italian and certifications of biliteracy.
Provide teacher training, including workshops and educational resources.
Organize cultural initiatives such as the Week of the Italian Language in the World.
Facilitate student exchanges and curriculum enrichment opportunities.

The creation of the New Jersey Italian-American Heritage Commission led to the development of a model Italian-American heritage curriculum and the establishment of these relationships. Although Connecticut Senate Bill 1162 to form an Italian-American Heritage Commission has stalled during the legislative process, IADL will continue to highlight the cultural and economic benefits of passing this bill.

Connecticut Senate Bill 1228: An Act Designating Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a Legal Holiday

At the last “Solidarity Session” between the Native American Guardian’s Association and Italian American groups, representatives of NAGA and IADL discussed Connecticut Senate Bill 1228 to create Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a legal holiday in Connecticut. Mark One Wolf of NAGA explained that Indigenous Peoples' Day generalizes and dilutes the unique cultural identities of individual tribes by grouping them under a broad label. Each tribe has distinct traditions, histories, and languages that should be recognized separately rather than merged into a single day of observance. Like other members of NAGA, One Wolf opposes cancel culture, believing that erasing Columbus Day removes an opportunity for education and dialogue about perhaps the most important encounter of human history between Columbus and Tainos. Some Native Americans prefer adding Indigenous Peoples' Day as a separate celebration rather than replacing Columbus Day, allowing for a more inclusive approach to history, but One Wolf prefers holidays that honor American heritage, rather than dividing us into separate groups. NAGA’s model is “Education, not eradication.” The Italian-American Defense League respects the opinion of One Wolf, and supports the creation of Indigenous Peoples’ Day during Native American Heritage Month in November. Contact members of the Government Administration and Election Committee to tell them we support Indigenous Peoples’ Day in November and oppose any change to Columbus Day.

Italian Heritage News

Read the March edition of “We the Italians” digital magazine. Founder and Editor Umberto Mucci shares high quality articles about Italian heritage and culture on both sides of the Atlantic.
Italian American Veterans Club Monuments Find New Home at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Elmira, New York
How I Got My Weird Indian-Italian-American Vespa Running for the First Time In 11 Years for Less Than $100
One of the Coolest American Muscle Cars of the '70s is Actually Italian
Fred Voccola, Visionary Business Leader and Cofounder of Kaseya, to Be UNICO National Italian American Awards Gala Honoree
Italian City Moves to Reassure Locals and Tourists Over Jeff Bezos Wedding Disruption
2 men sentenced for fatal Italian Village shooting in 2023
Canada's Most Wanted Fugitive Arrested 'In His Hideout,' Italian Police Say

Upcoming Events

April 23, 2025 – IADL Meeting – 6PM in Guilford

April 24-27, 2025 - Yale Department of Italian Studies

Donate to the Italian-American Defense League and support our legal effort on GoFundme.

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New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission

https://www.njitalianheritage.org/

IADL Newsletter

March 23, 2025

In Meriden, Connecticut, police found a flagpole snapped at a church and confirmed that there was a missing POW flag, broken American flags, and graffiti on a Columbus statue on municipal property. Marco Mejil Jr., a thirty-year old, was charged with vandalism and turned himself in to authorities. The vandalism was reported on February 25, 2025. Five years ago, a Marco Mejil, then 25 years old from Waterbury, was charged with three counts of a violation of a protective order, second degree harassment, as reported in the Southington Citizen on September 4, 2020. For years, it has been evident that the vandals who attack Columbus monuments are unstable people who hate America.

Connecticut Senate Bill 1228: An Act Designating Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a Legal Holiday

Connecticut’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day Bill 1228 was referred to the Office of Legislative Research and the Office of Fiscal Analysis. Both offices published their reports on March 19th. No date for Indigenous Peoples’ Day was written into the bill. Once the bill moves to a full vote, it can be amended and have a date inserted. That means Columbus Day is at risk.

The Office of Legislative Research submitted its analysis of Bill 1228 and if passed will take effect on July 1, 2025, which means it could impact the next Columbus Day. The text of the analysis is written here:

This bill establishes a new legal state holiday on an unspecified date known as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The State Personnel Act mandates that each full-time permanent state employee get paid time off for legal holidays (CGS § 5-254). To the extent it is considered a change in working conditions, an additional paid day off may have to be negotiated with public employee collective bargaining units. By law, legal state holidays are also bank and credit union holidays, during which time bank and credit union transactions are generally suspended (CGS § 36a-23). Under existing law, except for holidays in January and December, when a legal holiday falls on a school day, the decision to close public schools is made by each local school district. Under the bill, this would also apply for Indigenous Peoples’ Day. By law, unchanged by the bill, each local and regional board of education that stays open on a legal state holiday must hold a suitable educational program to mark the holiday.

The Office of Fiscal Analysis determined that Bill 1228 would have no state or municipal impact explained here:

The bill establishes Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a state holiday but does not establish a date. Due to the lack of a specific date or method to establish a date to observe the holiday, there is no fiscal impact to the bill. Typically, the establishment of a new state holiday results in annual costs to the state of up to $2.3 million and to municipalities of up to $200,000. There is an additional cost associated with fringe benefits for those essential workers that would accrue overtime pay for working on the newly established state holiday at a rate of 21.02% of payroll for hazardous positions and 12.58% for normal positions.

Contact members of the Government Administration and Election Committee to tell them we support Indigenous Peoples’ Day in November and oppose any change to Columbus Day.

Italian Heritage News

Upcoming Events

March 25, 2025 – NAGA & IAOVC Solidarity Session

Join IADL, Italian American Once Voice Coalition, and Native American Guardian’s Association, March 25, 2025 at 8 PM EST – to participate register online and receive a ZOOM link. IADL President Matthew Guarnieri will give a brief update on happenings in Connecticut. All Americans of every background are welcome as we call “to bring different cultures together and facilitate conversations about preserving cultural heritage in the face of cancel culture. Join us to learn more about the importance of cultural preservation and how we can work together to ensure that our respective heritages are protected from cancel culture.” Individuals and organizations are asked to consider joining the Seven Generations Alliance. Strength is in numbers and the goal is to create a coalition 1 million people strong.

March 26, 2025 – IADL Meeting – 6PM in Guilford

Join IADL for a Board of Director’s meeting which will take place on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at 6PM in Guilford. Meet IADL board members and discuss important IADL happenings. Your RSVP will help us prepare for the meeting. Register here! Expect an email from us with the agenda before the meeting. Our meeting will take place in Guilford, CT. The address will appear on your screen after you submit the RSVP.

April 24-27, 2025 - Yale Department of Italian Studies

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Columbus Memorial Meriden, Connecticut

IADL Newsletter

March 16, 2025

Passion, Perseverance, and Performance: A Conversation with Maria Teresa Lonetti, Choreographer at Shoreline Theater Academy Kidz Konnection in Clinton, CT

For over a decade, Maria Teresa Lonetti has been a cornerstone of Shoreline Theater Academy Kidz Konnection, where her creative choreography has helped bring over 45 main stage performances to life. Known for her dedication to every child on stage and her passion for fostering creativity in young performers, Maria’s impact on young actors is immeasurable. From studying at the American Musical Dramatic Academy and The New School in New York City to learning at Santa Reparata in Florence, Italy, and building relationships with Broadway and off-Broadway performers, Maria’s life journey consists of continuous growth and commitment to cultivating talent in others. She holds a degree in Theater and has worked as a drama teacher in public schools.

In this interview, we dive into Maria’s experience in her current position as choreographer, musical theater director, and dance instructor at Kidz Konnection. She explains how her Italian heritage plays a role in her labor of love. Read the entire interview in the “Our Italian Stories” page on IADL’s website.

Connecticut Proposed Senate Bill 1162: An Act Establishing the Connecticut Italian-American Heritage Commission

Connecticut Senate Bill 1162 to form an Italian-American Heritage Commission has stalled in the legislative process. IADL will keep you updated if there is any change during this legislative session. Contact members of the Commerce Committee to explain your support of pushing this bill forward and the positive impact it can have on Connecticut’s business and tourism by forming relationships with Italian groups here and abroad.

Connecticut Senate Bill 1228: An Act Designating Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a Legal Holiday

Connecticut’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day Bill 1228 was referred to the Office of Legislative Research and the Office of Fiscal Analysis on March 13th. Analyzing the impact of the passage of the bill in these offices is another step in the legislative process. Soon this bill may be voted on in the General Assembly. Contact members of the Government Administration and Election Committee to tell them we support Indigenous Peoples’ Day in November and oppose any change to Columbus Day.

What do you think about this Cheetos pizza commercial?

Watch the commercial on YouTube and reply with your opinion of its portrayal of Italians.

Italian Heritage News

Upcoming Events

March 25, 2025 – NAGA & IAOVC Solidarity Session

Join IADL, Italian American Once Voice Coalition, and Native American Guardian’s Association, March 25, 2025 at 8 PM EST – to participate register online (if the March registration link is not ready yet, it will be available soon) and receive a ZOOM link. All Americans of every background are welcome as we call “to bring different cultures together and facilitate conversations about preserving cultural heritage in the face of cancel culture. Join us to learn more about the importance of cultural preservation and how we can work together to ensure that our respective heritages are protected from cancel culture.” Individuals and organizations are asked to consider joining the Seven Generations Alliance. Strength is in numbers and the goal is to create a coalition 1 million people strong.

March 26, 2025 – IADL Meeting – 6PM in Guilford

April 24-27, 2025 - Yale Department of Italian Studies

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Maria Lonetti, choreographer, musical theater director, and dance instructor at Kidz Konnection

IADL Newsletter

March 9, 2025

March 14, 1891 lynchings were the catalyst for the creation of Wooster Square's Columbus monument. The words cast on the plaque of Wooster Square’s Columbus Monument were “A Cristoforo Colombo Gl’ Italiani di New Haven.” The Italians of New Haven erected the Columbus Monument in 1892 after violence and lynchings against Italian immigrants in West Virginia and New Orleans. In the aftermath of the New Orleans lynchings of eleven Italian immigrants on March 14, 1891, a group of prominent Italian men from New Haven met and denounced the lynchings. The energy at that meeting was the catalyst for the planning and preparation of the events to follow.

On October 11, 1892, thousands at the Columbus Day parade lined the streets of New Haven for miles, including members of civic organizations from throughout the city. Two days later, the hands of Italians laid the cornerstone, and the Columbus statue was dedicated a little more than a week later on the twenty-first. Paul Russo, representing United Italian Societies, also a banker and the first Italian to earn a degree from Yale Law School, dedicated the monument to Christopher Columbus on October 21, 1892. The statue, fully funded by Italian residents, faced Long Island Sound, the route to the New World. Columbus set the path for New Haven Italians to follow to the Land of Opportunity, and they admired him for his faith, courage, and spirit of enlightenment.

Without a strong national identity in Italy and living in the tenements of “Little Naples” in Wooster Square, 1892 marked an important date. It was the first time Italians felt part of a nation, part of America, because it was one of their own, Christopher Columbus, who connected two worlds 400 years earlier. Children across the United States pledged their allegiance to the flag for the first time on Columbus Day, 1892, showing its roots as a patriotic holiday. The Italians in Wooster Square championed the anniversary in New Haven with visitors from every part of the state.

The Wooster Square Columbus Monument marked two moments in history with a plaque on the statue’s plinth, 1492 and 1892. A stone marker at the base of the monument was placed in 1992 to recognize the quincentenary, 500th anniversary of Columbus’ discovery. We are the beneficiaries of the New Haven Italians of 1892, and it is our duty to honor their wishes to keep their Columbus monument erected in perpetuity. It is an injustice that that statue was removed by an angry mob, mayor, congresswoman, and a few complicit political insiders of Italian descent.

Further Your Knowledge

IADL Membership Update

Welcome to our newest member, Michael Bonelli! Currently IADL has 190 full members and an additional 41 newsletter subscribers. Full members provide their full name, address, telephone number, and email address. They have voting rights at IADL’s annual meeting. We would love to offer additional perks to members. If you are a business owner and would like to offer a coupon or benefit to IADL members, please contact us.

Connecticut Proposed Senate Bill 1162: An Act Establishing the Connecticut Italian-American Heritage Commission

Let’s continue to advocate for Italian-American heritage in Connecticut. Click here to obtain the information you need to contact members of the Connecticut Commerce Committee and your state legislators. A sample paragraph is included that you can use when emailing representatives.

Connecticut Senate Bill 1228: An Act Designating Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a Legal Holiday

The Government Administration and Elections Committee voted in favor of the Indigenous Peoples’ Day bill with 14 YEA and 5 NAY votes. Interestingly, MJ Shannon of the 117th District who co-sponsored the Connecticut Italian-American Heritage bill also supports this bill. That gives me hope, but we must be clear! Replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day, or sharing the second Monday of October is a “slap in the face” to people of Italian descent.

YEA Votes: Sen. Flexer M. S29, Rep. Blumenthal M. 147, Sen. Honig P. S08, Rep. Morrin Bello A. 028, Rep. Osborne M. 016, Rep. Carpino C. 032, Rep. Gauthier N. 038, Rep. Haddad G. 054, Rep. Johnson D. 143, Rep. Menapace N. 037, Rep. Rosario C. 128, Rep. Santiago H. 084, Rep. Shannon M. 117, Sen. Winfield G. S10

NAY Votes: Sen. Sampson R. S16, Rep. Mastrofrancesco G. 080, Rep. Bronko S. 070, Rep. Foncello M. 107, Rep. Hoxha J. 078

The February 28, 2025 committee meeting notes state, “Rep. Mastrofrancesco questioned that there was no date for the holiday. Senator Flexer explained that they were consulting with the Indigenous tribes in Connecticut as to what would be a good date. Possible in November.” Columbus Day must be preserved as a stand-alone holiday.

Italian Heritage News

Upcoming Events

March 26, 2025 – IADL Meeting – 6PM in Guilford

April 24-27, 2025 - Yale Department of Italian Studies

Donate to the Italian-American Defense League and support our legal effort on GoFundme.

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Removed Christopher Columbus statue

IADL Newsletter

March 2, 2025

Another day, another lazy Mafia comparison. Last week, Congressman Jim Himes went on Fox News Sunday and compared Donald Trump’s Ukraine minerals deal to The Sopranos, calling it “Mafia-like” behavior. Instead of pushing back, Shannon Bream repeated the term while speaking with Rep. Jim Jordan. Over on Fox Sports, announcers Gus Johnson and Jim Jackson called Rick Pitino “The Godfather” during the UConn vs. St. John’s basketball game. If that wasn’t bad enough, they juxtaposed an image of Michael Corleone—the infamous Godfather character—on the screen next to Pitino.

The message is clear: all prominent Italian men are reduced to Mafia figures. No matter their achievements, the media insists on framing them through the lens of organized crime. This kind of stereotyping is outdated, offensive, and unacceptable. Why does this keep happening? Italian-Americans are judges, doctors, teachers, business leaders, and yes, Hall of Fame coaches. And yet, every time one of us reaches a position of prominence, the media can’t resist slapping the “Mafia” label on us. Let’s be clear: When an Italian-American runs a basketball program well, he's not "The Godfather." When a New York businessman makes a deal, it's not a "Mafia" move. When a New York politician negotiates, he’s not “running a shakedown.”

This isn’t about being “offended”—it’s about holding the media and politicians accountable. No other ethnic group would be subjected to this kind of stereotyping without immediate backlash. And yet, for decades, Italian-Americans have had to put up with these lazy, reductive, and frankly insulting labels. It’s time to call it out and demand an apology. Major news outlets and politicians must do better, and we will not stand by while they continue to peddle offensive, outdated stereotypes. Enough is enough.

IADL Membership Update

Welcome to our newest member, Anthony Bengivenga! Currently IADL has 189 full members and an additional 41 newsletter subscribers. Full members provide their full name, address, telephone number, and email address. They have voting rights at IADL’s annual meeting. We would love to offer additional perks to members. If you are a business owner and would like to offer a coupon or benefit to IADL members, please contact us.

Connecticut Proposed Senate Bill 1162: An act establishing the Connecticut Italian-American Heritage Commission

Italian Heritage News

Upcoming Events

March 26, 2025 – IADL Meeting – 6PM in Guilford

April 24-27, 2025 - Yale Department of Italian Studies

Donate to the Italian-American Defense League and support our legal effort on GoFundme.

Website: https://iadlnow.org/

Facebook: IADL account disabled by Facebook

X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/IADLPresident

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iadlnow/?hl=en

Member of COPOMIAO: https://copomiao.org/

Michael Corleone, Godfather character, juxtaposed next to Coach Rick Pitino of St. John's.

Fox Sports Graphic

IADL Newsletter

February 23, 2025

Thank you to Anthony Bengivenga, UNICO National President, for sharing information with members about Connecticut Senate Bill 1162 to establish a Connecticut Italian-American Heritage Commission. Another Italian publication covered the story, and now we, in Connecticut, must keep advocating for the bill.

Italian American Defense League, et al vs City of New Haven, et al - Appeal #24-2877

The Italian-American Defense League continues to fight to return the Christopher Columbus statue to its plinth at Wooster Square Park in New Haven. The Brief and Appendix for the Italian American Defense League (IADL) v City of New Haven, et al appeal was filed on February 11, 2025 in the US Court of Appeals, Second Circuit. The Defendants requested an extension to file their Brief, which is pending approval from the Court, with a deadline of May 12th.

Connecticut Proposed Senate Bill 1162: An act establishing the Connecticut Italian-American Heritage Commission

We in the Italian-American community want to thank Senator Ryan Fazio and Representative Chris Aniskovich for introducing the bill to create a Connecticut Italian-American Heritage Commission. Senate Bill 1162 states, "Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened: That the general statutes be amended to establish a Connecticut Italian-American Heritage Commission to preserve and promote Italian and Italian-American heritage, including, but not limited to, by developing cultural and educational programs, and preserving certain 5 cultural and historical sites in the state.” The bill is now bipartisan with Representative Michael “MJ” Shannon and Senator Paul Cicarella as co-sponsors of the bill. We encourage you to express your support of the bill to members of the Commerce Committee and ask your local representatives to become co-sponsors of the bill.

Contact your local representative.

Connecticut Senate Members: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/slist.asp

Connecticut House Members: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/hlist.asp

Email members of the Connecticut Commerce Committee.

chris.aniskovich@housegop.ct.gov

jason.buchsbaum@housegop.ct.gov

ellish.collinsmain@cga.ct.gov

Jane.Garibay@cga.ct.gov

Joan.Hartley@cga.ct.gov

bill.heffernan@cga.ct.gov

sarah.keitt@cga.ct.gov

Henri.Martin@cga.ct.gov

Ben.McGorty@housegop.ct.gov

Stephen.Meskers@cga.ct.gov

patricia.miller@cga.ct.gov

Norm.Needleman@cga.ct.gov

MD.Rahman@cga.ct.gov

Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov

john.santanella@cga.ct.gov

Heather.Somers@cga.ct.gov

Kurt.Vail@housegop.ct.gov

kerry.wood@cga.ct.gov

Connecticut Senate Bill 1228: An Act designating Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a Legal Holiday

We must keep our eye on Senate Bill 1228 which would add Indigenous Peoples’ Day to the list of Connecticut state holidays. IADL supports IPD on the Friday after Thanksgiving or August 9, International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. Below is the text of the “Raised Bill” which adds Indigenous Peoples’ Day to the list of state holidays, but does not include a date, “the second Monday in October (known as Columbus Day), the eleventh day of November (known as Veterans' Day), the ____ day of ____ (known as Indigenous Peoples' Day) . . .”. We must ensure Columbus Day is maintained as its own holiday.

Italian Heritage News

Upcoming Events

February 25, 2025 – NAGA & IAOVC Solidarity Session

Join IADL, Italian American Once Voice Coalition, and Native American Guardian’s Association, February 25, 2025 at 8 PM EST – to participate register online and receive a ZOOM link. All Americans of every background are welcome as we call “to bring different cultures together and facilitate conversations about preserving cultural heritage in the face of cancel culture. Join us to learn more about the importance of cultural preservation and how we can work together to ensure that our respective heritages are protected from cancel culture.” Individuals and organizations are asked to consider joining the Seven Generations Alliance. Strength is in numbers and the goal is to create a coalition 1 million people strong.

April 24-27, 2025 - Yale Department of Italian Studies

Donate to the Italian-American Defense League and support our legal effort on GoFundme.

Website: https://iadlnow.org/

Facebook: IADL account disabled by Facebook

X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/IADLPresident

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iadlnow/?hl=en

Member of COPOMIAO: https://copomiao.org/

CT Raised Bill 1228

IADL Newsletter

February 16, 2025

Democrat Michael "MJ" Shannon now co-sponsors Connecticut Senate Bill 1162 to establish a Connecticut Italian-American Heritage Commission, making the bill bi-partisan, which is an essential step to gain the support needed for the bill to become law! Also last week, IADL and the Connecticut Council of American Italian Organizations received more press coverage in La Voce di New York and in an Italian-American newspaper. Please read and share the articles.

English: https://lavocedinewyork.com/en/news/2025/02/09/connecticut-legislators-propose-a-bill-for-an-italian-american-commission/

Italian: https://lavocedinewyork.com/news/2025/02/09/il-connecticut-propone-listituzione-della-commissione-italoamericana/

Also, contact the Commerce Committee and your state legislators to support the bill. Contact information can be found on IADL's website.

https://iadlnow.org/press-releases

COPOMIAO Supports H.R.1102- National Museum of Italian American History Commission Act

The legislation to initiate the creation of a National Italian American History Museum in Washington, D.C. has been introduced in the U. S. House of Representatives. It is now our responsibility to encourage as many U.S. Congressional Representatives as possible to sign on as cosponsors of the legislation. Connecticut Congressman Rosa DeLauro co-sponsored the bill. We should forward the letter attached to every Representative in the state in which we reside, with a note encouraging them to support this legislation by signing on as a cosponsor. Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO) has been collaborating with New York Congressman Tom Suocci to initiate the bill, which would approve the beginning steps of creating an Italian American Museum as part of the Smithsonian Institution which is long overdue.

Italian Heritage News

Upcoming Events

February 25, 2025 – NAGA & IAOVC Solidarity Session

March 1, 2025 – IADL Meeting – POSTPONED – Will Be Re-scheduled

Join IADL for a Board of Director’s meeting which will take place on the first Saturday of March at 9 a.m. Meet IADL board members and enjoy coffee and donuts from Dunkin’. Your RSVP will help us prepare for the meeting by ordering treats and printing documents. Expect an email from us with the agenda before the meeting. Our meeting will take place in Guilford, CT. The address will appear on your screen after you submit the RSVP.

April 24-27, 2025 - Yale Department of Italian Studies

Donate to the Italian-American Defense League and support our legal effort on GoFundme.

Website: https://iadlnow.org/

Facebook: IADL account disabled by Facebook

X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/IADLPresident

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iadlnow/?hl=en

Member of COPOMIAO: https://copomiao.org/

CT Senate Bill 1162

IADL Newsletter

February 9, 2025

Thank you to President Michael Piscitelli and Vice President David DiMartino of the Amity Club for giving me the opportunity to speak to their prestigious organization last Tuesday. The AM in Amity stands for America, and the ITY stands for Italy. The word AMITY means friendship, peace, and harmony, which is quite appropriate for an organization that donated $90,000 in scholarships to graduating high school students last year. The service organization of American-Italian business owners was founded in 1936 and continues to serve the New Haven area today. Learn more about the history of the Amity Club and the Amity Charitable Trust on the organization’s website. It was a pleasure meeting IADL members at the meeting who are also members of the Amity Club. Your support is appreciated.

Contact Connecticut Legislators to Support Bill Forming Italian-American Heritage Commission

For the second week, IADL asks you to contact members of the Connecticut Commerce Committee. Connecticut Senator Ryan Fazio (36th Senate District) and Representative Chris Aniskovich (35th House District) have introduced Proposed Bill No. 1162, "An Act Establishing the Connecticut Italian-American Heritage Commission" to the Commerce Committee. The bill aims to create a commission dedicated to preserving and promoting Italian and Italian-American heritage throughout the state.

Email all members of the Commerce Committee with one email stating that you support Senate Bill No. 1162!

chris.aniskovich@housegop.ct.gov

jason.buchsbaum@housegop.ct.gov

ellish.collinsmain@cga.ct.gov

Jane.Garibay@cga.ct.gov

Joan.Hartley@cga.ct.gov

bill.heffernan@cga.ct.gov

sarah.keitt@cga.ct.gov

Henri.Martin@cga.ct.gov

Ben.McGorty@housegop.ct.gov

Stephen.Meskers@cga.ct.gov

patricia.miller@cga.ct.gov

Norm.Needleman@cga.ct.gov

MD.Rahman@cga.ct.gov

Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov

john.santanella@cga.ct.gov

Heather.Somers@cga.ct.gov

Kurt.Vail@housegop.ct.gov

kerry.wood@cga.ct.gov

And contact your state senator and state representative to ask them to become a co-sponsor of Senate Bill 1162: An Act Establishing the Connecticut Italian-American Heritage Commission.

Connecticut Senate Members: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/slist.asp

Connecticut House Members: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/hlist.asp

History of the Columbus Statue Removal in New Haven

Is the new immigrant statue an Italian immigrant statue or a generic immigrant statue? Former Mayor of New Haven John DeStefano may have answered that question at the February 9, 2022 Historic District Commission meeting. The meeting notes state, “Mr. DeStefano says that he is struck by work over the past twenty years that has been framed by circumstances and decisions made by people long ago. This work is rooted in and among the City’s rich past and points to aspiration of New Haven. He adds that while Congresswoman DeLauro sees the faces of her relatives, he also sees the faces of Afghanis who come to [the] city now in the proposed sculpture.” Furthermore, on Friday, Mayor Justin Elicker announced that New Haven would join a coalition of cities suing President Trump for Executive Orders against sanctuary cities. Perhaps the new immigrant statue isn’t an “Italian” statue at all, but the city’s “Sanctuary City” statue. Only the return of the Christopher Columbus statue can put this new immigrant monument into context.

Top 3 Contributions of Christopher Columbus to the World

Do you agree or disagree? 1. The spread of Western knowledge and Christianity. 2. The route that Columbus used four times is still used today. 3. The exchange of technology, such as agriculture and navigation, between the Europeans and Natives.

Italian Heritage News

Upcoming Events

February 25, 2025 – NAGA & IAOVC Solidarity Session

March 1, 2025 – IADL Meeting

April 24-27, 2025 - Yale Department of Italian Studies

Donate to the Italian-American Defense League and support our legal effort on GoFundme.

Website: https://iadlnow.org/

Facebook: IADL account disabled by Facebook

X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/IADLPresident

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iadlnow/?hl=en

Member of COPOMIAO: https://copomiao.org/

Amity Club Logo

IADL Newsletter

February 2, 2025

Yesterday, “We the Italians” published IADL’s press release announcing the introduction of Connecticut Senate Bill 1162 to the Joint Committee of Commerce. Read more about the legislation that calls to establish an Italian-American Heritage Commission in Connecticut. The prior week, IADL’s press release announcing our case and explaining key legal points was also published in “We the Italians”. The article can be found here. In addition to “We the Italians,” the newspaper, “GIA: Giornale Italo Americano,” which is published in Italian and English, included our press release. The reach of the paper is the Northeast United States, Florida, Switzerland, and Italy. View screenshots of the article on IADL’s page on X.

Contact Connecticut Legislators to Support Bill Forming Italian-American Heritage Commission

Connecticut Senator Ryan Fazio (36th Senate District) and Representative Chris Aniskovich (35th House District) have introduced Proposed Bill No. 1162, "An Act Establishing the Connecticut Italian-American Heritage Commission," to the General Assembly. The bill, referred to the Committee on Commerce, proposes "to establish a Connecticut Italian-American Heritage Commission to preserve and promote Italian and Italian-American heritage, including, but not limited to, by developing cultural and educational programs, and preserving certain cultural and historical sites in the state.”

"This legislation is about recognizing and celebrating the vibrant heritage of Italian-Americans in Connecticut," said Matthew Guarnieri, President of the Italian-American Defense League. "The commission will play a vital role in educating future generations and ensuring that the cultural contributions of Italian-Americans remain an integral part of our state's identity."

The Italian-American Defense League on behalf of the Connecticut Council of American Italian Organizations encourages residents to contact members of the Commerce Committee and advocate for the bill to be sent to the floor of the Connecticut General Assembly for a vote. "This proposed commission is a significant step toward preserving the cultural heritage of Italian-Americans in Connecticut," said Matthew Guarnieri. "We urge our community and all those who value the contributions of Western Civilization to our society, to stand together and support this important initiative."

Email your representative or the entire delegation of Commerce Committee members. Here is a sample draft that you may use: I am writing to express my strong support for Proposed Senate Bill No. 1162, which seeks to establish the Connecticut Italian-American Heritage Commission. This bill represents a vital opportunity to preserve the cultural and historical contributions of Italian-Americans in our state, ensuring future generations understand and appreciate their rich legacy. I urge you to support this initiative, which will foster greater cultural awareness, expand language programs, protect historic sites, and celebrate the diverse heritage that makes Connecticut unique, which has positively impacted every facet of life in our state.

Commerce Committee Members (18 members)

Chris Aniskovich, (R) House District 35, Clinton, Killingworth, Westbrook, chris.aniskovich@housegop.ct.gov *Introduced Bill

Jason Buchsbaum, (R) House District 69, Bridgewater, New Milford, Roxbury, Southbury, jason.buchsbaum@housegop.ct.gov

Eilish Collins Main, (D) House District 146, Stamford, ellish.collinsmain@cga.ct.gov

Jane Garibay, (D) House District 60, Windsor, Windsor Locks, Jane.Garibay@cga.ct.gov

Joan Hartley, (D) Senate District 15, Middlebury, Naugatuck, Waterbury, Joan.Hartley@cga.ct.gov

Bill Heffernan, (D) House District 115, West Haven, bill.heffernan@cga.ct.gov

Sarah Keitt, (D) House District 134, Fairfield, Trumbull, sarah.keitt@cga.ct.gov

Henri Martin, (R) Senate District 31, Bristol, Harwinton, Plainville, Plymouth, Thomaston, Henri.Martin@cga.ct.gov

Ben McGorty, (R) House District 122, Shelton, Stratford, Trumbull, Ben.McGorty@housegop.ct.gov

Stephen Meskers, (D) House District 150, Greenwich, Stephen.Meskers@cga.ct.gov

Patricia Billie Miller, (D) Senate District 27, Darien, Stamford, patricia.miller@cga.ct.gov

Norm Needleman, (D) Senate District 33, Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Lyme, Old Saybrook, Portland, Westbrook, Norm.Needleman@cga.ct.gov

MD Rahman, (D) Senate District 4, Andover, Bolton, Glastonbury, Manchester, MD.Rahman@cga.ct.gov

Kara Rochelle, (D) House District 104, Ansonia, Derby, Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov

John Santanella, (D) House District 58, Enfield, john.santanella@cga.ct.gov

Heather Somers, (R) Senate District 18, Griswold, Groton, North Stonington, Plainfield, Preston, Sterling, Stonington, Voluntown, Heather.Somers@cga.ct.gov

Kurt Vail, (R) House District 52, Somers, Stafford, Union, Woodstock, Kurt.Vail@housegop.ct.gov

Kerry Wood, (D) House District 29, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, kerry.wood@cga.ct.gov

Email all members of the committee with one email!

chris.aniskovich@housegop.ct.gov

jason.buchsbaum@housegop.ct.gov

ellish.collinsmain@cga.ct.gov

Jane.Garibay@cga.ct.gov

Joan.Hartley@cga.ct.gov

bill.heffernan@cga.ct.gov

sarah.keitt@cga.ct.gov

Henri.Martin@cga.ct.gov

Ben.McGorty@housegop.ct.gov

Stephen.Meskers@cga.ct.gov

patricia.miller@cga.ct.gov

Norm.Needleman@cga.ct.gov

MD.Rahman@cga.ct.gov

Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov

john.santanella@cga.ct.gov

Heather.Somers@cga.ct.gov

Kurt.Vail@housegop.ct.gov

kerry.wood@cga.ct.gov

Contact your state senator and state representative to ask them to become a co-sponsor of Proposed Bill 1162: An Act Establishing the Connecticut Italian-American Heritage Commission.

Connecticut Senate Members: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/slist.asp

Connecticut House Members: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/hlist.asp

Since June 2020, six Italian-American historic sites have been altered, and only one Columbus Day parade remains in the state. Meanwhile, Italian language programs are being eliminated, and harmful stereotypes continue to persist—despite the fact that Italian-Americans have made significant contributions to Connecticut’s history and culture, such as building vital infrastructure like the Merritt Parkway, founding successful businesses like Calabro Cheese, and excelling in public service, including Governor Ella Grasso, the first woman elected governor in the United States.

Groundhog Day and Italian Traditions

Do you believe in the prognostication powers of a groundhog? Today is Groundhog Day, with our American celebration “grounded” in European legends and folklore. This BBC article says, “In northern Italy, the final three days of January are known as "the days of the female blackbird" (I giorni della Merla). According to a rural archaic legend, the blackbird was once white (and beautiful and arrogant), and she told January that she didn't suffer the cold. So January sent her extra harsh days, she had to hide in a chimney, and that's how she became black. Because of this, during I giorni della Merla, the locals say that if the weather is mild these three days, winter will extend longer – and if it's harsh, spring will come sooner.” Continue reading this BBC article here, or read more about the days of the female blackbird at this link to Italy Magazine.

Italian Heritage News

Stanley Tucci To Receive Renaissance Award From AGBO & Italian Sons And Daughters Of America

Italian American Future Leaders Drives Cultural Windfall That's Shaping a New Generation

AGBO’s Russo Brothers Italian American Filmmaker Forum Honors 2025 Renaissance Award Recipient Stanley Tucci

NIAF Congratulates Mike Johnson on Re-Election as Speaker of the House

History and Culture Collide at the New Italian American Museum in Manhattan

Someone is objecting to removing the Columbus statue in Trinadad & Tobago

Chaos as Italian ski resort is overrun by TikTok tourists

A Deep-See On DeepSeek: How Italy’s Ban Might Shape AI Oversight

20 sin-sational things [Italian] Jannik Sinner achieved by winning the Australian Open this year

Upcoming Events

February 8, 2025 – IADL Meeting

Join IADL for a Board of Director’s meeting which will now take place on the second Saturday of every month at 9 a.m. beginning in January 2025. Meet IADL board members and enjoy coffee and donuts from Dunkin’. Your RSVP will help us prepare for the meeting by ordering treats and printing documents. Expect an email from us with the agenda before the meeting. Our meeting will take place in Guilford, CT. The address will appear on your screen after you submit the RSVP.

February 25, 2025 – NAGA & IAOVC Solidarity Session

April 24-27, 2025 - Yale Department of Italian Studies

Donate to the Italian-American Defense League and support our legal effort on GoFundme.

Website: https://iadlnow.org/

Facebook: IADL account disabled by Facebook

X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/IADLPresident

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iadlnow/?hl=en

Member of COPOMIAO: https://copomiao.org/

IADL Newsletter

January 26, 2025

Welcome to new member Juan Carlos Caruso and newsletter subscribers: Asher Livingston, David Scalza, Mike Lettiere, and Tony Lumbrazo! Remember to be a full IADL member, provide your full name, address, telephone number, and email address. Email IADL or use this link. We are more than a social media group by taking action to preserve Italian American heritage and expand cultural celebrations. During this newsletter, per member requests, I included more links to Italian news.

After attending a Solidarity Session among Native Americans, Italian Americans, and other groups against cancel culture, I ask that each and every member asks leaders in organizations they are a part of to join the Seven Generations Alliance. Individuals can also join. Strength is in numbers and the goal is to create a coalition 1 million people strong.

Last week, “We the Italians” published our press release announcing our case and explaining key legal points. The article can be found here. Already about 350 readers clicked on the link to read about how The Italian-American Defense League (IADL) has filed an appeal with the Second Circuit Court of Appeals to challenge the removal of a historic Christopher Columbus statue from Wooster Square in New Haven, asserting that the district court's decision disregarded key legal principles, federal historic preservation laws, and the cultural heritage rights of Italian-Americans.

History of the Removal of the Columbus Monument

Did you know the Wooster Square Monument Committee NEVER considered keeping the Christopher Columbus statue on its plinth? According to Bill Iovanne, Jr. In the April 14, 2021 meeting notes of the New Haven Historic District Commision, the committee was formed per the request of Mayor Justin Elicker to replace the Columbus monument. Never were arguments heard by to keep the statue. The meeting notes state, “Mr. Iovanne presents the public art project that will replace the Columbus statue taken down by the City in June of 2020. Mr. Iovanne says that the mayor appointed the Wooster Square Monument Committee in July and that they began meeting in August. First, they wrote a mission statement, guiding principles and structured a process to follow to replace the statue removed.” Why didn’t Iovanne, the chair of the monument committee, stand-up for Italian heritage and the Americans who wanted to keep the statue on its pedestal?

In the February 9, 2021 meeting notes, we may have found the answer to the question. Iovanne stated, “the proposed depiction of a family immigrated to the United States is consistent with original 19th century design intent, together with a more contemporary approach that reduces monumentality in favor of a more human scale of design.” The idea that no single man is worthy of being put on a pedestal comes from the far-left decolonize movement. Mayor Justin Elicker is described as saying, “by lowering the pedestal to be at eye level it is very much in keeping with the contemporary way of seeing memorials from the perspective of cultural equity.” In other words, the political philosophy of diversity, equity, and “exclusion” was evident from the early stages of the monument replacement project. The idea behind the project was to de-center Italian heritage from public space by replacing Columbus with a generic immigrant statue. Columbus, significant historical dates, the historic fence, and plaque with the words, “The Italians of New Haven,” were all removed.

Italian Heritage News

Upcoming Events

February 2, 2025 -UNICO Lunch and Theatrical Experience

Please join the Bridgeport Chapter of UNICO National in conjunction with UNICO CT-District I for an Italian heritage event on Sunday, February 2nd at Circolo Sportivo Italian-American Club, 2500 Park Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06604. The afternoon consists of a Traditional Sunday Pasta Dinner and a Theatrical Experience of "The Class of Life" featuring Paul Failla's one-man presentation of his life's journey that's sure to touch anyone who values family, tradition and laughter. Tickets are only $40 which includes the meal, dessert & show. For tickets or more information, please contact: Perry V. at perryvincenzi@sbcglobal.net 203.414.8447, Maurizio Viselli at meanmo67@aol.com 203.209.5588, or Mario Bartoli at mdbartoli@sbcglobal.net 203.394.7575.

February 8, 2025 – IADL Meeting

April 24-27, 2025 - Yale Department of Italian Studies

Donate to the Italian-American Defense League and support our legal effort on GoFundme.

Website: https://iadlnow.org/

Facebook: IADL account disabled by Facebook

X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/IADLPresident

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iadlnow/?hl=en

Member of COPOMIAO: https://copomiao.org/

Bill Iovanne, Jr. co-chairs Wooster Square Monument Committee.

IADL Newsletter

January 19, 2025

Dear IADL Members and Newsletter Subscribers,

The Italian-American Defense League (IADL) today announced that it has formally filed an appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, challenging a recent district court decision that the organization believes undermines the rights and cultural heritage of Italian-Americans, including IADL members and Plaintiff Ralph Marcarelli. IADL’s attorney Norman Pattis called U.S. District Court Judge Omar A. Williams’ decision, “ludicrous.”

The appeal stems from the district court’s ruling on ITALIAN AMERICAN DEFENSE LEAGUE & RALPH MARCARELLI Plaintiffs, v. CITY OF NEW HAVEN, JUSTIN ELICKER, Case Number 3:23-cv-773 (OAW), which concerns the removal of a statue of Christopher Columbus from Wooster Square, a historical marker dating back to 1892 that was erected in the aftermath of the 1891 mass lynching of Italians in New Orleans. The IADL argues that the lower court’s decision fails to adequately consider key legal principles about standing and historical preservation laws.

“This appeal is about ensuring fairness and protecting cultural heritage,” said Matthew Guarnieri, President of the Italian-American Defense League. “We are confident that the Second Circuit will give this case the careful consideration it deserves, recognizing if the City of New Haven is allowed to destroy Italian heritage, then every American’s heritage is in jeopardy.”

Continue reading the press release here on our website.

Italian Heritage News

CBS News Correspondent Brook Silva-Braga, tells the story of the Italian families who made Wooster Street famous for pizza, “In 1925, a man named Frank Pepe first fired up his coal oven. Soon after, his nephew opened a restaurant just two blocks away. Both became beloved pizza spots, specializing in thin-crust pies. Now, both originals are exploring new avenues.” Watch the entire news story on YouTube, here.

Upcoming Events

January 21, 2025 - Solidarity Session

Join IADL, Italian American Once Voice Coalition, and Native American Guardian’s Association, January 21, 2025 at 8 PM EST – to participate register online and receive a ZOOM link. Here is an interesting fact: Did you know according to the Edison Research exit poll, 65 percent of American Indians voted for President Trump over Kamala Harris, while 57 percent of whites voted for Trump in the poll of 23,000 random voters?

February 2, 2025 -UNICO Lunch and Theatrical Experience

February 8, 2025 – IADL Meeting

April 24-27, 2025 - Yale Department of Italian Studies

Donate to the Italian-American Defense League and support our legal effort on GoFundme.

Website: https://iadlnow.org/

Facebook: IADL account disabled by Facebook

X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/IADLPresident

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iadlnow/?hl=en

Member of COPOMIAO: https://copomiao.org/

Photo credit: f11photo/iStock

IADL Newsletter

June 8, 2025 – Calling for Volunteers

IADL Newsletter

June 1, 2025 – Buffoonery & Bringing Two Worlds Together

IADL Newsletter

May 25, 2025 – First Columbus Statues, Now Real People

IADL Newsletter

May 18, 2025 – Elicker and DeLauro “Columbus for Sale”

IADL Newsletter

May 11, 2025 - Columbus statue stolen from public view by Justin Elicker and Rosa DeLauro

IADL Newsletter

May 4, 2025 - Columbus Day “Back from the Ashes”

IADL Newsletter

April 27, 2025 - United to Fight Cancel Culture

IADL Newsletter

April 13, 2025 - Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and Easter in Italy

IADL Newsletter

April 6, 2025 - Executive Order to Preserve Monuments

IADL Newsletter

March 30, 2025 - Promoting Italian Language

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