Italian-American Defense League: Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Italian-American Defense League (IADL) 

Contact: Matthew Guarnieri Phone: 860-552-9597 

Email: iadlnow@yahoo.com Website: iadlnow.org

Italian-American Defense League vows to keep fighting for historical preservation.

New Haven, CT – The Italian-American Defense League (IADL) expresses its deep disappointment and strong opposition to the recent court ruling dismissing our case regarding the removal of the Christopher Columbus statue from Wooster Square Park. This decision undermines not only the cultural and historical significance of Italian-American contributions to New Haven but also the democratic process by which these decisions should be made. 

For over one hundred years, the Columbus statue stood as a symbol of Italian-American heritage, unity, and pride, particularly for the Italian-American community that has called the Wooster Square area home for generations. Its removal, without proper notice to the public and transparency in the decision-making process, represents a troubling disregard for the rights and voices of the community. The swift, behind-closed-doors manner in which this decision was carried out betrays the values of inclusion and fairness that Mayor Justin Elicker should uphold. 

The IADL and Mr. Ralph Marcarelli, a long-time resident of the area, brought this suit after the historic district was devalued and desecrated by Mayor Elicker, and to ensure that the Italian community’s heritage is respected and preserved. The court’s decision to dismiss our case on technical grounds, without fully engaging with the substantive issues raised, is a grave injustice. We maintain that the removal of this statue not only damages the cultural fabric of Wooster Square but also diminishes the value of the neighborhood for those who have built their lives around its rich Italian-American history. 

We believe that all ethnic groups deserve to have a say in decisions that affect their heritage and environment. We will continue to advocate for the preservation of Italian-American culture in New Haven and Connecticut and stand firm in our commitment to ensuring that future decisions regarding the Italian-American community are made with full transparency, respect, and consideration for the people who are most affected. 

We call upon our fellow citizens, leaders, and organizations to join us in challenging actions that erase our history and culture without due process or consideration. This fight is far from over. 

Sincerely,

Matthew Guarnieri 

President 

Italian-American Defense League 

For more information about the Italian-American Defense League and its initiatives, please visit iadlnow.org.

About the Italian-American Defense League (IADL): The Italian-American Defense League (IADL) is a prominent organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Italian American heritage, culture, and contributions to American society. IADL actively engages in educational outreach, advocacy, and community initiatives to celebrate and protect the Italian American legacy. With a strong commitment to inclusivity, IADL works to foster a sense of pride and unity among Italian Americans and their supporters. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Italian-American Defense League  

(IADL) Contact: Matthew Guarnieri Phone: 860-552-9597 Email: iadlnow@yahoo.com Website: iadlnow.org

Italian-American Defense League President Matthew Guarnieri to Attend Historic White House Event Celebrating Italian American Heritage Month

New Haven, CT – The Italian-American Defense League (IADL) is proud to announce that its President, Matthew Guarnieri, has received a special invitation from the First Lady of the United States, Dr. Jill Biden, to attend an event at the White House in honor of Italian American Heritage Month. President Guarnieri will join a distinguished delegation representing the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO) for this historic occasion, taking place on Thursday, October 12th. 

Dr. Jill Biden, the country's first Italian American First Lady, will host the first-ever celebration of Italian American Heritage Month at the White House, marking a significant moment in the history of Italian Americans in the United States.

IADL President Guarnieri expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Right here in Connecticut, we have exciting things happening.”  Recently, IADL shared Italian American curricular resources with the Executive Director of the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents.  In June, IADL initiated legal action against the City of New Haven to return a Christopher Columbus statue to Wooster Square after it was removed in 2020. The monument was dedicated to the Italians of New Haven in 1892. Guarnieri describes growing public support, saying, “Today Italians in Connecticut are united more than ever before.  There is so much we will accomplish together.”

Judge Basil Russo, the President of COPOMIAO, played a pivotal role in securing this historic event. As the President of COPOMIAO, Judge Russo has already achieved major victories for Italian Americans in the political arena, earning recognition and support both at the White House and the U.S. Capitol.  Judge Russo wrote to Dr. Jill Biden in July, proposing the idea of an event to honor Italian Americans during Italian American Heritage Month. The positive response from the First Lady was received on September 25th, as she graciously extended an invitation to a delegation of COPOMIAO leaders to gather at the President's official residence.

Judge Russo commented on this groundbreaking moment, stating, "This is the first time in history that the White House has ever hosted an event celebrating Italian American Heritage Month." He emphasized the significance of this event, which has been made possible in part due to Dr. Biden's own Italian lineage, as her paternal grandfather emigrated from Sicily.

"We are extremely grateful to the First Lady for creating this wonderful event that will allow us to focus national attention on the many exceptional contributions Italian Americans have made to our great country," said Judge Russo.

IADL President Guarnieri states, “Having this historic Italian heritage event on October 12th accentuates the importance of Christopher Columbus to Italian American heritage."  The Italian-American Defense League applauds the recognition and celebration of Italian American heritage at the highest levels of government, and we look forward to President Guarnieri's participation in this historic event at the White House.

For more information about the Italian-American Defense League and its initiatives, please visit iadlnow.org.

About the Italian-American Defense League (IADL): The Italian-American Defense League (IADL) is a prominent organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Italian American heritage, culture, and contributions to American society. IADL actively engages in educational outreach, advocacy, and community initiatives to celebrate and protect the Italian American legacy. With a strong commitment to inclusivity, IADL works to foster a sense of pride and unity among Italian Americans and their supporters. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Italian-American Defense League  

(IADL) Contact: Matthew Guarnieri Phone: 860-552-9597 Email: iadlnow@yahoo.com Website: iadlnow.org

Italian-American Defense League files a lawsuit against Major Justin Elicker and City of New Haven for the illegal removal of Wooster Square's Columbus statue.

New Haven, CT – Italian-American Defense League (IADL) with Plaintiff Ralph Marcarelli, a lifelong resident of Wooster Square, filed a lawsuit against Mayor Justin Elicker of New Haven for illegally removing the neighborhood’s Columbus statue.  Under Elicker’s reign, Columbus School changed its name, Columbus Day is now called Italian Heritage Day, and the Columbus statue was put into storage.  To what other ethnic, racial, or religious group does government dictate who or what their cultural symbols or icons should be?

We promote education, positively portraying Italians, and preserving traditions including creating new ones.  That is why IADL is committed to explaining the story of New Haven’s Columbus statue dedication in 1892.  Thousands of Italians stood near the Columbus monument as Paul Russo, representing United Italian Societies, dedicated the statue.  The statue symbolizes the bond between Italians, New Haven, and Connecticut.  For Italians, that moment was the first time they felt accepted as Americans.  Today, one person in city hall should not have the power to break that 128-year bond. 

The majority of Americans believe in preserving historical monuments as markers of our shared past.  Only a small fringe group believes in removing historic monuments from public view.  It just so happens that Mayor Justin Elicker is one of these misinformed and opportunistic people catering to the extreme.  Italian-American Defense League consists of 140 members and is affiliated with 61 of the largest Italian societies in the United States as a member of COPOMIAO.  Some of us are also members of societies from New Haven or residents themselves.  We ask Mayor Elicker, where did he obtain his data saying that Italians support removing Columbus statues?  His supporters are a very small group, some from outside of New Haven and others with ties to city hall. 

Italian-American Defense League calls for a culture of mutual respect of all peoples.  Together, all our stories make up the history of New Haven and beyond.  When you look around at Wooster Square Park, there is plenty of room to tell the stories of all groups in New Haven.  We shouldn’t be picking cultural winners and losers.  Removing the plaque honoring Italian immigrants from the base of the Columbus statue proves Elicker’s lack of respect towards people of Italian descent.  With Italians disrespected today, who will it be tomorrow? 

Regulations and procedures govern historic districts.  Mayor Elicker acted as king and disregarded law.  He also sided with vandals who threw paint on the statue while breaking the law instead of siding with Italian-Americans who peacefully protested the statue’s removal.  More than 50 people of Italian descent watched, feeling shock and betrayal as the parks department removed the statue, following Elicker’s order. 

Finally, New Haven’s Monument Committee was asked to design a replacement, and that is what it did.  We believe members of that committee had the best intentions of creating a meaningful statue representing the Italian immigrant experience.  We do have two questions: 1. Why cannot both statues become a tourist destination in Wooster Square, one representing the historical context of Italian immigration in 1892 and another showing the aim of residents to re-examine history in 2020?  Both are worthy of public space and a place in the history of New Haven. 2. Why is the woman portrayed in the new statue standing slightly behind the man?  Perhaps the committee should approve a change in the design. 

IADL's experience is that we can rise to the occasion and be mutually respectful of all people by explaining the complexities of our shared histories, instead of oversimplifying them.  Mayor Elicker can stop wasting taxpayer money and resources by moving on and collaborating on a unifying solution. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Italian-American Defense League  

(IADL) Contact: Matthew Guarnieri Phone: 860-552-9597 Email: iadlnow@yahoo.com Website: iadlnow.org

The Italian-American Defense League (IADL) has been selected to be inducted into the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO) on Saturday, June 17, 2023.  

New York, NY - COPOMIAO is a coalition of national, regional, statewide, and special Italian American organizations, and is dedicated to promoting unity, harmony, and camaraderie among the Italian American community, as well as advancing the Italian culture in America. 

The induction of the IADL into COPOMIAO is a testament to the organization's commitment to advancing the goals, aims, and projects of the Italian American community. The IADL has been a vocal advocate for the rights and dignity of Italian Americans, and has worked tirelessly to eliminate prejudice, and discrimination, including maintaining Christopher Columbus statues in public spaces and honoring Columbus Day.  A grassroots organization founded in 2021, the IADL is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting education, portraying Italians positively, and preserving traditions, while forging an Italian-American identity of the future. 

As a member of COPOMIAO, the IADL will have the opportunity to collaborate with other Italian American organizations, exchange ideas, and coordinate efforts to advance the interests of Italian Americans.  “The IADL is humbled to be associated with so many prestigious organizations and looks forward to collaborating with COPOMIAO President Basil Russo and all member organizations to meet the goals of the conference,” stated Matthew Guarnieri, President of IADL. 

The induction ceremony will take place on June 17, 2023, and will be attended by leaders from 63 Italian American organizations and their guests.  Guarnieri added, “We would like to express gratitude, and are honored to be inducted into COPOMIAO to join forces with other Italian-American organizations.”

For more information about Italian-American Defense League and its members, please visit iadlnow.org .