Showing posts with label Christopher Columbus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christopher Columbus. Show all posts

Saturday, October 5, 2019

October is National Italian American Heritage Month - 'Why Some Italian-Americans Still Fiercely Defend Columbus Day' - NYTIMES


October is National Italian American Heritage Month where an legal order was always signed by the standing President, I just researched to see if our current president has signed anything and did not find it, maybe you will find it or maybe we will never see it again.

  It goes without saying our cultural history in America goes back to the 1800's where over 5.4 million Italian immigrated to the US to find a better life, We were vilified then as many Mexican Americans are now a days.  Granted in my case, my parents came to the USA with all the proper paperwork and protocol.  They did come here from a war torn Italy and my father created a foundation for my mother's arrival years later.   Today over 26 million Americans are of Italian descent making us the largest ethnic group.  Stats from Italian American Foundation

With evolution comes controversy, and as many of us grew thinking, Columbus day signified a day to celebrate our heritage here in the USA, as we were all taught in elementary school that Christopher Columbus discovered America, I mean he was Italian.  Well as we've become a more sensitive society to ethnicity and social awareness's, it has been deemed incorrect to celebrate Christopher Columbus because according to history he slayed and murdered Indigenous people in his quest to colonize the USA.  Last time I checked this was called Thanksgiving a national and huge economic engine of a holiday where we are basically celebrating the slaughter of native Americans, but there is no argument there, instead we focus on Columbus Day and the so called heinous acts of the explorer.  Instead in elementary school you were taught how the colonists had a dinner with the Indians and they were all so happy, were they?

In all honesty, we don't need Columbus Day or Thanksgiving they are both if you want to break it down celebrating the same thing.  Its not about Italians at all.   This country before you and I was built on explorers from the 'Old World' coming to the "New World" and yes, according to history did in fact use heinous acts to colonize or so they say, you and I the person who is about 100 years old would NOT know either.  All we have is supposed history books.   The moral of the story, we are here in America, we have contributed to the history of this country along with many other ethnicities and cultures.  You can't deny history and label one person or one culture.   This is America. 

This was an article published in the NY TIMES; Take a look, a lot of great points. What do you think?

Why Some Italian-Americans Still Fiercely Defend Columbus Day

Sunday, September 3, 2017

Columbus Citizens Foundation Committed to the Preservation of the Columbus Monument



 The Columbus Citizens Foundation is committed to the preservation of the Columbus Monument at Columbus Circle.

Over the years, Columbus Day and the Columbus Monument have played a vital role in Italian-American acceptance and the celebration of Italian culture. 

The statue itself was created by renowned Italian sculptor Gaetano Rosso in 1892 and funded by Italian-American immigrants through newspaper sales. At the request of the city, the Columbus Citizens Foundation is proud to have played a significant role in the statue’s restoration, which was completed in 1992.

Every year we are asked the question, “Why is the celebration of Columbus important to the Italian- American community?” The legacy of Columbus was essential in truly legitimizing our transition from Italians to Americans. Our Italian-American ancestors, facing bigotry and discrimination, identified Columbus as an Italian celebrated greatly across America for establishing a lasting bridge between the Old and New World. 

Lear more: https://www.columbuscitizensfd.org/announcements/the-columbus-citizens-foundation-is-committed-to-the-preservation-of-the-columbus-monument-at-columb


Controversial topic - Saving Columbus Circle Monument in New York City, -- CF statement "Every year we are asked the...
Posted by Italian American Girl on Sunday, September 3, 2017

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Upcoming Fall Italian American Events - Columbus Day Parade, Educational, Art & Fundraising Galas

PARADE -- This year's Columbus Day Parade will take place in New York City in October, visit the Columbus Citizens Foundation web page for further details and dates. http://www.columbuscitizensfd.org/
The parade is broadcast on the major New York networks such as NBC.


**Photo Credit - http://www.columbuscitizensfd.or




EVENTS --For upcoming events all around New York City, featuring musical events, educational lectures, be sure to visit the i-Italy Digital Project site for the latest updates and features.


GALA -- In October in Washington D.C., The National Italian American Foundation features their Gala, which aims to raise awareness and funds to all programs and education for the Italian American community.  This year's gala will take place on October 25, 2014.

Visit the site here for tickets and further details - http://www.niaf.org/

In

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Happy Columbus Day 2013 - Controversial Holiday for Italian Americans or Hype?

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Calling All Italian Americans: Columbus Day Parade in New York City - 2011

Auguri to all Italian Americans celebrating Columbus Day. It's a very important day to my family, because it signifies the day my father arrived in America to start a new life. He came to the USA to live the American dream and we still hold onto the dreams my father had when he first came here in 1956 and now we honor those who have paved the way for all Italian Americans. Celebrate with pride!

Columbus Day Parade - New York City
On Monday October 10, 2011 the best parade in New York City (in my opinion) the Columbus Day Parade is set to begin at 11:30 a.m. and run till 3:00 p.m. The parade always includes a slew of Italian and Italian American performers, bands and participants from all over the country and including from Italy. I love watching the parade on television, because you really have a chance to get the specifics on where people are from based on the hosting conversations with either Maria Bartiromo and or Joe Piscopo - we'll see who hosts again this year.

The parade begins on Fifth Ave and 44th Street, get in early and claim your spots, gotta love New York City but the commute can be a pain, so check out the tips listed in the links below.

For more details visit:
OR


Monday, October 12, 2009

Happy Columbus Day-- My Father Celebrates 53 Years In America.

Happy Columbus Day to my father, who arrived in America 53 years ago on this day. He arrived with a dream and little money but endured a life long journey in America, we're proud of you Papa! Love you.
(Photo--Copyright ItalianAmericanGirl.com 2009)

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Italian Americans Celebrate Columbus Day Parade In New York City.

October in a busy month for Italian Americans as we begin to get ready for a month long celebration of our history here in America. The month is full of historical events such as Columbus Day where we honor Christopher Columbus for discovering America.


The biggest event in New York for Italian Americans is the annual Columbus Day Parade which is televised usually by NBC and hosted by celebrity Italian Americans. This year, the event will be held on October 12th starting at 11:30 am and seems to be jammed pack with events, participants and hosts. Please visit the Columbus Citizens Foundation site for complete details and sponsorship.

Columbus Day Parade
Fifth Ave. from 44th to 79th Streets
11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Italian American Fall Events 2009

Its that time of year again when many Italian American organizations set their calendars for hosting the best Italian American events across the nation. Here is a list of events on the East and West coasts.


San Gennaro Feast- Little Italy, NY -- September 10-20th 2009
http://www.sangennaro.org/


San Gennaro Festival-Los Angeles, CA--September 25-27th 2009
http://www.feastofla.com/index.html


NOIAW-National Organization of Italian American Women will be holding their annual luncheon on Saturday, September 26th in New York City at the Waldorf-Astoria.
http://www.noiaw.org/


Columbus Day Parade NYC-Columbus Citizens Foundation- October 12, 2009--http://www.columbuscitizensfd.org/cpreview2009.shtml


Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival--October 8-11th. http://www.nycwineandfoodfestival.com/2009/


National Italian American Foundation--Gala Dinner--Weekend of October 24th. http://niaf.org/

Sunday, October 12, 2008

History Channel Presents: The History of Columbus Day.

History is part of everything we know. Learning about the events surrounding Columbus Day is a great way for Italian-Americans and all Americans to learn more about their country.



History Channel is one of my favorite networks for documentary and historical programming.

To learn more about the history behind Columbus Day visit the History Channel site at:
http://www.history.com/minisite.do?content_type=mini_home&mini_id=1044

If you're an educator, this site is great with extra added learning text and activities. Check it out.