The Columbus Circle Rally: To Unite, Not to Divide
The rally held at Columbus Circle in New York City on May 12th, 2021 brought together hundreds of representatives from all the Italian American organizations to prevent the elimination of the Columbus Day holiday (October 11th) from the NYC DOE school calendar and replacing it with Indigenous People Recognition day.
Let’s be clear, Italian-Americans do not oppose recognizing the indigenous people or any other group, Italian-Americans will support any effort that will institute such a representation but not at the expense of one culture from another culture. This change stands to create divisiveness among groups that have experienced great pain and persecution in the past. Italian-Americans demand respect and will continue fighting until acknowledgment, recognition, and respect is restored. To our indigenous brothers and sisters, please count on us Italian-Americans to support the respect and recognition that you too deserve.
