The Capital City of Columbus: Celebrating Italian Heritage
In the capital city of Ohio, you can find plenty of “Columbus” references made all around the city, all with connections to Italian-American roots. First and foremost, the city was named after the explorer Christopher Columbus, whose statue, a gift from the citizens of Genoa, Italy to the City of Columbus in 1955, once stood outside City Hall. Foll...
Ron Onesti pursues dream of Taylor Street museum
Like so many other Chicago-area Italian Americans, Ron Onesti traces his stateside roots to the legendary Taylor Street Little Italy on the city’s Near West Side. His father’s parents settled there when they arrived from Italy, his father grew up and made lasting memories there, and Onesti was born in the neighborhood and went to school at St. Call...
Chicago’s Columbus Day Parade celebrates Italian heritage and Native American unity
Thousands of Chicagoans gathered in the Loop on Monday for the city’s 72nd annual Columbus Day parade. The celebration of Italian American heritage featured floats, marching bands, singers, and dancers descending State Street. The parade’s theme this year was “Bridging gaps, celebrating our heritage, and protecting our culture.” Watching the festi...
'Take it down!': Protests of Columbus monument return to Pueblo in full force
Protests of Pueblo's Christopher Columbus monument slowed following the 2020 abolition of Columbus Day in Colorado, but over 100 demonstrators returned to the Mesa Junction on Oct. 14 with chants of "No pride in genocide." Protestors stood outside steel barricades around Christopher Columbus Piazza — the site of the Order of Sons of Italy Southern...
Chicago celebrates Italian American heritage with 72nd Annual Columbus Day Parade
The Italian American community in Chicago came together to celebrate their heritage with the 72nd annual Columbus Day Parade. The day began with a mass at The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, followed by a poignant procession in Arrigo Park, where a wreath-laying ceremony honored Italian American war veterans. The grand parade stepped off around no...
City of Columbus making progress on what to do with Christopher Columbus statue
Monday is Columbus Day, also known as Indigenous Peoples' Day. The city of Columbus officially renamed the holiday in 2020, the same year it removed a statue of Christopher Columbus from its pedestal outside City Hall. The statue had stood there for 65 years. Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said the statue didn't reflect the city's values. While it s...
Mishawaka's Central Park Celebrates Italian American Heritage & Columbus Day
A celebration of Italian culture and Christopher Columbus' landing in the New World was held Sunday afternoon. October is Italian Heritage Month. The celebration was held at Mishawaka's Central Park, where a statue of Columbus has stood for more than 30 years. The event celebrated Italian culture with guest speakers and an Italian buffet. We spoke...
Paul Anka pens new ‘My Way’ rendition for Columbus Day Parade hitting back at removal of statues
Paul Anka has discovered a new way to honor Christopher Columbus. The legendary singer/songwriter has penned an updated version of his classic Frank Sinatra hit “My Way” with lyrics that strike back at those who want to erase the memory of the famed explorer. “For fun, food, friends, there’s never a lack // you’re going to get those statues back,”...
Columbus statues a celebration of the Italian American story
The story of why in 1892 America began to celebrate Columbus Day, which subsequently led to the creation of more than 100 Columbus statues throughout our country, is a tragic example of the mistreatment of immigrants that needs to be told. After years of relative dormancy, the legacy of Christopher Columbus is once again making headlines in Ohio’s...
Italian Americans, Native Americans in Chicago open dialogue over Columbus Day controversies
Before Monday's Columbus Day Parade, Italian Americans and Native Americans in Chicago are trying to come together to open a dialogue over the controversy that has surrounded the holiday for years. The two groups are trying to bridge the gap when it comes to Columbus Day celebrations. The debate over the history surrounding the holiday has gone on...
Tenerelli stays active after retiring from the force
After 39 years as a police officer, Philip Tenerelli continues to serve his community in an abundance of ways. Now happily retired and a proud grandfather, he looks back on his career with satisfaction. Growing up in the South Side of Chicago, Tenerelli knew a lot of police officers who lived in the area and, after deciding that he didn’t enjoy wor...
Illinois establishes October as Italian-American Heritage Month
State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro (R – Hanover Park) has announced the enactment of a new law in Illinois, which she co-sponsored. This legislation designates October as Italian-American Heritage Month in the state. Starting this October 2024, the month will be dedicated to celebrating and acknowledging the contributions of Italian-Americans...