History & culture
The Columbus Letters
August 2020 | Janice Therese Mancuso
“The Columbus Letters” were published in a four-part series in La Gazzetta Italiana in 2019 and can be found on www.lagazzettaitaliana.com. Search “Columbus Letters.”
On his return to Spain, sailing in January and February 528 years ago,...
Five Largest Italian American Groups in the Nation Unite to Defend Columbus
August 2020 | La Gazzetta Italiana
A new organization is seeking to dispel the myths surrounding Christopher Columbus, and it is being backed by the five largest Italian American organizations in the United States and their millions of members and followers.
In the wake of the...
In Awe of Stars and the Moon
August 2020 | Joanna Lucarino
Our family’s matriarch, my mother Clara, will celebrate 91 years of age this December. Mom was at the helm of every holiday and celebration until the last few years where changes necessitated her giving up things she loved. Sadly, sewing, writing,...
Akron Changes Name of Columbus Day to Italian American Heritage and Culture Day
August 2020 | John Vallillo and Pamela Dorazio Dean
At the meeting of the Akron City Council on June 29, 2020, the council voted 12-1 to rename the second Monday in October in the City of Akron, OH, “Italian American Heritage and Culture Day” in place of the name “Columbus Day.” This is the...
Christopher Columbus: The Symbol of Italian American Culture
August 2020 | La Gazzetta Italiana
As cities and organizations around the nation continue to protest and destroy historical monuments, memorials, and statues that depict Confederate leaders, one controversial historical figure has found his way back into the spotlight: Christopher...
Italians Love Their Garlic
August 2020 | Roberto Pietraroia
L’aglio, il re del cibo americano-italiano, è il primo sapore che molte persone riconoscono quando mangiano. Nella famiglia Piertraroia, l’aglio è il produtto più importante nella loro cucina ed anche il loro orto. Nel secolo passato, l’aglio fu...
Mythical Italy
July 2020 | William Giovinazzo
Have you ever run into someone you have not seen in decades? I have. Recently, via social media, I made contact with a childhood friend. We had not seen each other since I was 15. He was an old man; what little hair he had was white and his belly...
…And the Pursuit of Happiness
July 2020 | Phillip Campanella
The Declaration of Independence declares “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of...
Winemaking is a Bruno Family Tradition
July 2020 | Al Bruno
Il giornalista Al Bruno descrive il suo orgoglio per la produzione vinicola familiare. La sua famiglia originaria di Pratola Peligna, vicino L’Aquila, in Abruzzo. In questo articolo descrive la famiglia e la parentela. I suoi antenati ebbero le...