New York

As a collective community, with many shared experiences, do we, Italian/Americans, need a unifying myth? During this historical moment, of deep alienation and ethnic insecurity, the answer seems to be – yes! All myths are artificial creations of the human...

Ironically Columbus Day began as an attempt to reconcile the new immigrants with Americans and even Native Americans. A final irony: as the Italian American community gathers to celebrate and march past Saint Patrick’s Cathedral on Fifth Ave, the beautiful...

His legacy was the focus of this year’s annual Italian American Heritage Ceremony and Luncheon at the Italian Center in Poughkeespsie, where his grandson Lou Del Bianco was the Special Guest. Luigi Del Bianco immigrated to the United States with...

In the 1970’s my Dad had offices in the Flatiron Bldg. The views from his 10th floor windows overlooked acres of open parking lots that surrounded 23rd Street. For those who have spent time in the Flatiron district recently, you...

Seven of Europe’s top race horses touched down at JFK and two of them are Italians; will compete against United States and Canadian Trotters. The million-dollar event is 10 days away, plenty of time to get over any jet lag,...

There is simply no basis for seeing the clash between the Native Indians and the invading Europeans in stark good and evil terms — the peaceful innocents versus the murderous and avaricious Spaniards. Columbus has become one of the worse...

On the cusp of a new academic year, I reached out to former students, to gauge their opinion on the removal of Columbus’ statue. The response rate to my unscientific survey was impressive at 79%. Clearly, many wanted to have...

The Columbus Citizens' Foundation and other leaders could continue to call the parade the “Columbus Day Parade.” Likewise, the Foundation and other Italian Americans leaders could also approach the Hispanic community in New York to explore a possible merging of...

Born in the town of Calatafimi in the province of Trapani, Vita Maria Giangrasso Mesnick founded The Pirandello Institute, a school for teaching the italian language at 22 levels: "When our students reach a certain level of proficiency, I plan...

The High Line rises 3 stories, spanning 22 city blocks from Gansevoort St. in Chelsea through Hells Kitchen. What was once a virtual wilderness in the middle of the city, has become one of its most innovative developments. In this...

The reaction to events in Charlottesville, VA has brought about an opportunity to re-visit how the United States has honored historical figures who are not necessarily the virtuous figures many had assumed. This has led to rally cries to tear...

Many of Boro Park’s residents are in highly specialized trades; such as diamond dealers, furriers & bankers. Like many well healed New Yorkers, there is great pride in their real estate ‘investments’. Many of the original brownstones & brick mansions...