#USA #Washington, D.C. #COPOMIAO #Columbus Day #Italian American

Columbus Day Restoration Supported by Italian American Leaders

Italian American leaders and members of the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO) have expressed their appreciation for President Donald Trump's recent commitment to restore Columbus Day as the sole federally recognized holiday on October 14. This move ends the practice of recognizing Columbus Day alongside Indigenous Peoples' Day on a national level, a decision that has sparked both celebration and debate across cultural lines.

For over five years, COPOMIAO has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at maintaining Columbus monuments and observances throughout the country. Their supporters note that Columbus Day represents a symbol of Italian-American heritage and assimilative pride, particularly in light of historical discrimination that early Italian immigrants faced in the U.S.

From cities like San Francisco to New York, millions celebrate Columbus Day, which this year will fall on Monday, October 14, 2025. This widespread recognition showcases the holiday's continued relevance within Italian-American culture. The sentiments expressed by COPOMIA echo a broader community perspective that honors Italian-American contributions to the fabric of American society.

Despite their strong advocacy for Columbus Day, COPOMIA also supports the recognition of Indigenous Peoples, expressing a desire for cultural inclusivity. They suggest existing alternative observances, such as Native American Heritage Day, established by President George W. Bush, or the UN-recognized Indigenous Peoples' Day on August 9. "We firmly believe that promoting one group should not necessitate the diminishment of another," stated COPOMIA President Basil Russo. "Both celebrations can coexist peacefully."

Last October, COPOMIA made headlines for their collaboration with the Native American Guardian's Association (NAGA) to celebrate a cultural event during Chicago's Columbus Day Parade, thus fostering a bridge between the Italian-American and Native American communities. This outreach effort highlights a commitment to dialogue and mutual respect across different cultural backgrounds.

Opponents of Columbus observances argue that the holiday and its associated monuments perpetuate colonial narratives and oppressive histories. They assert that a replacement of Columbus Day would better address the concerns of marginalized populations. Ironically, many Italian Americans see Columbus as a historical figure who challenged the prevailing attitudes of their time, ultimately paving the way for future generations of immigrants.

The establishment of Columbus Day dates back to 1892 when President Benjamin Harrison sought to ease diplomatic tensions with Italy following the lynching of eleven Italian immigrants in New Orleans. This pioneering celebration saw a parade in New York City, drawing one million attendees and bolstering Italian American representation in the U.S. The birth of Columbus statues across the country followed, instilling a sense of pride in the Italian-American narrative during the 20th century.

Today, Columbus Day remains a focal point for celebrating Italian American pride, showcasing the deep cultural roots and history that continue to shape identity across generations. COPOMIA's ongoing advocacy highlights the urgency of preserving this cultural recognition while supporting inclusive dialogue about historical perspectives.

The Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIA), founded in 1975, serves as an essential coalition of 71 organizations guiding discussions and initiatives that advocate for Italian-American culture and heritage. As the conversations surrounding Columbus Day evolve, COPOMIA remains dedicated to navigating this critical cultural issue with a commitment to inclusivity, respect, and advocacy for all communities involved.