Newton Mayor Draws Ire of the Italian American Community
- THE IAA
- Jun 30
- 2 min read
Italian American Alliance calls for reconsideration of "cancel culture" decision by Newton Mayor Fuller
On June 26, Newton, MA Mayor Ruthanne Fuller ordered the removal of an iconic symbol of Italian-American pride in Nonantum, a small community within the city.
Without warning or public notice, at 11:00 PM, the outgoing mayor directed the Department of Public Works to remove the “Italian Tricolors” — red, white, and green street markings — from a short stretch of Adams Street.
This action comes just three weeks before the 90th Annual St. Mary of Carmen Festival, whose religious procession follows that same stretch of Adams Street.
Mayor Fuller’s late-night directive echoes a similarly disrespectful move by former acting Boston Mayor Kim Janey, who, in the final hours of her administration, unilaterally eliminated the official recognition of Columbus Day in Boston.
Mayor Fuller’s actions are as reprehensible as they are perplexing. For years, the tricolor street markings have honored the parade route of the St. Mary of Carmen Festival and have symbolized the proud contributions of Italian Americans to the Newton community. Her decision to remove them now, without warning, is both disrespectful and deeply disappointing. It appears to be a deliberate attempt to diminish the contributions and heritage of Italian Americans in Nonantum.
The St. Mary of Carmen Society is calling on Mayor Fuller to immediately restore the historic procession route markings on Adams Street and to issue a public apology for the distress caused to the Nonantum community. A public statement from the society can be read here.
The Italian American Alliance (IAA) — an organization with over 8,000 members dedicated to preserving and celebrating our Italian-American heritage — strongly urges Mayor Fuller to reconsider her decision.
We ask all our members to respectfully email Mayor Fuller and the Newton City Council and ask them to reverse this harmful and divisive action.
They can be contacted at:
Please let us know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
The Italian American Alliance
James DiStefano, President
Dr. Domenic Amara, Charman
Thomas Damigella, Vice President
Virginia Gardner, Chairperson of the Italian American Alliance, National Chapters.
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