top of page
Search

IAA ORGANIZES OPPOSITION TO MA ANTI-COLUMBUS DAY BILLS


On Wednesday, June 4th, the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight held a hearing at the Massachusetts State House in the Gardner Auditorium to consider two bills: H3292, sponsored by Representative Christine Barber (D–Somerville), and S2113, sponsored by Senator Joanne Comerford (D–Northampton). If passed, these bills would replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a state holiday.


In order to move forward during the current legislative session, both bills must receive a favorable recommendation from the committee. Despite only three days’ notice, the Italian American Alliance (IAA) organized a strong presence at the hearing to voice its opposition.

Testifying against the bills were Tommy Damigella, Vice President of the IAA and President of the North End Historical Society; Virginia Gardner, National Chapter Chair of the IAA and Officer of the Pirandello Lyceum; and Marissa Babin, IAA member. Also attending on behalf of the IAA were Angelo Firenze and Kathy Cammarata.


From the opening statements, it was clear that the small group of activists supporting the bills expressed strong anti-Italian sentiment, with a tone of hostility and disrespect toward the Italian American community. However, thanks to the leadership of Tommy Damigella, the IAA has formed a partnership with NAGA (Native American Guardians Association), a national organization representing Indigenous voices that support Columbus Day.


Damigella presented a joint letter from himself and NAGA President Eunice Davidson, which was submitted into the hearing record. Davidson also testified remotely in support of preserving Columbus Day, providing a powerful counterpoint to the anti-Columbus narrative. The joint letter from NAGA and the IAA can be read HERE.

We also extend our deep appreciation to State Representatives Jeff Turco (D–Revere) and John Marsi (R–Dudley), who testified in defense of Columbus Day. In addition, Reps. Turco, David DeCoste (R–Norwell), and Marsi are co-sponsoring H3419, a separate bill that would establish August 9th as Indigenous Peoples’ Day while preserving Columbus Day as it stands. The IAA strongly supports this bill as a respectful and inclusive solution.


Unfortunately, the Zoom link provided for remote testimony was not functioning correctly, and as a result, two IAA members—President James DiStefano and Dr. Domenic Amara—were unable to participate.


If you have not yet submitted written testimony and would like to, it’s not too late. Instructions for submitting testimony are included below.


We will continue to monitor the progress of these bills and will keep you informed of any developments.



Shortcut to see our supporters testimony: 

State Rep, Jeff Turco at: 35:30

State Rep John Marsi: 48:35 

Marissa Babin, Member IAA: 2:39:35

Tommy Damigella, VP IAA: 2:46:10

Ginny Gardner, IAA National Chapter, Chairman: 2:59:42

Eunice Davidson, NAGA President: 3:43:05


***********************************************************************

The emails for the committee are:



You can also add your state legislators to this list as well. You can look them up here: FIND MY LEGISLATOR


***********************************************************************

Suggested sample email:



Subject: Testimony for Bill H3292/S2113 To replace Columbus Day with IPD



Dear Committee Members,

 

I am testifying in opposition to bills H3292/S2113 which would replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day as a State Holiday and I am asking you to vote it unfavorably out of committee.  


I also advocate that you vote bill H3419, which would establish Indigenous People's Day on August 9th, favorably out of committee.


I believe Italian-Americans should be recognized and respected by not taking Columbus Day away from them as a state holiday. No other group is expected to have their day merged with another group’s. It is disrespectful both to the Italian-American and Native-American communities. Columbus Day is not only important to Italian-Americans; it is a proud part of American history and tradition for ALL Americans. 


There has been much misinformation circulating in the past few decades regarding the history of Christopher Columbus, and in a misguided effort to be inclusive and sensitive to all cultures, this bill produces the opposite effect - it foments exclusion and resentment, especially among Italian-Americans, who have struggled for decades to be accepted into American national life.


I urge you: please do not support H3292/S2113 and keep Columbus Day as is. Both Italian-Americans and Native-Americans deserve to preserve and protect their cultural heritage and it is wrong to take away one people’s holiday to replace it with another, especially when there is an alternative before your committee, namely H3419 which I ask you to support.

 

Very Respectfully,

(YOUR NAME)

(YOUR ADDRESS)

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page