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By Chris R. Vaccaro |
It’s Italian Heritage Month. There is no better time to hold an event honoring Italian heritage in our region. It’s precisely why we formed the Italian American Heritage Society of Long Island – (ITALI). The more we unite as a heritage group, the more we can honor the past and inspire the future.
None of this is groundbreaking or innovative. I care about my blood, my family, and the journey of our ancestors. We are living proof that their struggle to come to America is worth it as we live their American dream. I am merely taking the baton and keeping it safe for this generation before we hand it off, and I hope that our family and friends of shared heritage can feel as proud and vocal. I hope everyone feels the same about their heritage, no matter where your family is from.
To celebrate one year of launching the non-profit, it made sense to have an inaugural event. Rather than calling it a gala or a dinner — because we already go to dozens of those per year — I thought hosting an inaugural Long Island Italian Celebration was appropriate. We’re hosting this on October 21 at the Larkfield in East Northport. Get tickets today to see some incredible people honored for their dedication to preserving Italian heritage.
The purpose is simple: bring like-minded and passionate people together to celebrate our heritage. We’ll honor some deserving Long Islanders. We’ll network. We’ll unite, break bread, and listen to each person’s story. Usually, when I host events, I rush through and limit speeches, but this time, I want to hear everyone speak about what it means to be Italian American.
Recently, I have been asked why I formed the organization when others are in the area. Two reasons: ITALI is regional and meant to be a centralized organization that unites all Italian Americans from the area, rather than parochial and isolated to a specific town. I also have plenty of experience running non-profits and serving on boards. I would rather start my own than latch onto something that exists and climb the proverbial ladder to a leadership position. The time is now, not tomorrow, and not yesterday.
Over the last year, I have been approached by dozens of people who want to be involved. This is a clear indicator that what we’re doing matters. We signed a partnership with Stony Brook University’s Center for Italian Studies and have been working closely with the American Association of Teachers of Italian on Long Island. The more we work together, the more we can build something that lasts.
Many can relate to the sentiment that we are sick and tired of Italian American stereotypes. Mob quips and crime dramas all too frequently depict a culture that a majority of Italian Americans will never know and have no connection to. Modern loud-mouth social influencers also think they represent us as a heritage group but simply represent their bottom line for revenue and social media engagement. I would rather influence through action than talk.
My bottom line: We must pay tribute to our ancestors, ensure that current and future generations remember where they came from, and foster a sense of pride in being Italian American through education, advocacy, and community.
If you feel the same way, come to our event on October 21 to celebrate Italian-American heritage. Andiamo!
Chris R. Vaccaro is the founder and executive director of the Italian American Heritage Society of Long Island.
Top: Main photo: Exterior of Larkfield Manor, the host site of Italian American Heritage Society of Long Island‘s one-year anniversary celebration. Bubble photo: ITALI founder Chris R. Vaccaro at the Feast of San Gennaro in New York City.
