Yonkers Insider: Media Advisory: Press Conference YONKERS GROUPS OPPOSE CHANGE OF COLUMBUS DAY TO INDIGENOUS PEOPLE'S DAY.

YONKERS COUNCILMEMBERS AND ITALIAN AMERICAN ORGANIZATIONS.

OPPOSE NYS LEGISLATION TO CHANGE COLUMBUS DAY TO INDIGENOUS PEOPLE'S DAY.

 

PRESS CONFERENCE

DATE: Monday, February 8^th- 3PM

LOCATION: Anthony Maggiacomo Lodge, Lodge Hall, 885 Midland Ave. Yonkers, NY 10704

 

IN ATTENDANCE 

City of Yonkers Councilmember, District 5, Mike Breen (Minority Leader)

City of Yonkers Councilmember, District 6, Anthony Merante

Representatives of Italian-American Organizations

-National Commission for Social Justice _ Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America

-New York State - Commission for Social Justice - Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America

-New York State - Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America

-Anthony Maggiacomo Lodge - Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America

-John D Calandra Lodge - Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America

-LeAmiche Lodge - Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America

-Yonkers Columbus Day Committee

-Italian National Club- Yonkers

A resolution sponsored by Councilmembers Mike Breen, Minority Leader and Anthony Merante was introduced at the Yonkers City Council Rules Committee Meeting on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 (resolution attached) and will be brought to a vote at the City Council Meeting on Tuesday, February 9, 2021. The resolution will send a strong message to Albany lawmakers that Yonkers and numerous Italian-American organizations are vehemently opposed to terminating the Columbus Day holiday by pending legislation in NYS Assembly Bill # A2492 and Senate Bill #:S2759  (https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2021/a2492)

Minority Leader, Mike Breen stated, “It may be appropriate to recognize indigenous peoples in New York there is no need to do so at the expense of the millions of people of Italian-American Heritage who celebrate Columbus Day in honor of the contributions of Italian-Americans to American history, economy and culture”. Councilmember Anthony Merante added, “It is undeniable that the City of Yonkers has a large and active Italian –American population that has historically embraced Columbus Day as an annual holiday and celebration of their culture including a parade, scholarship awards and other events and activities. This tradition must be continued”.