FUTURE OF CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS CELEBRATION DISCUSSED
On Saturday, May 21, 2017, the leaders of the National Christopher Columbus Association (NCAA) met at Casa Italiana with Father Ezio Marchetto and a group of interested members of Italian-American organizations. Attending on behalf of AMHS were Maria D’Andrea-Yothers, Nancy DeSanti and Joe Lupo.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss ways to preserve the Christopher Columbus holiday, which is celebrated on the second Monday of October but which has been under attack in recent years. Due in part to a lack of knowledge and the advancement of false historical narratives; state legislatures, city councils, colleges and school boards across the country are being lobbied to remove Columbus Day and in most cases to replace it with Indigenous People's Day or some variation.
Unfortunately many of these efforts have been successful - but not all. Traditionally, NCAA has organized an annual celebration at Union Station with the invaluable participation by the National Park Service, by the Knights of Columbus, by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), and by the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), which sponsors a national essay-writing contest in the schools.
NCAA President J.P. McCusker and Secretary Steve Upton noted that an accommodation with Native Americans was desirable. J.P. described in detail the efforts that he and the other officers have made to educate the public, to meet with officials of the various embassies, to include Latino groups, and to reach out to Native American groups.
NCAA is getting ready to launch an updated website that will provide a handy reference of talking points and educational materials for both teachers, and students. Father Ezio suggested reaching out to Italian clubs at colleges and universities. Maria suggested trying to involve the young essay-contest winners. McCusker posed the question: Will Columbus Day survive?
He said polls show that most people are supportive of Columbus Day, but the same polls show that a majority have no opinion or little knowledge of the issue. So it is up to all of us to educate the public on the real truths about Columbus. The bottom line is, besides the admirable efforts of the NCAA officers and members, who devote a lot of their time and energy to this effort, volunteers are needed to help out in areas such as writing, and reaching out to individuals groups to help educate them on preserving the holiday that is so important to our heritage.
Also, volunteers are needed to help keep track of 6 efforts in states, cities and localities to change the Columbus Day holiday, so we have time to act. For example, last year in Baltimore, the City Council voted to keep Columbus Day after NCAA members mobilized. However, state legislatures in Nebraska and Maine are now holding hearings on such legislation. So if you would like to volunteer to help, please contact NCAA at info@christophercolumbus.org. Some great information can be found on their website www.christophercolumbus.org.