But it wasn’t until July 28, 2023, that the State of Illinois finally recognized October as a time to recognize and to celebrate the traditions and achievements of Italians and Italian Americans. And it came as a result of tireless efforts of Illinois State Representative, Anthony DeLuca.

So here we are, this is an HISTORIC Italian American Heritage and Culture Month! There are festivities and events happening all over the map! Of course, the crowning glory will be the 73rd Annual Columbus Day Parade on October 13th, but almost every day there is some way of celebrating the wonderous culture of Italy.

But really, why celebrate Italian culture? This country has become such an ethnic mosaic of food, music, fashion, arts and innovation stemming from so many other countries, what makes Italy so special? As the universe becomes more challenging, complicated and blanketed by unsurety, what gives me the strength to face these hurdles is thinking about the past, and those who came before me. Those who left their hometowns, their families and their generations of traditions. They ventured off to a new world, with little or no funds, no command of the English language, and no secure future.

But they believed in themselves, they faced adversity, looked it right in the eye and stared it down. They were intimidated, beat down physically and emotionally, and stereotyped against, even deemed “enemy aliens during WWII. Hundreds of thousands suffered curfews, confiscations, and mass surveillance, even sent to internment camps. Something you just don’t hear about.

But yet, they continued to foster their traditions, were proud of who they were, and emerged from the sludge society attempted to keep them in. It was their faith, pride and inner strength that got us all to where we are today. So, when I am faced with my everyday challenges, I step back and take a moment to think about their struggle. They did not give up, they did not give in. It was those very traditions, the same ones we celebrate today, that gave them the strength to go on. And if it was good enough for them.

The month of October shouldn’t be as much about “proclaiming” who we are as much as it should be “sharing who we are. What began in a country that could fit into one of our larger states has contributed much to this great country. So please, come celebrate with us!