in October, Italian American Culture and Heritage Month is celebrated at the Associazione Italo Americana FVG / American Corner Trieste - Piazza Sant'Antonio, 6 - Trieste. There is a calendar of events that are FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month is celebrated by proclamation of the President and Congress in the United States to honor the achievements and contributions of Italian immigrants and their descendants living in the United States. It was first celebrated in 1989. The heritage month is in October to coincide with Columbus Day, the American national holiday traditionally celebrated on October 12, now celebrated on the second Monday in October (this year on October 14th).The documentary is about the history of Italian immigration in the USA, seen and told by the country that welcomed millions of Italian citizens. The Italian Americans is by writer, director, producer John Maggio and told with the voice of Stanley Tucci.
THE ITALIAN AMERICANS reveals the unique and distinctive qualities of one immigrant group’s experience, and how these qualities, over time, have shaped and challenged America. Unlike other immigrant groups, many Italians did not come to America to stay. At the turn of the 20th century, most came to work, earn money to support their families, and eventually return home. Nearly half of the first generation Italian immigrants did return to Italy.This clash of culture echoed through
generations of Italian Americans and, as they entered
positions of political, social and cultural influence,
it has left its mark on the American landscape.
Thursday, 10/10
10 am - 1. La Famiglia - Roots (1880 - 1910). A brief history of the Italian Risorgimento provides the context for the great flight from the mezzogiorno region. By the late 19th century, Italians begin to put down roots and "Little Italys" spring up in urban areas throughout the U.S. But the first generation, holding onto language and culture, is branded "outsiders" and mistrusted by non-Italians. In New Orleans, this mistrust explodes into violence and 11 Italian Americans are murdered by an armed mob. Meanwhile, in San Francisco, a second-generation Italian American saves his community from disaster while creating one of the greatest financial institutions in America.
ore 11 - 2. Becoming American - Diventando Americani (1914–1930) At the turn of the 20th century, more than four million Italians immigrate to America. Leonard Covello is forced to give up his "old world" ways and adopt American mores, including changing his name; Arturo Giovannitti, a new immigrant, leads the largest labor strike of 1912, when Italian Americans push for better working conditions and wages. Italian Americans are forced to worship in the basement of churches controlled by the Irish archdiocese; anarchists Sacco and Vanzetti are executed, reinforcing stereotypes that plague Italian Americans today; Prohibition breeds a new kind of criminal who takes a shortcut to success.
NEXT WEEK the Series continues.
Thursday, 17/10/2019
ore 10 - 3. Loyal Americans - Americani Fedeli (1931-1944) A second generation of Italian Americans begins to enter the labor movement, politics, sports and entertainment. Fiorello LaGuardia becomes mayor of New York City. Joe DiMaggio, the son of a San Francisco fisherman, becomes a baseball powerhouse who becomes an American hero. But with the outbreak of World War II, loyalty to America is questioned and Italians are forced to choose between two nations at war. While many Italian Americans fight on the frontlines with valor and bravery, other Italian Americans are labeled "Enemy Aliens," including DiMaggio's parents. The war proves to be a turning point for Italian Americans as they begin to break out of their enclaves.
ore 11 am - 4. The American Dream - Il Sogno Americano (dal 1945 ad oggi) In post-war America, Italian Americans enter the middle class. Italian-American crooners define American cool, but even as Frank Sinatra skyrockets to fame, he is haunted by accusations of Mafia ties. Can Italian Americans fit into 1950s America or will the specter of organized crime always plague them? Governor Mario Cuomo, son of Italian immigrants, struggles to straddle both worlds, while his sons' success promises assimilation and acceptance. Antonin Scalia becomes the first Italian American appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court and Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi is the first woman and Italian American elected to Speaker of the House. Have Italian Americans finally shed the old stereotypes and become fully accepted in America?
For additional information: www.aia-fvg.blogspot.com