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Celebrating Italian-American Heritage and Indigenous Peoples at Fordham Prep

Celebrating Italian-American Heritage and Indigenous Peoples at Fordham Prep
This month, Fordham Prep joins the nation in honoring both Italian-American Heritage and Indigenous Peoples. With a series of thoughtful celebratory events and reflections, the Fordham Prep community is engaging in meaningful dialogue about the complex histories and the contributions of the two cultures.

Fordham Prep social studies teacher Eugene Calimari speaks to students in the Italian Club about the events that led to the creation of the Columbus Day holiday.

On October 9th, Eugene Calamari from the Social Studies department addressed members of the Italian Club in a compelling talk titled “Understanding Columbus Day and the Complexities of the Past.” Calamari delved into the historical context surrounding Columbus Day, highlighting the tragic mass lynching of 11 Italian Americans in New Orleans in 1891. This event was pivotal in leading President Benjamin Harrison to establish Columbus Day as a national holiday, aimed at recognizing the struggles of Italian immigrants who faced significant bias and discrimination upon their arrival in the United States in the late 1800s.

Fordham Prep students marching in the Columbus Day parade pose with faculty chaperones Archivist Louis DiGiorno ‘88 P’26 or the English and Classics departments and English teacher Margaret Brätt. 

In a show of unity and celebration, the Fordham Prep Italian Club participated in the Columbus Day Parade, where they presented cookies to the staff at St. Patrick’s Cathedral while marching down 5th Avenue. 

Fordham Prep students give Italian-American rainbow cookies to Auxiliary Bishop Edmund Walen of the Archdiocese of New York and staff at St. Patrick’s Cathedral during the Columbus Day Parade on October 14, 2024.

Fordham Prep faculty and staff on an interfaith retreat stop at St. Peter's Chapel for a moment of reflection and prayer.

Special thanks to Archivist Louis DiGiorno ‘88 P’26 of the English and Classics departments and English teacher Margaret Brätt for their support and chaperoning during this event.

Faculty and staff spent time this month reflecting on a recent retreat led by Assistant Director of Social Justice Carolyn Wright titled An Interfaith Experience: Catholicism, Native Roots, and NYC Today. The retreat included visits to the National Museum of the American Indian and St. Peter’s Chapel in Lower Manhattan. Retreatants had an impactful experience as they explored connections with Native and Western spirituality, history, local culture, and their own faiths.

The Social Justice Committee urged the Fordham Prep community to dedicate a few moments on Indigenous People’s Day to learning about and supporting Native American initiatives. One significant focus is the Truth & Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies, a bill currently before Congress (S.1723/H.R. 7227). This commission aims to formally investigate the histories of Indian Boarding Schools and address their long-term impacts on Native American communities.

Faculty and staff on an interfaith retreat visit the National Museum of the American Indian. 

To mark the occasion, Fordham Prep held a moment of prayer following the holiday weekend, reinforcing the community's commitment to justice and unity. The prayer expressed gratitude for the diverse gifts that have contributed to the building of a shared future, and called for renewed solidarity in the face of injustice.

As Fordham Prep reflects on its Ignatian heritage, the community remains dedicated to honoring all peoples, fostering a world characterized by peace, love, and justice. 

In the spirit of this commitment, the prayer concluded with an invocation for the guidance of saints, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and celebrating the dignity of every individual. Together, the Fordham Prep community continues to advocate for understanding and solidarity, paving the way for a more inclusive future.

Other related events for students at Fordham Prep this year include:

  • The Italian Club’s walking tour and shopping trip to Arthur Avenue on Wednesday, October 23rd.
  • Luncheon of Italian-American food in the Theater Atrium on Tuesday, October 29th, presented by the Italian Club.