When I wrote The Italians of Newark, I had no idea how many blessings it would bring. Last week I received The Heritage Award from the Nutley-Belleville Columbus Day Parade Committee. This past Saturday, I was asked to deliver remarks at the Italian flag raising in “the old neighborhood,” Newark.
The flag raising took place at Newark City Hall and opened with beautiful rendenditions of the American and Italian National Anthems. Director, Eric Lavin, of the Italian American Apostolate of the Archdiocese of Newark was the master of ceremonies and Rev. Paulo Frade provided the invocation. Additionally, comments were provided by several members of the Newark City Council. Regina Oliveira and Anthony Cassano both received recognition for their many good works for the Italian American community both in Newark and as a whole. Incredibly well deserved!
Newark City Hall
Eric asked me to offer a few comments on the Italian communities of the city. I was both honored and terrified. My usual response to anxiety is to prepare as much as possible. I wrote notes, which included statistics, listing the different enclaves, church information, and more. Then something odd happened to me. I decided to use my notes as a guide, but just speak from my heart. I normally write, and memorize, anything I need to deliver publically, so this was a huge risk for me. But, I went with it. And I must say, without sounding too self-aggrandizing, it was one of the best public comments I have ever delivered. I’ve watched it several times since, and I honestly wouldn’t change a thing.
Never forget where you came from…
We are all products of our heritage – every day. And even though some of us don’t live in Newark anymore, we realize this is where our story began. Our families, when they came here to the United States, this is where they set foot. And I will forever tease… my family was on Cutler Street in the Old First Ward. So, yes, St. Lucy’s. Sorry, dear. We were taught at young age in my family, and I’m sure in yours as well. Never forget where you came from.
And as hyphenation became a more commonplace occurrence, my grandparents and my family always taught us, you are not an “Italian American.” You are an “American of Italian descent.” And that was the way it was always put to us. You are an American first, but you never forget where you came from. And that was drilled into me from a very young age.
And I’m sure like everyone here, as your family gets older, you never think about Nonna, or Grandma, or Uncle Chubby, because everybody had a nickname; you never think about them not being there, until they’re not. And that’s what drove me to really better understand what they came here with, which was close to nothing.…