About Us
The Commission for Social Justice® (CSJ) is dedicated to combating the negative stereotypes and defamation of Italian Americans. As the anti-defamation arm of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America® (OSDIA), the CSJ works to ensure fair and respectful representation of Italian Americans in all aspects of media, culture, and society.
Empowering Italian Americans Through Advocacy
The Commission for Social Justice® (CSJ) is the anti-defamation arm of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America® (OSDIA), the largest and oldest national organization for Italian Americans. Founded in 1979, the CSJ was created to combat the stereotyping and misrepresentation of Italian Americans by the entertainment, advertising, and media industries. The CSJ works alongside various groups to ensure that all individuals, regardless of race, religion, or culture, are treated with dignity and respect.
Through its Positive Image Program, the CSJ strives to educate the public about the achievements, history, and contributions of Italian Americans. It produces research, studies, pamphlets, exhibits, and other materials to promote a more accurate portrayal of Italian American culture.
The CSJ engages in national and community-level campaigns on cultural and social issues, such as advocating for legislation, commemorative stamps, and the celebration of Columbus Day and Italian American Heritage Month. The CSJ also works on grassroots initiatives and fundraising to support its mission, though, as a non-profit, it does not provide legal advice or assist in lawsuits.
The Evolution of CSJ’s Fight for Justice
1970s
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1970
OSDIA establishes its national Anti-Defamation Committee under Judge P. Vincent Landi, president of the Grand Lodge of New York. -
1971
The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania establishes a Commission on Anti-Defamation under its state president, Justice Frank J. Montemuro, Jr. -
1978
OSDIA renames its national Anti-Defamation Committee the “Institute for Liberty and Justice.” Justice Frank J. Montemuro, Jr. becomes its first chairman.
1980s
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1980
The Grand Lodge of New York’s Institute for Liberty and Justice is renamed “the Commission for Social Justice®.” -
1981
OSDIA renames its national Institute for Liberty and Justice to CSJ. Justice Frank J. Montemuro, Jr. becomes first CSJ national president. CSJ receives tax-exempt status. -
1983
CSJ National co-sponsors a media conference with the National Italian American Foundation in New York City on Italian Americans and the Media. -
1984
The CSJ hosts a reception in Washington, D.C., for Italian American members of Congress.
1990s
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1997
Under CSJ National President John Dabbene, the CSJ launches its Positive Image Campaign to research and publish information about Italian American history, achievements and contributions.
2000s
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2004
OSDIA/CSJ co-found the Coalition Against Racial, Religious and Ethnic Stereotyping (CARRES), an alliance of more than 30 Italian American organizations, that marks the first time so many Italian American organizations united to fight stereotyping. -
2009
Under the leadership of CSJ National President Anthony Baratta, within six months, the CSJ successfully campaigns to remove three offensive national ad campaigns by Verizon, Denny’s and Miller/Coors Beer. -
2010
CSJ officials meet with MTV producers to discuss negative stereotypes in the television show “Jersey Shore.” Thanks to the efforts of National CSJ President Santina Haemmerle, President Emeritus John Dabbene and NY CSJ President Stella Grillo, MTV executives agree to remove Italian imagery from the house. -
2011
On September 20, CSJ urged New Jersey Governor Chris Christie to veto a $420,000 proposed tax credit to the company that produces “Jersey Shore.” Governor Christie responds and vetoes the tax credit. -
2013
In February, the Grand Lodge of California and CSJ National successfully lobby California Assemblyman Roger Hernandez to amend his proposed bill that would replace Columbus Day with Native American Day. Assemblyman Hernandez, responding to the request, amends the bill to propose Native American Day as a separate holiday, maintaining the status of Columbus Day in the state of California.
2010s
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2010
CSJ officials meet with MTV producers to discuss negative stereotypes in the television show “Jersey Shore.” Thanks to the efforts of National CSJ President Santina Haemmerle, President Emeritus John Dabbene and NY CSJ President Stella Grillo, MTV executives agree to remove Italian imagery from the house. -
2011
On September 20, CSJ National urged New Jersey Governor Chris Christie to veto a $420,000 proposed tax credit to the company that produces “Jersey Shore.” Governor Christie responds and vetoes the tax credit. -
2013
In February, the Grand Lodge of California and CSJ National successfully lobby California Assemblyman Roger Hernandez to amend his proposed bill that would replace Columbus Day with Native American Day. Assemblyman Hernandez, responding to the request, amends the bill to propose Native American Day as a separate holiday, maintaining the status of Columbus Day in the state of California.
2020s
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2020
Dr. Mary Kovach recommends fundraiser to directly impact statue protection and restoration. -
2021
CSJ President Robert Ferrito attends press conference representing all major Italian American organizations to defend the attack on Columbus. -
2022
Approved sponsorship of the Louisiana historical marker for 1891 Massacre and Lynching Italians. -
2023
Instrumental in the formation of the Italian American Leadership Forum. -
2024
CSJ-sponsored commemorative plaque erected at the site of the 1891 mass lynching of 11 Italian Americans in New Orleans.
Our Leadership Team
At the heart of the CSJ’s success is its dedicated leadership. Our team includes dedicated officers and state chairs who are deeply committed to fighting for justice, equality, and positive cultural representation for Italian Americans. Together, they lead the way in shaping the future of Italian American advocacy.
Thomas A. Lupo
Chairman
Commission for Social Justice®
Centereach, NY
John Fratta
President
Commission for Social Justice®
New York, NY
Dr. Mary Kovach
Vice President
Columbia Station, OH
Robert M. Ferrito
CSJ Immediate Past President
Brewster, NY
Arlene Nunziati
Secretary
Burlingame, CA
Tony Bisceglia Anderson
Treasurer
Tacoma, WA
Angelo A. Bianchi
President Emeritus
Mechanicsburg, PA
Kevin A. Caira
President Emeritus
Wilmington, MA
Albert A. DeNapoli, Esq.
Commissioner Emeritus
Jamaica Plain, MA
Brian Andzik
Voting Member
Dayton, OH
Rita Defrange
Voting Member
Thorton, CO
Dr. Mark DeNunzio
Voting Member
Pensacola Beach, FL
Diane Scillo
Voting Member
Seattle, WA
Joey Boncore
Voting Member
Winthrop, MA
Carlo Carlozzi
Voting Member
New Britain, CT
Dario Gagliano
Voting Member
Agawam, MA
Gregory Bianchini
State Chair - FL
Key Largo, FL
John Braun
State Chair - DE
Glen Mills, PA
Jerry Carleo
State Chair - CO
Pueblo, CO
Johnny Dibattista
State Chair - MD
Millsboro, DE
Rudy P. Dutko
State Chair - PA
Hopwood, PA
Aubrey English
State Chair - CT
Winsted, CT
Gregory Esposito
State Chair - FL
Coral Springs, FL
Fred A. Ferrara
State Chair - OH
Dayton, OH
James G. LasCola
State Chair - IL/WI
Palos Heights, IL
Valentino Lombardi
State Chair - RI
North Providence, RI
David E. Scardino
State Chair - NJ
Hammonton, NJ
Marie Siebeking
State Chair - VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Samuel D. Troia
State Chair - NE
Omaha, NE
Send us a message
We’d love to hear from you! If you have questions, feedback, or want more information, feel free to reach out. Our team is here to help and will respond as soon as possible.