Success Stories
Story Cases
A closer look at the milestones and successes achieved through our dedicated advocacy, community outreach, and steadfast defense of Italian-American culture and dignity.
2013 | CSJ Successfully Defends Columbus Day in California
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.
2019 | CSJ Leads Effort in Securing Apology from New Orleans Mayor for 1891 Lynching
The CSJ worked with New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell to secure a Proclamation of Apology for the mass lynching of 11 Italian Americans in 1891. The apology–the first to be issued by a sitting mayor since the lynching, was read aloud at a ceremony in New Orleans on April 12, 2019. “I issue this formal apology for ugliness that is 128 years old,” she said during a speech after signing the proclamation. “We cannot change history, but we can acknowledge it, and we can grow from it,” she added. Click here to learn more.
2024 | CSJ Sponsors Commemorative Plaque at Site of 1891 New Orleans Lynching
In October 2024, a commemorative plaque was erected at the site of the 1891 mass lynching of 11 Italian Americans in New Orleans. The CSJ-sponsored plaque was unveiled in an Italian American Heritage Month ceremony, which was organized by the CSJ and the American Italian Federation of the Southeast (ALPEDSE).
Representatives from the Future of the Order Forum (FOTO) Committee were also in attendance, showcasing support from the younger members of OSDIA for this initiative.
The plaque was raised to honor the lives that were lost during the lynching, and to remember the anti-Italian sentiments that spurred the violence.
2010 | CSJ Removes Anti-Italian Imagery from TV Show “Jersey Shore”
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. A year later, 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.
Testimonials
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