Nicholas Baglio ‘29
EE Staff Writer
Often described as a cornerstone of the American workforce, family life, and culture; Italian-American Heritage is being celebrated by millions this October. Italian-Americans make up a small percentage of the American population, approximately 4.8%-6%. However, this minimal percentage contains some of the nicest, hardworking, and welcoming people. Let’s explore the different aspects of celebrating Italian-American Heritage Month and some other interesting info about Italians.
What is Italian-American Heritage Month?
Italian-American Heritage Month takes place every October and it celebrates the legacy and contributions of Italian-Americans to society. Many people do not realize the true accomplishments that Italian-Americans have done to make America a better place. President George H. W. Bush declared it a national observance in 1989. The point of the observance was to celebrate Italian-American culture and construct this idea in people’s heads the notable achievements Italian-Americans have contributed.
What have Italian-Americans Accomplished?
There are many great accomplishments that Italians have achieved over the years, especially in pop culture. For example, in the music category, Frank Sinatra and Lady Gaga, two Italian-Americans from two different generations, have been dominating the billboard charts for a while.
In the sports category, Rocky Marciano, a swift Italian boxer, and Joe DiMaggio, an outstanding outfielder for the New York Yankees, had astonishing success in the their respective fields.
Even in the television and film industries, Italians have contributed in many different ways, on and off the screen. These include hit TV shows like The Sopranos, starring James Gandolfini, and the classic mob movie trilogy, The Godfather, starring Marlon Brando and Al Pacino directed by Francis Ford Coppola.
Another thing that people know about Italians is how delicately and remarkable they can cook. Italian-Americans have such an amazing variety of different dishes that are loved and desired all over the world. The obvious example of food created by Italians is pizza. Created in Napoli around 1889, and brought to America in the early 1900s, Raffaele Esposito created the most simple, yet clever food Americans still cherish to this day. The average American eats between 100-190 slices of pizza per year, according to a New York Post survey taken in 2024. This attainment of creating pizza is the Italian-Americans greatest contribution, along with many others.
As you can see, Italian-Americans have contributed so many phenomenal concepts and creations, that they truly do deserve an entire month of celebration. This October, celebrate your family and friends Italian-American ancestry, and recognize the impact Italians have done for America. So, next time you eat pizza, or watch The Sopranos, take the time this month to see the rich traditions, stories, and culture that Italian-Americans bring to our communities.
love this article on italian heritage, very informative very creative writing. enjoyed reading this