The Italian American One Voice Coalition (“IAOVC”), America’s largest independent Italian American anti-bias organization, was recently advised that the Apopka, Florida City Council would be considering a vote to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day.

IAOVC launched an effort and immediately began contacting Apopka elected officials. IAOVC President, Andre’ DiMino contacted each of the City Council members explaining the importance of Columbus as an iconic symbol to Italian Americans as well as facts debunking the false narrative about Columbus. City Commissioner Alexander Smith of Seat 1 of Apopka City Council took the time to communicate with IAOVC about the issue.