Did Chicago sleep better Thursday night after the Christopher Columbus statues were taken down? One group of Chicagoans did not. In fact, one very close-knit community has been hurt — badly. The Italian American community, which, along with Chicago, had a symbol of its resilience removed. More correctly, dismantled and hauled away.
Upon coming to Chicago, Italian Americans clung to our communities and our Catholic faith; and yes, to the symbol of our immigrant achievements, particularly in Chicago. Christopher Columbus has represented all of that to us. He was a pioneer who helped lead our families here. And he became, in the time of the first Italian immigrants, a representation of the culture and things Italians have contributed to our great nation.
