Señora Toscano’s Experiences: Italian Heritage Month
By Maria Toscano, Teacher (2023)
Most of this generation of Italian immigrants took their first steps on U.S. soil in a place that has now become a legend—Ellis Island. In the 1880s, they numbered 300,000; in the 1890s, 600,000; in the decade after that, more than two million. By 1920, when immigration began to taper off, more than 4 million Italians had come to the United States, and represented more than 10 percent of the nation's foreign-born population.( https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/immigration)
Italian Heritage Month, beginning October 1st, celebrates all that want to celebrate their Italian ancestry. Do you have to be Italian to celebrate? Of course not. We can simply honor the numerous Italians the way we honor the many nationalities that came here to build roots and find a better way of life.
I would like to share my own Italian Heritage as part of this celebration. I am sure I share a similar experience with the many Italians who have come here. I myself came to the United States in 1965. I was born an Italian citizen and was brought to the US by way of my grandfather, who sent for us after coming here himself. I identify with many of the immigrants who have left relatives behind, entering an unknown world where the language and customs were so very different. In America, I was ‘the Italian” and in Italy I was called ‘the American.’ Leaving your homeland takes much courage and comes with many challenges. My family adapted, found opportunities, and flourished here while the longing for our homeland remains an inherent part of our being. Today, I embrace my diversity and am grateful for all the opportunities my family and I have experienced in The United States.
I hold on to and value the traditions that celebrate my heritage that I treasure: family life, holiday dinners, traditional feasts, and of course, the love for food.
This month the Italian Cub will be celebrating by way of Tunes Tuesday, cultural displays, cultural sharing and several fun competitions. Students in the Italian Club will honor and represent famous Italians who have contributed to the community as well. All are invited to share in the celebration.