Italian-Americans Divorce Columbus/Embrace Humanity

Readings by: Diane di Prima, Giovanna Capone and Tommi Avicolli-Mecca (Editors of Hey Paesan: Writing by Lesbians and Gay Men of Italian Descent), James Tracy (Poet, Sparks and Codes, Molotov Mouths), Giancarlo Campagna (Poet), and Belly Dancing by Monica Berini


In 1492, Columbus kicked off the conquest of the New World, and the subsequent slaughter of Indians and the history books called it a "discovery." In 2006, endless war has been re-named "liberation" against a backdrop of increased political attacks on migrant workers. The Italian American Political Club has been working over the past three years to reclaim language, and the Italian-American heritage, from Columbus' racist legacy. Join Italian-American poets as we begin to rediscover our true identities and hidden histories of solidarity, resistance, and of course some kick-ass poetry.

Audience members are encouraged to bring proposals for a new holiday honoring progressive Italian-America's contribution to labor, cultural heritage, human rights and racial justice (EG Carlo Tresca Day, Sylvia Federici Day, Joe DiMaggio Day, etc.)