IAOVC 2023 Year in Review

Introduction
IAOVC maintains an active schedule throughout the year in support of its mission.  After the passing of its founder and president, Dr. Manny Alfano in 2022, a dinner was held to commemorate IAOVC’s 30th Anniversary and as a memorial to Dr. Alfano.   A new slate of officers took the helm and the Board committed to continuing the mission of IAOVC.  Below are some selected highlights of the activities of IAOVC in 2023.  Dr. Alfano’s newsletter, The Alfano Digest, was resumed, thanks to IAOVC VP Frank Lorenzo.
 
November – 2023 – National
IAOVC launched opposition to US Senate Bill S-2970, sponsored by 13 Senators seeking to eliminate Columbus Day and replace it with Indigenous Peoples Day.  IAOVC held an emergency video meeting with organizations across the country to begin a phone campaign seeking to have the Bill defeated.
 
October 2023 – National
Again this year, IAOVC launched a vigorous media outreach campaign to preempt the annual attacks that occur against Columbus Day.  IAOVC’s new President, Andre’ DiMino, made numerous TV, radio, and podcast appearances to dispute the false allegations against Columbus and defend Italian American civil rights. These included TV interviews on Fox News Live and Currents News.  Radio interviews on the syndicated Simon Conway Show WHO 1040 Iowa; Len Berman & Michael Reidel Show WOR 710 NYC; Debbie Nigro Show WGCH 1490 CT; The Columbus Day Special WRMI, FL; and, The Drew Mariani international podcast.  In addition, DiMino was the TV guest host of the Morris County Columbus Day Parade.
 
September 2023 - Apopka, FL
Residents contacted IAOVC about a proposed bill to eliminate Columbus Day to replace it with Indigenous Peoples Day.  IAOVC launched a campaign to contact local officials.  IAOVC advised that Columbus is an iconic symbol to Italian Americans; provided facts disputing the false narrative about Columbus; informed that August 9 is International Indigenous Peoples Day, as declared by the UN; advised that Italian Americans are a cognizable group under the 14th Amendment of the Constitution; and, warned that placing one group over another is discrimination, violating Italian American civil rights.  The campaign was successful – the vote preserved Columbus Day and declared August 9 as Indigenous Peoples Day in that city.
 
August 2023 – St. Louis, MO
IAOVC was contacted about a popular radio host on KSHE who made a disparaging on-air stereotype about Italian American women.  Andre’ DiMino, IAOVC President contacted management of KSHE and CEO of its corporate owner, Hubbard Radio.  He advised that such a blatant stereotype should not be broadcast; it is unacceptable; and, should be publicly retracted with an on-air apology.  IAOVC was pleased to receive a response from the CEO and management that they agreed this was unacceptable and would address the matter.  The radio host was apologetic and issued that on-air apology.  IAOVC commended them for doing the right thing.
 
May 2023 – Federal Litigation
As a result of continued filing of responses and briefs to the federal court, IAOVC received notification that its landmark federal suit against West Orange, NJ for removing the Columbus monument moved a step closer to success.  The Federal court finally declared that IAOVC had standing to sue on behalf of its members.  IAOVC filed the federal suit in September of 2020 through the efforts of IAOVC members and a team of attorneys. They joined together to take this legal stand on behalf of Italian Americans who endured widespread destruction and removal of Columbus statues and monuments around the country.
 
January 2023 – Toms River, NJ
Due to a concerted effort by IAOVC coordinating other organizations in the effort, the Toms River School District issued its 2023-2024 school calendar with Columbus Day preserved.  It was planned to be eliminated for the new school year.  IAOVC launched extensive PR, social media and email campaigns in opposition.  IAOVC members attended school board meetings and made public statements on the official record opposing the elimination of Columbus Day.  When the new school calendar was issued with Columbus Day preserved, IAOVC issued a public statement thanking the school board.