Valicenti, who earlier this month was recognized by UNICO National’s Anti-Bias Committee with its “Mille Grazie” Award (which in Italian means “A Thousand Thanks”) for his past support in defending Italian American heritage, recently interviewed UNICO National Executive Director Andre’ DiMino on “The Morning Show with Gene Valicenti” on WPRO 630 News Talk Radio, about the new reality series. After discussing the Italian American stereotyping and denigration the show portrays, DiMino advised Valicenti and his listeners that the Italian American ONE VOICE Coalition has asked its activists and supporters to contact sponsors of the show to request they not support this affront to Italian Americans. When Valicenti heard that one of the advertisers on the show’s premiere was Dunkin’ Donuts he commented that he was surprised they would be involved and that he would contact them about it. After a few days Valicenti was able to secure the following official statement from Dunkin’ Donuts: Dunkin’ Donuts Statement Dunkin’ Donuts does not intend to advertise with this particular program, and it is currently on our “do not air” list for advertising. We understand a Dunkin’ Donuts advertisement did air in error during the premiere episode as part of a larger advertising buy. The program will continue to be on our “do not air” list in 2015.” On receiving confirmation of the statement from Valicenti, Manny Alfano, President of ONE VOICE stated, “This is what happens when we work together and speak with one voice. I am so pleased that Andre’ DiMino of UNICO was interviewed by Gene Valicenti about this. And, I am even more pleased that Gene Valicenti took immediate action to secure this important support from Dunkin Donuts. We should all thank Dunkin’ Donuts and Gene Valicenti!.” ONE VOICE is different from all other Italian American groups in that its sole mission is to fight bias, stereotyping and discrimination against Italian Americans. ONE VOICE Founder and Chairman, Manny Alfanoissues a regular email newsletter, “The Alfano Digest,” to more than 5,000 individuals and Italian American organizations nationwide. For more info visit iaovc.org. UNICO National, (an organization member of ONE VOICE) founded in 1922, is the nation’s largest Italian American service and charitable organization, with local chapters throughout the United States. Its volunteer members support charitable, educational, and community service projects while promoting Italian heritage and combating negative stereotyping. For information or to join UNICO National call 973-808-0035 or visitwww.unico.org.
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