Bloomfield, NJ – The Italian American ONE VOICE Coalition, a nationwide coalition of anti-bias activists, said it is honoring New Jersey State Senator Joseph Kyrillos for his tough stance on “Jersey Shore” and for sponsoring a measure giving College students a choice for student-planned events that carry fees such as the infamous appearance by a member of the TV show at Rutgers earlier this year. The presentation of the group’s first-ever “Una Voce” award, given to individuals who defend the Italian heritage, will be made to Kyrillos (R-Monmouth/Middlesex), who sponsored (S2843) which would give students the option of whether they wish to pay for these types of events. Regarding “Jersey Shore’s” Snooki who was paid $32,000 for her appearance at Rutgers, Kyrillos told The Star-Ledger in April: “Students ought not to be forced to fund entertainment or events that they find objectionable. There were great deals of Rutgers students who I am certain were uninterested or flat out outraged by Ms. Polizzi’s appearance on campus.” Kyrillos described Snooki as “…a degenerate reality television star who offers neither useful advice nor any appreciable talents.” Italian American ONE VOICE Coalition President Andre’ DiMino lauded Kyrillos for his courage in taking on MTV, and for sponsoring legislation that would give students a say in whether they wish to pay fees for such events at their schools. “Senator Kyrillos’ quick and courageous action in standing up to bias and stereotyping sets the example for other legislators to follow,” DiMino said. “We are proud to honor him with our inaugural ‘Una Voce’ award.” The Italian American ONE VOICE Coalition is marshaling its forces to launch a first-ever, nationwide “Rapid Response” team and multimedia effort aimed at fighting discrimination and defending Italian American heritage. The plans will be presented at a kickoff dinner on June 29th at 7 p.m. that all are welcome to attend. During the presentation, DiMino and ONE VOICE members will discuss the current onslaught of stereotyping of Italian Americans in all media, including reality shows, talk shows, newspapers, magazines, movies and more. DiMino will also reveal plans for the first-ever, nationwide “Rapid Response” team of defenders of Italian American Heritage, and efforts to build a legal and social network system and more. ONE VOICE differs from all other Italian American groups in that its sole focus and objective is to fight bias, stereotyping and discrimination against Italian Americans. It is the only national Italian American organization with this mandate. ONE VOICE’s stated mission is to “…secure the rightful representation of Americans of Italian origin and of all peoples whose paths toward social equality have been impeded. The powers of intellect, wisdom and due process of law will be brought to bear on all inequities.” The kickoff dinner will be at Al Di La Ristorante, 1 Hoboken Road, East Rutherford, NJ on Wednesday, June 29th at 7 p.m. New members are encouraged to join, and the public is welcome. Tickets are $45 and include a four-course meal with choice of 7 entrées, wine, soda, coffee or tea. Checks must be made payable to Italian American ONE VOICE Coalition and mailed to Gene Antonio at 436 Joralemon Street, Belleville, NJ, 07109. Call 973-759-9259 for more information. Additionally, anyone who cannot attend the dinner may also make a donation to support ONE VOICE’s efforts. ONE VOICE works closely with major Italian American organizations such as UNICO National, NIAF and OSIA. “The Alfano Digest,” a regular email newsletter is distributed by ONE VOICE to more than 5,000 individuals and Italian American organizations nationwide. Written and compiled by ONE VOICE founder and Chair, Manny Alfano, the Digest issues alerts on instances of bias, stereotyping, discrimination and defamation and activates the ONE VOICE nationwide network of “defenders” who respond through calls, emails, faxes, letters and demonstrations where necessary. The Digest also contains interesting and informative Italian American cultural and heritage news and information.
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