Assembly Resolution No. 1276

BY: M. of A. Rules (DenDekker)

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
October 2018, as Italian Heritage and Culture Month
in the State of New York

WHEREAS, This year is the 50th Anniversary of the New York
Conference of Italian-American State Legislators; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those whose true purpose and worthy accomplishment foster a spirit of
community as they promote and recognize the goals and ideals of the rich
cultural heritage of the Italian community; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 2018, as Italian Heritage
and Culture Month in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 1976, the Italian Heritage and Culture Committee
(IHCC) of New York is a not-for-profit organization; founding Chairman
Dr. Angelo Gimondo has played a leadership role since its inception; its
Board of Directors is comprised of prominent representatives of New
York's Italian-American community, and Joseph Sciame continues to ably
serve as its President and Chairman; and

WHEREAS, IHCC's Board of Directors announced the 2018 theme as:
Celebrating "Italian Women in America: Breaking Barriers"; and

WHEREAS, During the year, there will be events with a special focus
on highlighting the contributions of Italian Women in America who have
been trail blazers, from early immigrant mothers who entered the work
force to women such as Rosa Ponselle, Bonnie Tiburzi, Geraldine Ferraro,
Nancy Pelosi, and numerous other Italian women of accomplishment; there
will be related film and theatre presentations, symposia, seminars, a
student essay contest, tributes, and proclamations at every level of
government in collaboration with the Italian Consulate, educational
institutions and other community organizations; and

WHEREAS, It is important to recognize from a historical perspective
that in the spring of 1976, New York City Mayor Abraham Beame,
proclaimed the First "Italian Culture Week," from May 17th - 23rd; the
idea for such progress was proposed to Dr. Leo Bernardo, Director of the
Bureau of Foreign Languages, who was easily persuaded of the value and
importance of this project; Dr. Bernardo appointed Dr. Angelo Gimondo as
citywide Coordinator, resulting in the first celebration of Italian
Culture Week under the auspices of the Bureau of Foreign Languages of
the Board of Education of the City of New York; and

WHEREAS, Nine years later, in 1985, the festivities moved to October
to coincide with various Columbus Day celebrations; by then, a week had
become too short to encompass the range of programs so the week was
transformed to "Italian Heritage and Culture Month"; as the years
passed, the Governor of the State of New York and the President of the
United States joined in acknowledging this significant annual

celebration by issuing proclamations in recognition of the heritage and
culture of Italians and Italian-Americans; and

WHEREAS, The celebration of Italian Heritage and Culture, which
began as a week-long event, has grown to a month-long celebration of
special events and programs organized and hosted by cultural
associations, community centers, libraries, schools and universities
during the month of October; and

WHEREAS, Each October is dedicated to a specific theme or
personality representative of the history and culture of Italy and
Italian-Americans; and

WHEREAS, Italian-American cultural events and programs venerating
Italian history, culture, and the many significant contributions of
Italians, Italian-Americans, Italian culture, and especially the
contributions of Italian Women to America will take place throughout New
York State during this special month for people of all cultures to
enjoy; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 2018, as
Italian Heritage and Culture Month in the State of New York; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York; and Joseph Sciame, President and Chairman of the Italian
Heritage and Cultural Committee of New York, Inc.