I related to so much of your family’s story!! (And we might even be distantly related, as I’m a deNapoli with DiNapoli cousins.) My father was a first generation Italian, who often spoke about how his parents discouraged him and his siblings from speaking Italian, because they didn’t want them to be discriminated against by their peers or by teachers or others. He also greatly regretted not learning the Italian language. (My brother and I wish we had the language also.) And his father was absolutely adamant about the importance of getting a good education. All four of of his children earned bachelor’s degrees (and 1 or 2 got a master’s degree). My father and his brother were both successful engineers, and one sister had a 40-year teaching career. And that emphasis on getting a college education was passed down to my generation as well - my brother and I and ALL of our cousins have college degrees. It was only while visiting the tiny mountaintop village where my grandfather was born (Chiusano Di San Domenico) that I truly understood why education was SO important to my grandfather (who died before I was born). Apparently the school system there only goes up to 8th grade - even to this day! My father was intensely proud of his Italian heritage, and he raised my brother and me to be extremely proud of it as well. Even though I’m half English mutt and half Italian, I’ve always only identified as Italian, which is certainly due to my father’s pride in his Italian roots. Viva L’italia! 🇮🇹
It makes so much sense and cultural sensitivity that Italian Americans should continue enjoying Columbus Day despite Columbus being a thief. Thank you for sharing your side of the story, Comptroller DiNapoli. I also agree with your caring attitude that recognition of other cultural groups is necessary, particularly, the African American people since they are the backbone of American history, meaning the slaves. They should get recognition and they should be celebrated and remembered. Their children should get restitution and compensation for enslavement and deprivation. You have and is still doing a great job for New York!
one of the most trusted, true leaders with actual Integrity!!! Everyone admires Tom DiNapoli!
I related to so much of your family’s story!! (And we might even be distantly related, as I’m a deNapoli with DiNapoli cousins.) My father was a first generation Italian, who often spoke about how his parents discouraged him and his siblings from speaking Italian, because they didn’t want them to be discriminated against by their peers or by teachers or others. He also greatly regretted not learning the Italian language. (My brother and I wish we had the language also.)
And his father was absolutely adamant about the importance of getting a good education. All four of of his children earned bachelor’s degrees (and 1 or 2 got a master’s degree). My father and his brother were both successful engineers, and one sister had a 40-year teaching career. And that emphasis on getting a college education was passed down to my generation as well - my brother and I and ALL of our cousins have college degrees.
It was only while visiting the tiny mountaintop village where my grandfather was born (Chiusano Di San Domenico) that I truly understood why education was SO important to my grandfather (who died before I was born). Apparently the school system there only goes up to 8th grade - even to this day!
My father was intensely proud of his Italian heritage, and he raised my brother and me to be extremely proud of it as well. Even though I’m half English mutt and half Italian, I’ve always only identified as Italian, which is certainly due to my father’s pride in his Italian roots. Viva L’italia! 🇮🇹
It makes so much sense and cultural sensitivity that Italian Americans should continue enjoying Columbus Day despite Columbus being a thief. Thank you for sharing your side of the story, Comptroller DiNapoli. I also agree with your caring attitude that recognition of other cultural groups is necessary, particularly, the African American people since they are the backbone of American history, meaning the slaves. They should get recognition and they should be celebrated and remembered. Their children should get restitution and compensation for enslavement and deprivation. You have and is still doing a great job for New York!
Thanks for sharing with us ! It is so amazing to listen from the heritage of great men, and indeed, we just heard from one of them.
Thanks.
Our Great comptroller.We love you
Well said, your thoughts have delighted the mind of this emigrant.
❤