"Like many in our city, I mark two holidays today, each truthfully deserving of their own day for commemoration – Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Italian Heritage Day. I choose to celebrate these communities and histories, rather than Christopher Columbus. For countless indigenous and historically oppressed people, to glorify Columbus is to celebrate the devastation he helped to initiate, and to misrepresent his deeds and purported accomplishments.
"On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we have the obligation to acknowledge the historical and ongoing harm of oppression against Indigenous communities in our country. At the same time, we uplift and honor the rich and resonant traditions and heritage of Indigenous people nationwide. We can neither diminish the tragedy nor allow Indigenous culture to be defined by it alone. Somber reflection and celebration are each possible and essential.
"And in celebrating Italian-American heritage, we recognize the contributions of both individuals of Italian descent and the broader community, the role of this vibrant culture in shaping the city and nation.
"What unites these holidays is the opportunity for dialogue and collaboration as we stand together to elevate the best of our shared culture and values, while standing opposed to the injustices in our history and today."
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