J 1182: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2025, as Italian American Heritage Month in the State of New York

 Senate Resolution No. 1182 BY: Senator GRIFFO MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2025, as Italian American Heritage Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its time-honored traditions, to recognize occasions which foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2025, as Italian American Heritage Month in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Over 26 million Americans of Italian descent currently reside in the United States, making them the fifth-largest ethnic group in the nation; this month-long celebration recognizes the many contributions and achievements of Italian Americans, as well as their enduring impact on countless facets of our shared experiences, including in the arts, humanities, and sciences; and WHEREAS, Italian American Heritage Month was first celebrated in 1989, by a special proclamation of both the U.S. Congress and former President George H. W. Bush; and WHEREAS, In 1880, Italians began migrating to the United States to flee rural poverty in Southern Italy and Sicily; October is the designated month of recognition as it coincides with Columbus Day-the national holiday named after famed explorer, Christopher Columbus, which is celebrated on the second Monday of the month annually; and WHEREAS, In the early 1900s, thousands of Italian immigrants came to the United States in search of a better life, just like many other immigrant groups; about 5.5 million Italians immigrated to the U.S. between 1820 and 2004, with the greatest influx of migration taking place between 1880 and 1920, when over four million Italians came to America; and WHEREAS, The largest influx of Italian immigrants arrived when coal mining companies were recruiting thousands of men to work the deep mines of West Virginia; Italian immigrants also found work on railroads and farms; it was typical then of the men to migrate to America first, then send for their wives and children after they had saved enough money; and WHEREAS, By the second half of the century, Italian Americans excelled in every career field, inclusive of law, medicine, teaching, and the arts; religion and family have also remained an important facet of Italian American heritage throughout the years; and WHEREAS, Each year, Italians around the country take time to celebrate their heritage, history, and culture with festivals and parades; the largest parade occurs on Columbus Day in New York City and draws in over 35,000 marchers; and WHEREAS, In the new millennium, more Italian Americans are rediscovering their roots, returning to Italy to seek out a relative, baptismal records, or a myriad of other familial references; and WHEREAS, Italian American Heritage Month celebrates centuries of Italy culture and the Italian peoples' glorious historical past, the wealth of its present, and the opportunities of its future; and WHEREAS, This auspicious month provides an opportunity to celebrate the significant contributions of Italian Americans so that all people may know and appreciate Italian history and traditions, and of the role Italian Americans have played, and will continue to play, in our society; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2025, as Italian American Heritage Month in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.