by Kristen Guglielmo<\/p>\n
Councilmember Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) is the new co-chair of the Italian Caucus, her office announced in a joint press release on Monday.<\/p>\n
Ariola will share the post with Councilmember Frank Morano (R-Staten Island). The two are committed to expanding the caucus\u2019 work promoting Italian-American culture, history and community institutions throughout the city, per their announcement.<\/p>\n
Ariola emphasized the importance of preserving traditions and strengthening cultural connections across generations.<\/p>\n
\u201cItalian Americans have played a vital role in our city\u2019s and in our country\u2019s history, and I am honored to serve as co-chair of this caucus to ensure that the Italian-American story remains a vibrant part of 21st-century New York,\u201d Ariola said in a statement. \u201cI have always been immensely proud of my family\u2019s Italian roots, and from a young age I have been keenly aware of the trials, tribulations, and triumphs Italians faced when coming to the New World. That is exactly why I introduced legislation to formally recognize the Innocent Eleven who were murdered by an anti-Italian mob in New Orleans, so more New Yorkers understand the challenges and discrimination Italian-Americans once faced.\u201d<\/p>\n
Through their work in the caucus, Morano and Ariola will strive to celebrate Italian culture, preserve traditions and ensure that future generations appreciate the contributions of Italian-Americans to the city, and the struggles their ancestors faced as they planted roots in the United States, Ariola said.<\/p>\n