On Wednesday, June 4th, the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight held a hearing at the Massachusetts State House to consider two bills: H3292, by Representative Christine Barber (D–Somerville), and S2113, by Senator Joanne Comerford (D–Northampton). If passed, these bills would replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a state holiday.

In order to move forward during the current legislative session, both bills must receive a favorable recommendation from the committee. Despite only three days’ notice, the Italian American Alliance (IAA) organized a strong presence at the hearing to voice its opposition.

Testifying against the bills were Tommy Damigella, Vice President of the IAA and President of the North End Historical Society; Virginia Gardner, National Chapter Chair of the IAA and Officer of the Pirandello Lyceum; and Marissa Babin, IAA member. Also attending on behalf of the IAA were Angelo Firenze and Kathy Cammarata.

From the opening statements, it was clear that the small group of activists supporting the bills expressed strong anti-Italian sentiment, with a tone of hostility and disrespect toward the Italian American community. However, thanks to the leadership of Tommy Damigella, the IAA has formed a partnership with NAGA (Native American Guardians Association), a national organization representing Indigenous voices that support Columbus Day.

Damigella presented a joint letter from himself and NAGA President Eunice Davidson, which was submitted into the hearing record. Davidson also testified remotely in support of preserving Columbus Day, providing a powerful counterpoint to the anti-Columbus narrative. The joint letter from NAGA and the IAA can be read HERE.