Taking ownership of a bygone controversy, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell formally apologized Friday to the families of 11 Italian immigrants who were lynched in the city more than a century ago. She condemned anti-immigrant violence of all forms.

Cantrell blasted the long-ago attack before an enthusiastic crowd of 50 at the American Italian Cultural Center on South Peters Street in the Central Business District, wearing a white top and red pants and standing by a green section of a flag to honor Italy’s national colors.