As an Italian American, I know that our story is one of perseverance, passion and a relentless pursuit of excellence. It is a legacy of individuals who, despite challenges, have built thriving communities, contributed to society in remarkable ways and remained deeply connected to their roots. My father emigrated from Brienza, Italy, located in the province of Basilicata, while my mother emigrated from Catania, Sicily.

They and their families arrived around 1920 and settled in one of Chicago’s thriving Little Italy neighborhoods. My father, Roy, worked for 50 years at the well-known Chicago retail department store Carson Pirie Scott & Co. as a salesman and later as manager of Carson’s shoe department.