IACRL in the News: IACRL President Speaks Out About Parade Controversy
The Italian American Civil Rights League is making its position clear in today’s New York Post, with IACRL President Mike Crispi speaking out on the controversy surrounding Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the Columbus Day Parades.
“Our message in the @nypost today is clear.
If you DISRESPECT Italian Americans your entire life, you have no place in the Columbus Day Parade.
This isn’t about politics, it’s about accountability and strength.
Zohran should NOT be anywhere near our celebration.
Italian Americans need to wake up and get tough. It’s the only way to preserve our culture.”
The Italian American Civil Rights League is calling upon the organizers of both New York City Columbus Day Parades to reconsider their invitations to Mayor Mamdani: Christopher Loiacono, President of the Columbus Citizens Foundation, which organizes the Manhattan parade, and Carlo Scissura, Vice Chairman of the Federation of Italian American Organizations of Brooklyn, which organizes the Brooklyn parade.
IACRL stands firmly against these invitations and is calling on both organizations to change course.
Crispi further stated:
“The organizers of these parades — Christopher Loiacono of the Columbus Citizens Foundation and Carlo Scissura of the Federation of Italian American Organizations of Brooklyn — are attempting to placate an avowed hater of our people. He still never apologized for leaving us off the enclave map or flipping the middle finger to Columbus.
The way to win isn’t to beg him to show up and give him a photo op for a phony appearance. The way to win is to stand strong and make HIM come groveling back to us, hat in hand, knowing he won’t get anywhere in this city without Italian American support.
We were here before him, and we will be here long after he is gone.”
Crispi also addressed what IACRL is prepared to do if the invitations are not withdrawn:
“We will make our own Columbus parade next year and hold it in Howard Beach or Staten Island if the organizers don’t revoke Zohran’s invite. People can pick between a real parade and celebration of our culture and a pandering experience.”
👉 Read the full New York Post article:
Columbus Parade boss invites Italian-slighting Mayor Mamdani to march, enraging some: ‘He’s no paisan’
