REMARKS
Council Member Ariola introduces resolution to remember the "Innocent 11" Italian-Americans
0:42:46
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138 sec
Council Member Joann Ariola introduces Resolution 596 to recognize March 14th as "Innocent 11 Remembrance Day" in New York City, commemorating 11 Italian-American men who were brutally murdered in New Orleans in 1891. She highlights the historical significance of this event and its impact on Italian immigrants in the United States.
- Ariola provides details about the tragic event, including the names of the victims and the circumstances of their deaths.
- She emphasizes the importance of remembering this event to combat bigotry and violence against immigrant communities.
- Ariola mentions that this incident led to the establishment of the first Columbus Day by President Benjamin Harrison in 1892.
Joann Ariola
0:42:46
Thank you very much.
0:42:47
On March 14th, 1991, 11 innocent men were dragged into the streets of New Orleans and brutally murdered before a cheering crowd.
0:42:55
One of them, a mentally ill, twenty eight year old man, was hanged from a lamppost and shot to death while another was hanged from a nearby tree and riddled with bullets.
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The other nine were hunted down and executed where they were found.
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These men had recently been either acquitted, had their their trial declared a mistrial or were not yet tried in a murder create case that had gripped the city.
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Despite the acquittal's mistrial, however, the forces of bigotry and hatred prevailed, and these men were murdered not because of any crimes they were convicted of committing but because of who they were.
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And no one knows their names, but they were Bagnitto, Caruso, Kamides, Giraci, Machia, Marchesi, Monasterio, Pulezi, Romero, Scaffidi, Entrania.
0:43:41
These men were killed for the crime of being Italian and having vows at the end of their names.
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Their murder sent shock waves throughout the world and trying to bright light on a rapid bigotry that Italian immigrants in the 19th century United States faced on a daily basis.
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Today, however, these names will not be forgotten.
0:44:00
The hardships, the violence, the bigotry faced by Italian immigrants in this country has often been overlooked.
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However, by introducing Resolve 596 who was already signed on to by members of our Italian caucus, and recognizing March 14th as innocent 11 remembrance day in the city of New York, we can make sure that their legacy lives on.
0:44:21
We can make sure that the kind of violence and hatred that claim these 11 lives is never forgotten, and we can create a day in which we'll serve as a reminder for future generations of the plight of the Italian Americans when they first came here.
0:44:35
I'd like to thank the legislative division, Regina Paul, my chief of staff, Phyllis Ansarillo, for their hard work in writing this legislation.
0:44:42
And my communications director, Ray Van, who had the idea for this legislation, after hearing the consulate general of Italy Fabrizio Di Macheli, tell the story of these innocent men who were brutally murdered.
0:44:53
The horrific event was the impotence Impedis for the for then president Benjamin in 18 92.
Amanda FarÃas
0:44:59
Counseling, where your time is?
Joann Ariola
0:45:01
Established the very 1st Columbus Day.
0:45:02
Thank you for the time.