Council Member Joann Ariola from District 32 recently proposed a new legislation during the City Council Meeting on October 10th. The legislation aims to establish March 14th as Innocent 11 Remembrance Day in New York City. This day would serve as a commemoration for the 11 Italian men who were unjustly killed during a mass lynching in New Orleans back in 1891.
The proposed resolution will now move to the Council Committee on Cultural Affairs for further review. If it successfully passes through the committee, it will then proceed to a final vote on the Council floor. The timing of this proposal is significant as it precedes Columbus Day, which is celebrated on October 14th to honor the contributions of Italians in American history.
The tragic story of the Innocent 11 came to Ariola’s attention through a speech delivered by the Consul General of Italy, Fabrizio Di Michele. The men, including Antonio Bagnetto, James Caruso, and others, were falsely accused of murdering the New Orleans Police Chief David Hennesy. Despite lack of evidence, they were imprisoned and subjected to unfair trials, leading to public outcry for their execution.
Ariola emphasized the importance of recognizing and remembering this dark chapter in history, especially for individuals of Italian descent. She believes that shedding light on the Innocent 11 incident is crucial in understanding the significance of Columbus Day for Italian Americans. By establishing Innocent 11 Remembrance Day, Ariola aims to denounce violence and discrimination based on one’s background.
She hopes that this remembrance day will serve as a reminder that any form of violence or hatred towards a particular ethnicity or religion should never be tolerated in American society. Through this initiative, Ariola seeks to ensure that the legacy of the Innocent 11 lives on and that such injustices are not repeated. The proposed legislation reflects a commitment to promoting inclusivity, tolerance, and understanding among different communities in New York City.
