Columbus Day is a U.S. federal holiday that commemorates Christopher Columbus' arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492. It was first officially recognized as a national holiday by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, largely due to the lobbying efforts of the Knights of Columbus. This group sought recognition for the prejudice, stereotyping, and violence faced by Italian immigrants, which included discrimination, derogatory labeling, and even lynching. The most notable incident was the lynching of 11 Italians in New Orleans in 1891, following their acquittal by an American jury. The Italian government was so outraged that it temporarily severed diplomatic ties with the United States and even considered war.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Italian immigrants were widely viewed as dangerous criminals, beggars, and undesirables. They were labeled with offensive stereotypes, deemed to have low intelligence, and were accused of taking American jobs. Between the late 1800s and early 1900s, over 50 documented lynchings of Italians occurred in states like New York, Florida, Mississippi, Arizona, and Colorado, reflecting widespread fear and mistrust of Italian Americans.
In 1971, Columbus Day was officially declared a federal holiday to be observed on the second Monday of October. For many Italian Americans, this holiday had been celebrated as early as 1866. While it commemorates Christopher Columbus, it also symbolizes the contributions and recognition of all Americans. For many, the holiday is less about Columbus himself and more about celebrating the freedoms America represents, honoring immigrant ancestors, and acknowledging the nation’s founding. Columbus is seen as a figure who embodies courage, endurance, and exploration—traits that made the American Dream possible. In essence, Columbus is regarded as a symbolic ancestor of the American Dream, who happens to be Italian.
However, Columbus Day has become controversial. Critics argue that it glorifies European colonization, which led to the oppression and suffering of Indigenous peoples. The debate surrounding the holiday ties into a broader conversation about the impact European migration had on Native American populations. While Columbus' arrival opened the door to opportunities, the actions of those who followed were not always benign. Some came with good intentions and contributed positively, such as the Founding Fathers. Others pursued personal gain or brought exploitation. Columbus himself, however, should not be blamed for the harmful actions that occurred nearly a century after his arrival.
On the other side of the debate, in 1992 the U.S. established Native American Heritage Day, officially recognized on the Friday following Thanksgiving, to celebrate Native American's ancestors and their enduring legacy. In addition, efforts have been made to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day, which honors the resilience and cultural contributions of Native American tribes. Internationally, August 9th is recognized as International Indigenous Peoples Day, commemorating the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations in 1982.
Native Americans deserve more recognition, better living conditions, and full acknowledgment of the injustices they have endured. The U.S. government has signed nearly 400 treaties with Native American tribes, many of which have been broken or ignored. However, rectifying historical wrongs against one group should not come at the expense of erasing the history and pride of another. Replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day risks further division instead of fostering unity and mutual respect.
Columbus cannot be held accountable for the atrocities committed by those who followed him. Just as we wouldn't blame John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth, for any negative outcomes of space exploration, we shouldn't place the blame for later injustices on Columbus. Replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day diminishes the recognition of Indigenous peoples while undermining the heritage and pride of Italian Americans. This approach creates more conflict than resolution.
We should strive to honor both Indigenous peoples and the legacy of Columbus by celebrating both without erasure. Each culture deserves recognition and respect, and we can find a better path together that honors the contributions of both without diminishing either.
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