Buffalo, NY – Today at a special proclamation ceremony in the lobby of Buffalo City Hall, Mayor Byron W. Brown and Delaware District Council Member Joel Feroleto, joined by representatives from the Board of Education and the Federation of Italian- American Societies of Western New York, declared the month of October as Italian Heritage Month.
“As we foster an inclusive and equitable City of Opportunity in Buffalo, I thank Americans of Italian descent for continuing to play an integral role in our City’s significant economic revival,” said Mayor Brown. “Throughout our City’s history, men and women of Italian descent have made outstanding contributions in business, the arts, education and government, as well as in athletics and military service. Virtually every aspect of our life in the City of Good Neighbors has been enriched by their unique talents and hard work. In celebration of Italian Heritage month in Buffalo, I ask all residents to join me in recognizing the sacrifices and contributions Italians and Italian Americans have made to build our great City.”
Council Member Feroleto stated, “As an Italian-American, I have always been proud of my heritage, and equally proud of the significant contributions Italian-Americans have made to our country. With this month being especially significant for Italian-Americans, I’m pleased to join Mayor Brown in issuing this proclamation.”
“It is a proud day for Italian- Americans in the City of Buffalo to be able to join together with Mayor Brown and Council Member Feroleto along with other representatives and kick off the celebration of Italian- American Heritage Month” said Peter Lojacono, President of the Federation of Italian- American Societies of Western New York.
National Italian Heritage month, formerly known as National Italian-American Heritage month, was first celebrated in October, 1989, as a tribute to all Italian-Americans and their culture. Today, there are over 26 million Americans of Italian decent, making it the seventh largest ethnic group in the nation.