Commission for Social Justice, Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America

03/25/2026

This is a great radio interview with Angelo Vivolo, our friend from the Columbus Citizens Foundation, regarding the Columbus statue restored from the Baltimore river to Washington, D.C.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

03/25/2026

We are so proud to see this statue restored!

03/14/2026

On March 14, 1891, one of the darkest chapters in American history unfolded in New Orleans when a mob lynched eleven Italian immigrants after they were accused of killing Police Chief David Hennessy. Despite weak evidence and with some of the men already being acquitted, the mob stormed the jail and carried out the largest mass lynching in U.S. history. The event exposed the dangerous consequences of prejudice and anti-immigrant hysteria that many Italian immigrants faced since the 19th century.

Through its anti-defamation arm, the Commission for Social Justice (CSJ), the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America has consistently worked to preserve the memory of this tragedy and educate future generations about its lessons.

In 2019, the CSJ worked closely with New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell to secure a historic public apology for what is now recognized as one of the largest mass lynchings in U.S. history. Subsequently, in October 2024, the CSJ also unveiled a commemorative plaque marking the site of the lynching, as a way to eternalize the memory of the victims and bring attention to the long and dark history of anti-Italian discrimination in the United States.

Today, the memory of the eleven victims remains a powerful reminder that intolerance and misinformation can lead to grave injustice—and that remembering history is essential to preventing it from happening again.

02/20/2026

This , the Commission for Social Justice and the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America are proud to partner with Modern Italian American for a series of videos in celebration of .

This series will highlight the positive impact our community has made on the United States throughout its 250-year history and our contributions to the fight for social justice and civil rights.

01/21/2026

Register early - it's free - for our next conversation to continue our partnership with the Native American Guardian Association!

Join with us on our first Solidarity Session of 2026 - Tuesday, 1/27 - 8 PM EAST.
You are invited to join with us as we defend our respective heritages with the alliance between the Native American Guardians Association ("NAGA") and Italian Americans. The Zoom meeting is free to attend but registration is required. Register at www.thesolidaritysessions.com

12/22/2025

As a founding member of the Italian American Leadership Forum (IALF), we also stand with with our affiliate member, the Columbus Heritage Coalition (CHC), in support of the Jewish community.

At a time when acts of hate are occurring both globally and here at home, silence is not an option. Our words matter. Our actions matter. As a community rooted in faith, family, and resilience, we must stand with our Jewish friends and neighbors and speak out together against antisemitism and all forms of hatred.

12/10/2025

This Columbus Day, a piece of Baltimore’s history — once tossed into the Inner Harbor — has been brought back to life and is preparing for a new home.In Baltimo

12/09/2025

Here we go!

Good news!

https://foxbaltimore.com/news/local/replica-toppled-columbus-statue-new-home-white-house

11/28/2025

⏳ Only four days until Giving Tuesday — December 2!

As we count down, we’re proud to announce the participation of the Commission for Social Justice (CSJ) — OSDIA’s anti-defamation arm, dedicated to fighting discrimination, challenging harmful stereotypes, and promoting a positive and accurate image of Italian Americans.

CSJ’s work takes many forms: media monitoring, public-awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and heritage preservation. One powerful example is the CSJ-sponsored historical marker at the site of the 1891 mass lynching of Italian Americans in New Orleans — an important step in ensuring this tragedy is finally acknowledged and remembered.

Your Giving Tuesday support helps CSJ continue this critical work — strengthening representation, advancing justice, and preserving our history.

💙 Give today or on December 2: https://www.osdia.org/commission-for-social-justice/ways-to-give/

11/10/2025

The CSJ urges NYPL The New York Public Library to apologize for rejecting Italian American Heritage Month materials.

On Friday, November 7, Commission for Social Justice President John A. Fratta, wrote to Anthony W. Marx, President and CEO of the New York Public Library, in response to their refusal to display Italian American Heritage Month-themed materials from the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America due to its support for Christopher Columbus.

"This response is unacceptable from an institution receiving government funds and is an affront to the Italian American community," wrote Fratta in the letter, urging Marx to issue an apology and to display Italian American materials in all libraries throughout New York City next October.

Swipe to read the full letter ➡️