Saint John’s University

New York City is gearing up for the 80th annual Columbus Day Parade, a tradition deeply intertwined with Italian American heritage, but one that has increasingly sparked debate and controversy in recent years. The parade, which will wind its way through Manhattan, celebrates Christopher Columbus’ 1492 voyage and his "discovery" of the Americas, a moment many Italian Americans hold dear as a symbol of their contributions to the cultural fabric of the United States.

Despite the festive atmosphere, the parade and the holiday it honors are becoming flashpoints in a. . .