YONKERS CITY COUNCIL: A Resolution Opposing Changing Columbus Day To Indigenous People’s Day Will Be On The Agenda – By Brian Harrod

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A resolution sponsored by Councilmembers Mike Breen, Minority Leader and Anthony Merante protecting the Columbus day Holiday was introduced at the Yonkers City Council Rules Committee Meeting on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 and will be brought to a vote at the City Council Meeting on Tuesday, February 9, 2021

YONKERS: Councilmembers Mike Breen, Minority Leader and Anthony Merante have brought forth a resolution that is intended to send a strong message to Albany lawmakers that Yonkers and numerous Italian-American organizations are vehemently opposed to terminating the Columbus Day holiday by pending legislation in NYS Assembly Bill # A2492 and Senate Bill #:S2759 

However, there is much opposition from Yonkers’ Hispanic population think that Columbus Day may be about to set sail into irrelevancy, because of injustices inflicted of millions of people.

Minority Leader, Mike Breen stated, “It may be appropriate to recognize indigenous peoples in New York there is no need to do so at the expense of the millions of people of Italian-American Heritage who celebrate Columbus Day in honor of the contributions of Italian-Americans to American history, economy and culture”. 

Councilmember Anthony Merante added, “It is undeniable that the City of Yonkers has a large and active Italian –American population that has historically embraced Columbus Day as an annual holiday and celebration of their culture including a parade, scholarship awards and other events and activities. This tradition must be continued”.