Columbus Day started as a response to ethnic bigotry. Don’t cancel the day, remember the reason it began

Sick of “woke” politics? Take a stand for Columbus Day by sharing this meme from the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, and consider making a donation to the Commission for Social Justice of the OSIA. #PreserveColumbusDay

Too many Americans don’t know their history because they were never taught their history, or because they don’t care. Columbus Day came about after a nightmare lynching in New Orleans in 1890, shortly before the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ landing in 1492. The targets of the lynching? Italians who were considered dangerous foreigners by the locals in New Orleans.

The uproar was so severe that the Italian government got involved, warning its citizens that America was a dangerous place and they should consider emigrating elsewhere rather than America. To avoid losing a major source of immigrant labor, President Benjamin Harrison in 1892 “proclaimed a nationwide celebration of ‘Discovery Day,’ recognizing Columbus as ‘the pioneer of progress and enlightenment.’ Eventually, the nations mended their relationship and the U.S. paid $25,000 in reparations.” That’s quoting National Geographic, which can’t be accused of anti-liberal or pro-conservative bias.