Would Columbus Day Ever Be Renamed In Philadelphia?
By Tim Jimenez
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Officials in two major U.S. Cities this year voted to rename Columbus Day "Indigenous People's Day" -- recognizing Native Americans.
How does that fly in South Philadelphia, the site of Sunday's Columbus Day Parade and Festival?
Seattle and Minneapolis are the two cities to rename Columbus Day, something that Biagio Genovisi -- one of the organizers of the Columbus Day Parade and festival -- says he can't imagine coming in Philadelphia:
"We have a very large Italian American community in Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley. And, no disrespect to any type of groups that exist in America, but on this particular day we're celebrating Italian American culture and history."
Genovesi is part of The 1492 Society, established a few years ago. He says it's a time for Italian Americans to express that pride in their heritage.
And while he doesn't want to see the holiday or the parade and festival go away or be renamed, he says "Indigenous People's Day" is a great idea:
"I personally believe we should have a holiday for Native American Indians - a national holiday. I'll support that 1,000-percent. They deserve it."