The New York Chapter of the “Order Sons and Daughters of Italy (OSDIA)" Commission of Social Justice celebrated its 41st anniversary.
Anthony Naccarato, national foundation trustee and New York OSDIA state immediate past president, and Dr. Joseph V. Scelsa, founder and president of the Italian American Museum, were honored for their contributions to the Italian American community.
According to the group’s website, OSDIA.org, the Commission for Social Justice (CSJ) is the anti-defamation arm of OSDIA, the largest and oldest national organization for men and women of Italian descent in the country.
The organization was founded in 1979 to fight the stereotyping of Italian Americans by the entertainment, advertising and media industries.
If the group spots what it believes to be anti Italian-American bigotry in television, movies, news, and entertainment, it contacts that entity and collaborates with them to end what they perceive to be offensive portrayals of Italians.
The OSDIA also:
Informs and educates the media and public about Italian American achievements, contributions, history and culture.
Conducts research, produces studies, teaching tools, pamphlets, exhibits and other materials on the achievements and contributions of Italian Americans.
Engage in campaigns at the local and national levels that support cultural and social issues of importance to Italian Americans.
For the 41st anniversary celebration, Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy was on hand to present the group with a proclamation honoring them and community leaders for their work on behalf of the Suffolk County Italian American community.
“The work performed by Anthony and Joseph is instrumental to transmitting Italian
American culture and combating prejudiced opinions toward the Italian American Community,” said Legislator Leslie Kennedy.