Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
The Italian Cultural Center will celebrate International Women’s Month with a pair of events inspired by the recently released book “Italian Women in Chicago, Volume II: Siamo arrivate! We have arrived!”
At 5 p.m. on March 6, the ICC and the National Organization of Italian American Women will host a Zoom discussion celebrating Italian women who have “arrived” and are having an impact on history. The panel will include authors Maria Laurino and Christina Marrocco; educator and entrepreneur Letizia Sorano; and Marina Lenza, director of the education office of the Italian Consulate General in Chicago. The discussion will be moderated by Frank DiPiero, host of the podcast “Italian American Life.” The registration fee is $10. The link will be shared upon registration. To register, contact Frank Di Piero at frankdp4@yahoo.com. Pizza and mimosas will be served at a watch party at the Casa.
The book will be spotlighted from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on March 27 at Clara’s Restaurant in Woodridge. Attendees will be able to meet the editors and authors and buy copies. Light appetizers will be served and drinks will be available for purchase. For more, call Clara’s at 630-968-8899.
Published in 2024, “Italian Women in Chicago, Volume II” is divided into sections on “Saving Our Stories,” “Pop Culture,” “Entrepreneurial Spirit,” “Shattering Glass Ceilings,” “Activism,” “Spiritual Life” and “Cultural Influences.”
The book features 40 articles about women who have made a difference in their families, communities and in some cases the world. Among them are stories about the secret lives of reality TV stars, playing bocce with Marlon Brando, the “Sicilian Sappho,” journeys from Rovella to Harlem Avenue, modern renaissance women, St. Frances Cabrini, Florence Scala, the Maria Adelaide Club and even splitting the atom in Hyde Park. Also showcased is the story of Mama Celeste, who made her way from a small restaurant in Sant’Angelo near Naples, Italy, to Clara’s in Woodridge.
Volume I was published by the Italian Cultural Center in 2013.
