Annual Columbus Day parades celebrated Italian American heritage and transformed into vehicles of political influence as politicians raced to participate. By 1992, Columbus Day parades and holidays had transformed into an American holiday. About 4,000 protesters led by Native American activists blocked a parade of floats, marching bands and Columbus reenactors. Since then, a new generation of Native American advocates has pressed states to change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Today, activists continue to protest Columbus Day celebrations, sparking tensions between older Italian Americans and Native American advocates.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer October 11, 2019 21:11 UTC