Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot both refused to attend the 70th annual Columbus Day Parade.
In contrast, GOP gubernatorial contender Darren Bailey, a state senator from Xenia, attended the parade and celebrated with those in attendance.
“I think it's an absolute shame that Governor Pritzker and Lori Lightfoot choose to diminish the accomplishments that Italians have made to our society,” Bailey said in a statement to reporters at the parade. "So now I want to celebrate this. This is what America is about right here."
Instead, Pritzker said he was opting to overlook the Italian-American day of heritage completely to focus on Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
“This Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the governor is honoring and celebrating the vast contributions of the indigenous in communities and across the nation. He’s unable to attend today’s parade,” a Pritzker spokesman said.
Ron Onesti, 2nd Vice-President of Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans and President of National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame, said the absence of Pritzker and Lightfoot was disrespectful.
“The fact that the mayor and the governor are not here and several other governmental representatives, elected officials,” Onesti said. "You know, it really hurts us. It does. You know, we count on our elected officials to have the courage and bravery to stand up for what's right and stand up for the people."
Many in the Italian-American community have questioned why the governors and others would disrespect their day of celebration.
“There are 364 other unoccupied days on the calendar to celebrate, there is no reason that you have to step on the back of one group to elevate another group,” Pasquale Gianni, president of Avanti and member of the Joint Committee of Italian-Americans-Chicago, told the Chicago Sun-Times.
Pritzker doubled down, also noting on Facebook his support for Indigenous Peoples Day, which was passed into law in 2017.
“On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we recognize and honor the history, culture, and traditions of Indigenous communities in Illinois among us and before us,” Pritzker said on Facebook.
“I’m celebrating their strength and resilience today and recommitting to a brighter future for us all.”
Bailey shared a positive reaction to his experience at the Columbus Day Parade.
“Wow! Cindy and I had an absolutely terrific day yesterday celebrating Italian Heritage in Chicago! What an honor to meet so many families who have brought their culture here to make a home in Illinois. #RestoreIllinois #standingwithyouin2022 #FirePritzker #italianheritage," Bailey said on Twitter.
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