Over a century ago, thousands of Italian families arrived on the shores of New York City searching for a better life. Sicilians moved onto Elizabeth Street and Neapolitans laid down roots on Mulberry. Calabrians made homes on East 109th and their Baresi neighbors did the same on 112th. Even as they were told they were too foreign, too different, too working class, Italian New Yorkers made their mark on this great city -- from Mother Cabrini, to Fiorello LaGuardia, to Martin Scorsese, and countless more.
That history of greatness is felt in every neighborhood across every borough, and it was an honor to celebrate it at Gracie Mansion last night.