Italian-American heritage - Kieto's story, music, NIAF and Italian Clubs in the United States.

My Italian American Heritage Page

Thank you for visiting My Italian American Heritage Page. Since the first steps were taken on the soil of America, millions of Italian Imigrants bravely made their way across the Atlantic Ocean to begin a new life. To make a better life and to make available for their family and future generations, the many opportunities America had to offer. In doing so, Italian Americans have vastly displayed their talents in every facet of forming the 'new' America, to what it is today.

My Grandparents came here from Sicily in the early 1900's and started a family. They raised a wonderful family of 9, who went on and started families of their own. I am very proud of the fact that I have cousins who are in politics, butchers, and bakers; in the computer industry, some are cooks, in government positions; and some are very sucessful in many other areas. This is no different from any other Italian family. Many families began the same way and there are literally millions of wonderful stories just like that.

Whether you have an Italian last name, or, your Mother or Grandparents were of Italian descent, this ethnicity is a part of you. A part of your make up so to speak. It is in your blood.

Everywhere you look in this great land of ours there is evidence of an Italian American presence. The food, the music, the art we all enjoy. The architectual, technical, and medical accomplishments are too many too name.

So, why are there still movies and television programs focusing on a minute faction of this ethnic group? Why do the Media and Hollywood continue to force down the throats of people not only in this country, but people around the world the stereotypical character of the Italian mobster and/or buffoon? Well, to begin with, the money. It's easier and alot more profitable to make money on sex and violence than it is on doing a story on.... an Italian ancestor from your family. Could there be other underlying factors? Real Italian Americans do not speak, nor do they act, like that in the movies.

Many have siad... 'oh, lighten up!' Or, 'give me a break, it's entertaining'. When children act out what they see in school inflicting harm on others, I fail to see the benefit of this type of entertainment.

Below are just a few of the thousands of organizations in the United States that support the Italian American in everyway. Please take the time and visit the links. They are quite informative. Also, there are open discussion newsletter groups you can sign up for and voice your opinions. If you do not have an Italian lapst name, don't let that hold you back. Neither have I and I am extremely proud of my Italian Heritage. Thanks for taking the special time in reading this.

Dio Te Benedica!

Keith Ballentine

Click Here for 'Splende La Luna' � 1999
This is just a fun Italian Song I wrote for my Italian passion for love!

This a short instrumental I wrote called 'La Speranza' Click Here

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Click here for January's bulletin for Italian American
organizations affiliated with the NIAF.

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is the major advocate in Washington, DC for nearly 15 million Italian Americans, the nations's fifth largest ethnic group. Its mission is to preserve and protect Italian American heritage and culture. Through its many programs, the NIAF: Helps young Italian Americans with their educations and careers Works closely with Congress and the White House to promote the appointment of Italian Americans in government Encourages the teaching of Italian language and culture in U.S. schools Monitors the portrayal of Italian Americans by the news and entertainment industries Strengthens cultural and economic ties between Italy and the U.S. Every year, the NIAF honors outstanding Italians and Italian Americans at its Anniversary Gala Dinner. This event draws nearly 3,000 people from the U.S. and abroad to Washington, DC. It has been attended by every sitting American president since 1975. Past honorees include U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, Frank Sinatra, Joe DiMaggio, Lee Iacocca, A. Bartlett Giamatti, John Sirica, Liza Minnelli, Luciano Pavarotti, and Sophia Loren. The NIAF was founded in 1975 as a non-profit organization in Washington, DC. It is entirely non-partisan.

Contact NIAF
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The Italian American One Voice Committee is a national network of activists enabling the 25 million members of the Italian-American community to act as one united voice when dealing with defamation, discrimination and negative stereotyping of our grand culture and heritage. The Italian-American One Voice Committee needs proud Italian-Americans who are ready, willing and able to fax, write, phone and email the media, the motion picture and television industries that portray us in a negative manner. Get involved. Get activated! All negative stereotyping is wrong. To do nothing is to condone. The cost of ethnic freedom is constant vigilance. Lend your voice, ears and energy to the Italian-American One Voice Committee. Be sure to let us know when you are offended by negative stereotyping of Italian-Americans.

Contact I-AOVC Chairman Dr. Emanuele Alfano
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Fieri is an organization of Italian American adults between the ages of 18 and 39. Its members are dedicated to four major objectives: To preserve the Italian culture and encourage the study of Italian and Italian American history. To foster the values of higher education and personal achievement in young Italian Americans To facilitate career opportunities and networking relationships for young professionals To promote a positive image of Italian Americans in the mass media and popular culture.

Contact Fieri
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The Italian American Web Site of New York site contains information about Italians and Italian-Americans, such as, Italian organizations, Famous Italians/ Italian-Americans, History, Genealogy, Music, fashion and much more. Also, this site contains information about New York, such as, Local sports, Weather, and much more. Finally, The site has multimedia information, such as, audio, video phone programs and voice recognition available for download.

Contact Joseph Anastasio
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Italian Americans Unite : This forum can be used to talk about any issues pertaining to Italians, such as, genealogy, discrimination, travel, history. We must unite - Let's start here!!!!!!!!

Italian American Pride : Our mission will be to promote Italian American pride through information and discussion of our ancestral homeland, It's people and our descendance.
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Anti Bias Committee of UNICO National : The Anti-Bias Committee of UNICO National will instruct and inform the media of the positive accomplishments of Italian-Americans and also combat the articles, films and programs that portray Italian-Americans in a negative light. The committee will foster an awareness among members of UNICO National of the need to combat discrimination and defamation by formal protest to the offenders.

Contact : Manny Alfano
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Read my I. A. Dreambook!
Sign my I. A. Dreambook!

Thank you again for visiting. As you have seen by visiting these fine organizations and newsletter forums, millions of Italian Americans feel the same way. It doesn't make one bit of difference if your name doesn't end in a vowel. Get involved and voice your opinion today. Your voice does count. Your Heritage counts! The blood, sweat and tears of our Ancestors do matter a great deal.