SHOCKING History of Blacks and Italians in America

In "Italian Americans: Beyond White and Black," we're taking a dive into the Italian American experience, peeling back the layers of their unique racial and ethnic journey in the U.S. This series isn't just about exploring the shades between white and black; it's about understanding the Italian-American experience and their sometimes complex, sometimes collaborative relationship with African Americans. From historical alliances and cultural exchanges to moments of tension and misunderstanding, we're laying it all out on the table. Through stories, interviews, and a bit of history, we'll see how Italian Americans have navigated their identity, often caught in a dance of assimilation and authenticity, and how their path has crossed with African Americans in the quest for recognition and respect in the melting pot of America.

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Come join me on a new docu-series that explores identity, racial tensions in the South during the 20th century, and the unique experiences of those who historically called Louisiana home.
My name is Danielle Romero, and all my life, I have romanticized Louisiana.
Growing up in New York, it represented a place where I could step back the sepia-toned life of my great grandmother, Lola Perot, who died before I was born.
Now, it was time to go back to Louisiana--although I had no idea what the truth would be or what questions to ask---who was Lola really? Who were we?

*Amazon links are affiliate links. If buy something through these links, we may earn affiliate commission. Thank you for supporting this project!

[nytn]

▶Download the first section FREE of my "Be a Good ancestor" course here:
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[tiffanycotter]

Why didn’t the Sicilians take into consideration that African Americans were here first and had a significant role in building the country? I feel this way about all immigrants who come here with disdain for blacks.

[natebrown]

That really explains why black people have an affinity for pasta and Italian food. I never quite understood where the fried catfish and spaghetti pairing came from. Thank you for the work you do!

[jamescorvus]

I really appreciate how you put things into context where that you are not just preaching or dictating information but putting history in the nuanced context that it really is.

[heydeereman]

Another dynamic missed was how employers would pit groups against each other to lower wages and keep labor unions from forming. Both of my Great Grandfathers worked initially for CF&I in Colorado. Rockefeller hired many Italian, Irish and German immigrants. They were often separated and pitted against one another. When they came together to strike, he had the Governor send in National Guard to break up the camp that they formed together.

[whoahna]

"Freedmen" weren't really getting paid, they were often stuck in the revolving door of sharecropping and many ended up in "Peonage" systems

[michaelmitchell]

Thank you for being brave enough to post your content despite difficulties from YT.😊

[broseph]

Hi Danielle! If I may, I would like to ask you two questions regarding the Italian/Sicilian experience in New Orleans…(1.) How did other ethnic communities interact or relate with the Arbereshe Sicilians in NOLA? (2.) Do you know specifically about the historical Tiro al Bersaglio Society and how widely known a traditional food or pasta dish named Cavatuni is (I think that’s what it’s called)? I’m interested because these are particular cultural experiences that my ancestors (great-grandparents) had as Italians living in New Orleans. Thanks again, and I also subbed to your Patreon too, very interesting stuff here and there as well! :)

[vernonladd]

I don’t think African Americans had a fair shot at the American dream.

[JohnnyLodge]

At 4:00 you highlight the real reason why people have always been anti-immigrant. Each wave of immigration also seems to hurt black americans the most to these days. Natives vs Irish blacks vs italians and even today with the sentiment in places like chicago with blacks upset with all of the city's social services being provided to central american immigrants.

But at 13:00 Ethiopia wasn't only an independent African nation but they were themselves an imperial power. They gained territory in the scramble for Africa. The effects of this we can actively see with Ethiopia on the verge of a multipower civil war with the various religious/ethnic groups vying for power. But this is because African history in our schools goes from Ancient Egypt --> maybe Mansa Musa --> triangle trade --> European colonization and ignores everything else. For shame.

[analisamendmentblog]

So many levels to the interactions between the two communities and makes me think of the friendship between Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. Loving this series!

[ricohorton]

Your channel is a gem. You do great work and I really appreciate the history you bring forth. You represent a world of unheard voices.

[larryboone]

The sweetest job i had as a young man was working in an Italian
restaurant. The owner personally
Taught me how to make pizza
The dough, the sauce, oven temp,
even the swirling toss of the dough.
The other Black cooks taught me
Short order, calzone,
All the cooks were Black seriously!
The best tasting Italian food
in the city.
The final crown i achieved was
to be in charge of making
Spamoni!
16 years old.

[JJinPhila]

In Philadelphia, it varied by neighborhood. People of color growing up in the 1950's in West Philadelphia talked about being chased by Italian kids. In the 1920's and 30's it was the Italian kids being chased by the Irish. South Philadelphia always had much friendlier relations.

[dmr]

The Italians never worked on no plantations next to blacks. Black people slavery was a business and blacks suffered a hell of lot more then the Italians.

[ethanthomas]

My dad told me a story about his father being upset about the Italian aggression toward Ethiopia. “It’s terrible what the Italians are doing to the Abyssinians” he said. My dad said he was reading the McCurtain County Gazette, a rural Oklahoma newspaper.

Keep up the good work. Your channel is creating incredible dialogue.

[brendasears]

I appreciate the history lesson and the complexity of the dynamic you described. Thanks for your hard work on this channel!

[michellekeary]

Fascinating thank you for your due diligence 😊

[nagone]

Really great work NYTN, a history few really want to cover or speak about.

[NoRockinMansLand]

The significance of the Ethio-Italian wars on global politics is often severely understated, both in the battle of Adwa in 1896 and the Italian occupation of Ethiopia in 1936-1941