L'articolo parla del libro "The Italians of Akron and Summit County, Our Roots, Our Challenges, Our Triumph" di John Vallillo. L'autore ha scritto il libro con l'obiettivo di descrivere la storia degli immigrati di questa zona. Descrive gli ostacoli che hanno dovuto superare per creare una vita migliore per le loro famiglie. Racconta anche dei successi degli immigrati, come gli edifici che hanno costruito. Sebbene questi immigrati fossero stranieri all'inizio, avevano lavorato insieme per sviluppare le città e andare avanti. Le famiglie di oggi hanno questa storia del passato in comune e quindi sono ancora legate.
The story of Italian families immigrating to various cities in Northeast Ohio starting in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s has been documented in books and newspapers for many years. One city that remained unexplored was the Akron and Summit County area.
Now, there is a new book published by John Vallillo and available to order on the Amazon and Barnes and Noble websites that aims to fill that need to more completely tell the tale of the thousands who moved here to work and find a better life.
Titled “The Italians of Akron and Summit County, Our Roots, Our Challenges, Our Triumph”, the book describes how early immigrants to Akron came to build railroads and mine the coal for growing cities and industries like rubber and steel, then brought their families to settle and assimilate into American society. Fighting discrimination, poverty, and a lack of education, these immigrant families built schools, churches and community clubs centered on their Italian commune so that all may have an opportunity for a better life.
“Italian Americans of Akron and Summit County” follows the growth of the Italian American community as it celebrates its heritage with festivals, raises funds for a statue of Columbus at the municipal airport that survives controversy, and enriches the community art scene with musicians, artists and sculptors. Many prominent Italian Americans as well as enduring Italian-inspired buildings and businesses are listed and proudly claimed as a foundation for a thriving society.
The story of Italian immigrants in Akron is a testament to the enduring power of human resilience, the strength of family, and the transformative impact of hard work and perseverance. From humble beginnings, they built lives, businesses, and communities that continue to enrich the fabric of the city. They arrived as strangers, seeking a better life, and found a home in this midwestern city to achieve the American dream.
Their descendants, carrying the echoes of their ancestors' struggles and triumphs, have become integral to Akron's social, cultural, and economic landscape. From the aroma of homemade pasta filling the air to the lively celebrations of Italian holidays, the influence of Italian immigrants is woven into the very fabric of Akron's social and cultural life. Though the challenges of the past may have faded, the legacy of their Italian heritage – a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of tradition, innovation, and unwavering community spirit – remains a source of pride and inspiration for generations to come.
