Unveiling the Untold Story: Italians, Race, Color, and Power in Chicago (1890-1945)

Chicago, the vibrant city known for its diverse communities and rich cultural heritage, has a hidden tale of Italians who carved their path amidst challenging times. As waves of immigrants flooded the shores, Italians embarked on a journey filled with struggles, triumphs, and the complex dynamics of race, color, and power. In this article, we will delve into the untold stories that have shaped Chicago's Italian American community between the years of 1890 and 1945.

The Melting Pot Shaping Italian Identity

As Italians landed in Chicago, they found themselves in a society grappling with racial tensions, discrimination, and an emerging social hierarchy. Color, class, and power were intricately intertwined factors that impacted their everyday lives and aspirations. Yet, in their efforts to assimilate and navigate this new world, Italians sparked a unique blend of cultures and identities.

Italian neighborhoods blossomed in Chicago, bringing together diverse strands of Italian heritage. From the vibrant hustle of Little Italy to the tight-knit communities of Bridgeport and Taylor Street, Italian immigrants sought solace and strength in forging their new lives within these enclaves.

White on Arrival: Italians, Race, Color, and Power in Chicago, 1890-1945: Italians, Race, Color and Power in Chicago 1890-1945

by Thomas A. Guglielmo(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4324 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	296 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Breaking Barriers: Italians in the Labor Force

Race and color became defining elements in the struggle for power and success. In the early 20th century, Italian laborers faced immense discrimination. Scrutiny, hate, and stereotypes were barriers to employment opportunities. However, despite these challenges, Italians harnessed their skills and work ethic to flourish in industries ranging from construction to manufacturing.

By forming strong labor unions, Italians asserted their rights and fought for better working conditions and fair wages. They began to unravel the unfair treatment they endured, proving themselves as crucial contributors to the city's economy and development.

Italian American Political Empowerment

With time, Italians gained political power and representation. Through strategic alliances and community organizing, Italian Americans elected their own leaders to councils, boards, and influential positions. They became key players in shaping Chicago's political landscape, challenging existing systems and advocating for the rights of their community. Their efforts pioneered greater inclusivity and reshaped the city's perception of Italian Americans.

The Battle Against Stereotypes

The images and narratives surrounding Italians fueled stereotypes, often perpetuating negative notions of crime and violence. These stereotypes impacted the perception of Italians in society, influencing their interactions with law enforcement and other communities. Italian Americans fought against these stereotypes, embracing education, art, and culture as powerful tools to challenge misconceptions and celebrate their heritage.

The Chicago World's Fair of 1893 witnessed the extraordinary talents of Italian American architects, artisans, and performers. Through their crafts, they showcased the richness of Italian culture, shifting public perception towards appreciation and admiration.

The Renaissance of The Italian American Community

As the world entered the twentieth century, the Italian American community in Chicago underwent a renaissance. They not only overcame socio-economic struggles but also celebrated their heritage with pride and resilience. Italian schools, churches, and cultural institutions flourished, becoming vibrant pillars of the community.

Italian Americans imparted their traditions, language, and values to younger generations, ensuring the preservation of their unique identity and contributing to the mosaic that is Chicago today.

The Legacy Lives On: Honoring Italian American Heritage

From the streets of Chicago's Little Italy to the alleys of Bridgeport, the legacy of Italians and their contributions remain embedded in the fabric of the city. Through their perseverance and determination, Italians projected their voice, fought for equality, and shaped the social, political, and cultural landscape of Chicago.

Today, Chicago proudly acknowledges and celebrates the achievements and heritage of Italians, fostering diversity and inclusivity. Through annual cultural festivals, museums, and the preservation of key landmarks, the Italian American community keeps its legacy alive for future generations.

Our journey into the untold stories of Italians in Chicago between 1890 and 1945 not only highlights their struggles and triumphs but also unveils the complex dynamics of race, color, and power within a diverse city. It reminds us of the power of unity, determination, and cultural celebration in shaping a better future for all communities.

White on Arrival: Italians, Race, Color, and Power in Chicago, 1890-1945: Italians, Race, Color and Power in Chicago 1890-1945

by Thomas A. Guglielmo(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4324 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	296 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Immigrating to the United States, Italians, like all others arriving on America's shores, were made to fill out a standardized immigration form. In the box for race, they faced two choices: North Italian or South Italian. On the line requesting information on color, they wrote simply "white." By World War II, the only option they had for race and color questions was "white."
This identification is suggestive of the many ways in which Italians became white on arrival in the United States, as Thomas A. Guglielmo demonstrates in this prize-winning book. While many suffered from racial prejudice and discrimination, they were nonetheless viewed as white, with all the privileges this color classification bestowed, in the corridors of American power--from judges to journalists, from organized labor to politicians, from race scientists to realtors.
Taking the mass Italian immigration of the late 19th century as his starting point and drawing on dozens of oral histories and a diverse array of primary sources in English and Italian, Guglielmo focuses on how perceptions of Italians' race and color were shaped in one of America's great centers of immigration and labor, Chicago. His account skillfully weaves together the major events of Chicago immigrant history--the "Chicago Color Riot" of 1919, the rise of Italian organized crime, and the rise of industrial unionism--with national and international events--such as the rise of fascism and the Italian-Ethiopian War of 1935-36--to present the story of how Italians approached, learned, and lived race. By tracking their evolving position in the city's racial hierarchy, Guglielmo reveals the impact of racial classification--both formal and informal--on immigrants' abilities to acquire homes and jobs, start families, and gain opportunities in America.
Carefully drawing the distinction between race and color, Guglielmo argues that whiteness proved Italians' most valuable asset for making it in America. Even so, Italians were reluctant to identify themselves explicitly as white until World War II. By separating examples of discrimination against Italians from the economic and social advantages they accrued from their acceptance as whites, Guglielmo counters the claims of many ethnic Americans that hard work alone enabled their extraordinary success, especially when compared to non-white groups whose upward mobility languished. A compelling story, White on Arrival contains profound implications for our understanding of race and ethnic acculturation in the United States, as well as twentieth-century immigration, urban, and political history.