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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2002

Columbus Day in Colorado was started because Italians needed a self-esteem boost, recent history shows.

But some Italian descendants seem to have turned that idea on its side. After facing discrimination by other Euro-Americans, they are taking up for Western Civilization.

"Christopher Columbus was a great navigator," said Columbus Day parade organizer George Vendegnia in Westword. "What they're really protesting is the Western world coming over here."

There will be two competing events in Denver, Colorado, on October 12. The Transform Columbus Day Alliance is holding a 10 a.m. march to support justice and equality for indigenous people.

Italian-Americans are holding their own march at 2 p.m.

Get the Story:
Columbus Day Forecast: Stormy (Westword 10/10)

Relevant Links:
Transform Columbus Day - http://www.transformcolumbusday.org

Related Stories:
Editorial: Be nice to the Italians (10/9)
Another year, Another Columbus Day (10/7)
Columbus Day events given permits (7/17)
Cost of Columbus Day topping $100,000 (10/9)
Italians to boycott Columbus Day (9/19)
Columbus Day started in Colorado (9/10)
'Columbus' may be dropped from parade (8/29)
Event is not Columbus protest, says group (7/17)
Columbus Day battle brews (7/12)
Italians celebrate Columbus Day early (7/11)
Group awarded Columbus Day permit (7/10)
Peaceful protest greets parade (10/9)