The Italian American Museum of Los Angeles is seeking donations to restore its building that was vandalized during peaceful protests against federal immigration policies in downtown Los Angeles.
The anti-ICE protests were largely peaceful, however, the museum suffered vandalism in the wake of the demonstration attended by thousands over three days.
The museum’s executive director, Marianna Gatto, spoke with 2UrbanGirls about the significance of the museum and its deep connections supporting immigration rights.
“The Italian American Museum of Los Angeles (IAMLA) is a museum about immigration; it is an institution led by immigrants and the children of immigrants. The IAMLA welcomes over 300,000 people of all ages and origins annually and admission is free,” said Gatto.
“Most of our visitors are members of marginalized communities, including students attending Title 1 schools and seniors. The building in which the museum is located, the Italian Hall, has been a center for free speech since its construction 117 years ago. Our permanent exhibition explores the history of Italian immigration, including the violence and discrimination Italian immigrants faced, and the laws that the US enacted to restrict immigration from Italy. The IAMLA prides itself in being a center for education, engagement, and discourse. We support people exercising their constitutional right to freedom of expression. Vandalism and the destruction of property are not part of that right, however. As an organization that was decimated by the pandemic, these latest costly acts of vandalism are not only devastating, they impact the IAMLA’s ability to provide services to communities most in need.”
To learn more about the museum or support its mission please visit www.iamla.org.