Comedian and radio talk show host, Joe Piscopo, receives award from Basil M. Russo at annual COPOMIAO meeting in New York
It takes a big city to host the big ambitions of the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO).
Hence, New York was the place to be for the 2026 Annual Meeting for COPOMIAO.
Italian Americans from all over the United States came together inside the Italian American Museum in New York’s Little Italy on June 27 for this year’s gathering.
History was made with a series of announcements to highlight the coalition's continued growth, its expanding national influence, and commitment to preserving Italian American heritage.
Founded in 1975, COPOMIAO has evolved into one of the nation's leading umbrella organizations representing Italian American cultural, educational, fraternal, and anti-defamation groups. This year's conference underscored that mission through new partnerships, advocacy initiatives, leadership development, and recognition of outstanding community service.
Comedian and radio talk show host, Joe Piscopo, receives award from Basil M. Russo at annual COPOMIAO meeting in New York
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Russo Reelected
Delegates unanimously reelected President Basil M. Russo to an unprecedented fourth consecutive two-year term. He’s been at the forefront to save Columbus Monuments in every city. He’s rightly earned the confidence of all COPOMIAO members.
Among the meeting's notable developments was the announcement that a delegation of COPOMIAO representatives has been invited to Vatican City later this summer for an audience with senior Church leadership. COPOMIAO presented $107,000 in disaster relief funding to Italian Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani. Leaders plan to meet this winter in Washington with Italy's Ambassador to the United States, Marco Peronaci, to further strengthen ties between Italy and the Italian American community.
COPOMIA filed lawsuit to return Columbus monument in Columbus, Ohio
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Membership Growth
COPOMIAO's continued expansion was another major theme of the conference.
Five organizations joined the coalition this year, bringing total membership to 78 organizations from across the United States. Over the past five years, the coalition has more than doubled in size, a testament to its growing role as a national voice for Italian Americans and to Basil Russo’s leadership.
New member organizations include:
• American Italian Heritage Museum and Association
• Centro Culturale Italiano di Buffalo
• Club Molisani Charities
• Connecticut Italian American Bar Association
• Italian American Lawyers Association of Los Angeles
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Fighting for Columbus
COPOMIAO’s most visible accomplishment came this spring with the installation of a replacement Christopher Columbus statue at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, adjacent to the White House.
The effort, led by Basil Russo with the assistance of Congressman Mike Rulli and actor Joe Piscopo, marked a significant symbolic victory for advocates seeking to preserve Columbus monuments across the country.
COPOMIAO also continues supporting litigation seeking the restoration of Columbus statues removed in recent years, including the ongoing federal lawsuit involving the City of Columbus, Ohio. National Counsel George Bochetto, who has successfully defended Columbus monuments in other cities, reported encouraging developments in the case.
At the same time, the organization has broadened its outreach—through the Italian American One Voice Coalition, led by the incomparable Andre Dimino; conducting "Solidarity Sessions" with Native American and Indigenous organizations, seeking dialogue while promoting greater understanding of Italian American history and traditions.
A sample of the fun had by attendees at the Italian American Future Leaders conference
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Future Leaders
The meeting also highlighted the continuing success of the Italian American Future Leaders (IAFL) gathering and program.
Now entering its fifth year, the four-day leadership conference has attracted more than 500 young Italian Americans between the ages of 21 and 35. Scheduled to return to South Florida over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend in 2027, the program focuses on leadership development, cultural identity, networking, and community engagement.
Organizers say the convention has become an important pipeline for developing the next generation of Italian American civic, cultural, and professional leaders.
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Awards Given
The conference also honored several individuals for their outstanding contributions to Italian American life.
Joe Piscopo received COPOMIAO's 2026 Leadership Award for his efforts to help restore Baltimore's historic Columbus monument. In addition, Alice Salvo, Danette Porto, and Danielle Salasavage were recognized with the Donna Distinta Award for their dedication to advancing Italian American culture.
As COPOMIAO approaches its 51st year, the coalition appears well positioned to continue expanding its national presence while defending Italian American heritage, developing future leaders, and strengthening relationships both within the United States and with Italy.
Editor’s Note: The Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations continues the fight to bring back the Columubus statues. Their web site is: https://copomiao.org
READ HERE THE NEW EDITION - SECOND 2026 PRIMO
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