Events and Activities
Black Italy: Invisible Stories of Liberation
To commemorate Italy’s national liberation from Nazi-fascism, the Italian Cultural Institute and Loyola University Chicago present a thought-provoking exploration of the often-overlooked contributions of people of African descent in the antifascist resistance.
From the shadows of the archive fragments emerge—photographs, letters, forgotten names. Writer Maaza Mengiste, visual artist Dawit L. Petros, and historian Silvana Patriarca trace these faint outlines to ask: What has been erased from our history? Whose resistance remains invisible? How do forgotten stories breathe new life into the story of antifascism? Together, they invite us to look where official history has turned away, to read between the gaps, and to imagine an Italy whose identity is shaped not only by what is remembered, but also by what has been hidden or forgotten.
This event invites audiences to engage with these critical questions and uncover a richer, more inclusive perspective on Italian history and identity.
Day 1 – Friday, October 24, 5-7 pm - Loyola University Chicago
Panel with Maaza Mengiste and Dawit L. Petros in conversation with Dr. Cristina Lombardi-Diop. Followed by a round table discussion and Q/A with the audience.
Panel with Maaza Mengiste and Dawit L. Petros in conversation with Dr. Cristina Lombardi-Diop. Followed by a round table discussion and Q/A with the audience.
Day 2 – Sunday, November 4-7 pm - Facets Film Forum – Chicago
A screening of Spike Lee's Miracle at Saint Anna (2008) introduced by Silvana Patriarca (Fordham University). Followed by a Q/A with the audience.
Based on the historical incident of an unspeakable massacre at the site of Sant'Anna di Stazzema, a small village in Tuscany, and on the experiences of the famed Buffalo soldiers from the 92nd Division in Italy during World War II.
A screening of Spike Lee's Miracle at Saint Anna (2008) introduced by Silvana Patriarca (Fordham University). Followed by a Q/A with the audience.
Based on the historical incident of an unspeakable massacre at the site of Sant'Anna di Stazzema, a small village in Tuscany, and on the experiences of the famed Buffalo soldiers from the 92nd Division in Italy during World War II.
Black Italy: Invisible Stories of Liberation
To commemorate Italy’s national liberation from Nazi-fascism, the Italian Cultural Institute and Loyola University Chicago present a thought-provoking exploration of the often-overlooked contributions of people of African descent in the antifascist resistance.
From the shadows of the archive fragments emerge—photographs, letters, forgotten names. Writer Maaza Mengiste, visual artist Dawit L. Petros, and historian Silvana Patriarca trace these faint outlines to ask: What has been erased from our history? Whose resistance remains invisible? How do forgotten stories breathe new life into the story of antifascism? Together, they invite us to look where official history has turned away, to read between the gaps, and to imagine an Italy whose identity is shaped not only by what is remembered, but also by what has been hidden or forgotten.
This event invites audiences to engage with these critical questions and uncover a richer, more inclusive perspective on Italian history and identity.
Day 1 – Friday, October 24, 5-7 pm - Loyola University Chicago
Panel with Maaza Mengiste and Dawit L. Petros in conversation with Dr. Cristina Lombardi-Diop. Followed by a round table discussion and Q/A with the audience.
Panel with Maaza Mengiste and Dawit L. Petros in conversation with Dr. Cristina Lombardi-Diop. Followed by a round table discussion and Q/A with the audience.
Day 2 – Sunday, November 4-7 pm - Facets Film Forum – Chicago
A screening of Spike Lee's Miracle at Saint Anna (2008) introduced by Silvana Patriarca (Fordham University). Followed by a Q/A with the audience.
Based on the historical incident of an unspeakable massacre at the site of Sant'Anna di Stazzema, a small village in Tuscany, and on the experiences of the famed Buffalo soldiers from the 92nd Division in Italy during World War II.
A screening of Spike Lee's Miracle at Saint Anna (2008) introduced by Silvana Patriarca (Fordham University). Followed by a Q/A with the audience.
Based on the historical incident of an unspeakable massacre at the site of Sant'Anna di Stazzema, a small village in Tuscany, and on the experiences of the famed Buffalo soldiers from the 92nd Division in Italy during World War II.