When you think of where you might find Italian Americans in the United States, the Midwest isn’t exactly the first region that comes to mind. However, a healthy number of Americans of Italian descent reside in Ohio, and one initiative was formed to ensure that Italian culture continues to flourish in the state for generations to come: Little Italy Future Leaders (LIFL).
As a nonprofit, fraternal organization founded in May of 2023 under the Italian Sons and Daughters of America (ISDA), LIFL’s goal is to foster a community of younger Italian Americans who can support each other in preserving our shared heritage, making friendships, and expanding the community. The group recognizes that our heritage plays an important role in shaping our identities and values, hosting a variety of immersive events that allow the younger generation to experience Italian culture hands-on and learn traditions that hopefully stay with them for a lifetime. From culinary how-to courses that teach the preparation of Italian American favorites like sausage, limoncello, and pizzelle to guided tours of Cleveland’s Little Italy, this type of cultural programming is exactly the type of outlet that younger Italians need to feel energized about their heritage.
Although the organization has only been established for about one year, the LIFL has seen strong turnouts from past events and expect similar success from their entertaining and educational experiences planned for the future. One of these events is their inaugural Little History History Shuffle, a guided tour of Cleveland’s Little Italy in collaboration with the Italian American Museum of Cleveland. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides who visit five different stops in this historic section of the city: Mount Granita Italian Ice, Guarino’s Restaurant, The Borgata Bar, Little Italy Wines, and Lou’s Tavern of Little Italy. Lou’s Tavern is arguably the highlight of the experience, as the establishment still has bootlegging tunnels visible in its basement. However, each spot is a local landmark in its own right, and the locations will offer Italian small bites and drinks to those who participate.
LIFL has already begun to lay the groundwork for the initiative’s long-term success, establishing relationships with local leaders within Cleveland’s Little Italy as well as other cities and states to bridge the gap between the older and younger generations. Both groups are passionate about preserving Italian American history, businesses, and culture, and LIFL plans to be the resource they need to ensure the longevity of the ethnic group as the leadership torch is passed between generations.
If you are 21-40 years old in the Cleveland area and passionate about your Italian heritage, please visit @littleitalyfutureleaders on Instagram to learn more about LIFL’s events and mission.
My grand parents came from Italy and Sicaly. They lived in Cleveland Ohio. My dad was the only one that moved into the country.