Matera 2019

Picerno, The Capital Of Rights Of The Most Disadvantaged

Every story of migration is an exceptional tale of courage, strength and hope, and the story of everyone who leaves their life seeking a better one deserves to be told and never forgotten. The town of Picerno has decided to stage the incredible story of Vito Marcantonio, born in a family from Picerno, a second-generation immigrant raised in the ghetto of East Harlem, once entirely populated by Italians, Puerto Ricans and African Americans.

A Member of Congress for 14 years, from 1934 to 1950, Marcantonio devoted his political life to defending the civil rights of Harlem immigrants, so that each citizen could follow the American dream, fighting for the right to hospitality and equal opportunity. This is why the town of Picerno, in collaboration with the Vito Marcantonio Forum of New York, will celebrate the life and the mission of their fellow countryman with workshops involving residents, schools and local associations with a play about an extraordinary man, exploring the themes of immigration and emigration, which are so relevant to Basilicata.

Co-produced by
Municipality of Picerno
for Capital for one day

Project Partners:

Commissione Regionale degli Italiani all'Estero
Itis Albert Einstein
Vito Marcantonio Forum