Dear Humans,

Yesterday was Columbus Day. And Columbus Day is not so much about the “discovery” of America as it is about the settlement of America. Because Columbus Day was started by 19th century Italian-American immigrants who, despite facing racism and violence, proudly proclaimed, “We’re part of this place too.” And today, if some Indigenous people refuse to celebrate Columbus Day, it’s because they’re also saying, “We’re part of this place too.”

And the past 500 years has been the story of people, old and new, claiming their part in that story. And it’s not an easy story and it’s not always a pleasant story, but it’s our story.

May it be told for the next 500 years.

Sincerely,

Mr. Curt