The UC Berkeley Italian Migration Studies Working Group and the Italian Commerce Association organized a panel discussion, “Italian Diaspora Between Past and Present,” on Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 5 to 7 PM at the Italian Community Services (ICS) in San Francisco. The event brought together various organizations, including the UC Berkeley Department of Italian Studies, the Institute of European Studies, Portland State University, and the Townsend Center for the Humanities.

The Italian Community Services generously hosted the event in the beautiful Heritage Room of Casa Fugazi.

The discussion featured scholars Laura Ruberto (Berkeley City College) and Clarissa Clò (San Diego State University), who shared their insights before opening the floor to a dynamic exchange with both in-person and online audiences. The event attracted approximately 130 participants, highlighting the strong interest in the history and contemporary realities of the Italian diaspora.

This panel marks the first in a series of conferences aimed particularly at the Italian-American community. Italian migration to South America and the U.S. has evolved through multiple stages since the mid-1880s, enduring world wars and political shifts.

Following the discussion, attendees continued their conversations during a reception, reinforcing a profound sense of community.

The next event will take place at the Italian Cultural Institute on April 8, featuring a screening of Nella Condorelli’s docu-film, La Storia Vergognosa, followed by a discussion.

Stay tuned!