Defending the legacy of Federal Hill – by Walter Potenza

by Master Chef Walter Potenza, commentary

Dear readers:

Federal Hill, located in Providence, Rhode Island, epitomizes a neighborhood of immense cultural significance, profound historical relevance, and outstanding community cohesion. Often affectionately termed Providence’s Little Italy, it poignantly represents the Italian immigrant experience in North America. 

Over the years, families have established their livelihoods within this locale, contributing to the city’s economic landscape and perpetuating their customs through culinary delicacies, melodic expressions, and traditional festivities.

However, the recent commercialization of Federal Hill’s history as a so-called “underworld” undermines its true legacy and identity. A local tour company has introduced a tour named “Crime and Cuisine,” offering visitors the opportunity to explore the Mafia underworld and encounter “corrupted politicians.” 

This marketing narrative reduces the vibrant and multifaceted history of Federal Hill to tired and damaging stereotypes. While portraying the neighborhood as a den of crime may attract visitors, it diminishes the real essence of Federal Hill’s contribution to Rhode Island and beyond.

It’s important to note that Federal Hill’s story is not one of criminality and corruption but of immigration, resilience, and cultural flourishing. 

For over a century (since 1886), the people of Federal Hill, primarily Italian immigrants and their descendants, have worked tirelessly to build a community that values hard work, integrity, and family. Their resilience in the face of challenges is truly inspiring. They have maintained their culinary traditions, blending them with the local food culture to create something unique to Rhode Island. 

The neighborhood has given rise to small businesses, supported artists, and become a symbol of the American immigrant dream. These businesses have not only enriched the cultural landscape but also significantly contributed to the local economy.

Portraying the legacy of Federal Hill as a Mafia spectacle is not just inaccurate; it is harmful. It perpetuates negative stereotypes that many Italian Americans have spent decades fighting against and reinforces the false notion that crime is inherent to Italian culture, which is both insensitive and offensive. 

This narrative, designed for entertainment and profit, strips away the dignity and pride that Federal Hill’s residents feel about their heritage.

There is much more to Federal Hill than this narrow portrayal. Visitors deserve to experience the actual Federal Hill: a neighborhood built by immigrants, enriched by their hard work, and sustained by their love for their heritage and their new home in America. This authentic story of triumph, rather than tragedy, deserves to be told.

By depicting the neighborhood as an “underworld colony,” the “Crime and Cuisine” tour does a disservice to the many men and women who have contributed to the cultural fabric of Rhode Island. It disregards the significant and positive impact that Federal Hill has had on the state’s history, economy, and community. More significantly, it perpetuates a narrative that has been used to dehumanize and marginalize Italian Americans for generations.

Federal Hill does not require a sensationalized rebranding but rather a celebration of its true history. Envision a tour highlighting the authentic culinary traditions brought over by Italian immigrants, the stories of resilience and perseverance, and the deep ties that Federal Hill residents have to their cultural roots. Imagine a narrative that uplifts, educates, and honors the contributions of Italian Americans to Rhode Island and beyond. 

This is not just a dream but a vision that we can work towards, a narrative that we can shape and change for the better. It is crucial to resist the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes and insist on a truthful portrayal of Federal Hill. We owe it to the legacy of those who came before us, the current residents, and the generations yet to come. Federal Hill is not an underworld colony. 

It is a thriving community built on the values of family, culture, and hard work. Let’s tell that story—the real story, and let’s do it with determination and commitment.

By reclaiming Federal Hill’s narrative, we preserve its integrity and honor the people who made it the proud and vibrant neighborhood it is today.

Master Chef and Italian Immigration Historian

Walter Potenza

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Publisher’s note: Chef Potenza writes a weekly column for RINewsToday – “Ask Chef Walter” – look for it on Sundays.