Michael Parenti was on hand for the Symposium of the latest of his 25 books entitled Waiting for Yesterday. Pages from a Street Kid’s Life (Bordighera Press).
The New York Public Library hosted the event at their Mulberry Street branch in New York City on October 31st, 2015.
The first reading was performed by Gil Fagiani and Ketty Romagnoli of Bolgna, Italy, who each respectively took turns reading Litany of San Vito by Gil Fagiani, a poem dedicated to Marcantonio and his legacy.
The event featured a book presentation from author and journalist, Stephen Siciliano, who recently completed a full-length novel about Vito Marcantonio entitled the Goodfather. Siciliano discussed many aspects of of Parenti’s Waiting for Yesterday, highlighting parts that he found to be of the most historical and social significance.
“I know the house you grew up in.” said LuLu LoLo Pascale. “A close friend of mine also lived in that house and so I took a picture and framed it for you.” Dr Parenti delightfully received the picture and gave thanks. Pascale, an East Harlem native herself, as well as an international playwright and performance artist, read “Homage to Puglia” and “Coming Home to Both Worlds,” from Parenti’s book.
Vito Marcantonio Forum Co-chairman, Roberto Ragone, said “Halloween is the one day per year the country says you can be someone who you’re not. So I am going to be Vito Marcantonio while I read the following speech.” Ragone, who has experience working for the City Council, Mayor’s Office, and State Senate, dramatized a speech by the late, great congressman from East Harlem. Ragone also read, “Someone Else to Remember” and “Inventing Space,” his two favorite chapters from Parenti’s Waiting for Yesterday.
Bertell Ollman, the renown political theorist was in attendance and acknowledged by Parenti. East Harlem author and historian, Christopher Bell was also acknowledged. The Vito Marcantonio Forum event was moderated by Gil Fagiani. Artwork and online media was provided by Adam Meyer and Gabrielle Napolitano. The VMF thanks the New York Public Library for providing the venue for the event. Also special thanks to Maria Lisella for press and promotional work.
Michael Parenti actively writes and lectures on a wide-range of topics. You can find his website at MichaelParenti.org and if you are interested in purchasing Waiting for Yesterday, you can find it at Amazon.com.
