Who is Filippo Mazzei?
The Filippo Mazzei Italian-American Cultural Society has big plans this year. Alexander Marra, who founded it in his first year at VCU, said he wants to host an Italian film festival comparable to VCU’s French Film Festival. Marra, a 21-year-old history major, is president of the organization.
The Filippo Mazzei Italian-American Cultural Society has big plans this year. Alexander Marra, who founded it in his first year at VCU, said he wants to host an Italian film festival comparable to VCU’s French Film Festival. Marra, a 21-year-old history major, is president of the organization.
Q. What is the main goal/purpose of this organization?
A. The main goal is to promote the Italian and Italian-American cultures in the VCU and Richmond communities through guest speakers, movies, presentations, festivals and other events, as well as to provide entertainment and a social forum for students of Italian descent or anyone interested in Italian culture.
Q. Is this organization a spring off of a national group?
A. This organization is unique to VCU, though we have ties with the National Italian American Foundation and the Sons of Italy in America, both headquartered in Washington, D.C. We also have recently hooked up with the Italian American Cultural Association of Virginia, located here in Richmond.
Q. What does Filippo Mazzei stand for?
A. Filippo Mazzei was the first Italian in Virginia. He was Thomas Jefferson’s next door neighbor and was brought here after founding fathers including Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson found him while on a trip in London.
