FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Danielle DeSimone
National Italian American Foundation
202-939-3122
ddesimone@niaf.org

(Washington, D.C. – February 2, 2018) The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) congratulates Hon. Basil Russo, NIAF Board of Directors Member and National President of the Italian Sons and Daughters of America (ISDA), on his recent honors from the American Nationalities Movement and the Cleveland International Hall of Fame.

Russo was honored by the American Nationalities Movement with the Freedom Award on December 16, 2017, in recognition of his dedicated work as president of the Italian Sons and Daughters of America (ISDA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to uniting Italian American communities nationwide. The American Nationalities Movement is an organization dedicated to educating, advocating and representing the interests of all diverse ethnic groups in the United States to the public and to the political leaders of the United States.

Russo was also honored by the Cleveland International Hall of Fame on April 10, 2017, in recognition of his work as a judge and an attorney, and as a leader within the Italian American community. The Cleveland International Hall of Fame is an organization dedicated to recognizing citizens of Cleveland who have made a valuable and lasting contribution to the multicultural city and region, as well as to inspire a new generation of leaders.

“Basil Russo has dedicated his life to the Italian American community and these honors are richly deserved,” said NIAF Co-Chair Patricia De Stacy Harrison.

“Basil has spent his life dedicated to Italian heritage and culture and these awards are well deserved,” said NIAF Co-Chair Gabriel A. Battista.

Russo is the National President of the Italian Sons and Daughters of America (ISDA), one of the largest Italian American organizations in the United States. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Russo earned his undergraduate degree from John Carroll University, and his law degree from the Cleveland Marshall College of Law.

Russo has served as managing partner of the law firm of Russo, Rosalina & Co, LPA, since the firm was founded in 1978. Aside from practicing law for over 30 years, Russo has also served as Judge of the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, Judge of the Eighth District Court of Appeals, and Majority Leader of Cleveland City of Council.

He serves as president of the Justinian Forum, an Italian American Bar Association, is a founding member and trustee of the Northeast Ohio Italian American Foundation (NOIA), and has served as chairman of Cleveland’s Columbus Day Parade for over 12 years. He also served as executive producer of the independent film “Pieces,” which was written and directed by his sons, Anthony and Joseph Russo.

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to preserving, promoting and protecting the Italian American heritage and culture. To learn more about the Foundation and become a member, please visit www.niaf.org.