The Price of Pizza: Intersectionality, Ethics, and Community Responsibility

19 November 2025

Soapbox Debate

Social Justice: Investigative Report

Introduction:

This content delves into the complex relationship between Italian American business owners in New Jersey and the historical struggles of Black citizens for civil rights. It raises critical questions about the ethical implications of political support and business practices that may undermine the very communities that fought for equality, Black Americans.

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Surrounding Counties - New Jersey David Wildstein's report from May 24, 2023, highlights findings from a Fairleigh Dickinson University study, revealing that many Italian men in New Jersey—who predominantly own Italian restaurants and construction businesses—played a notable role in voting Donald Trump into the presidency twice. This involvement raises ethical concerns, particularly regarding these business owners' reliance on state contracts funded by taxpayer dollars. The report suggests that there is a troubling intersection of business interests and political support, which may compromise the integrity of civic engagement among Italian American businessmen in the state. Italian men in N.J. are more Republican, new FDU poll shows - New Jersey Globe

The actions of these Italian businessmen, as outlined in the report, seem to undermine the voting rights and interests of Black citizens in New Jersey. Historical context reveals that between 1940 and 1970, Black citizens fought tirelessly for civil & human rights, leading to significant advancements that benefitted many minority groups, including Italians. However, the report indicates that the Italian business community did not acknowledge the foundational role that these civil rights movements played in creating an environment where they could thrive. Rather, their political affiliations seem to support candidates and policies that do not meet the needs of enduring Black communities in New Jersey. This often leads to negative impacts, including gerrymandering and deliberate disenfranchisement tactics that are against the best interests of Black citizens. Public Opinion Survey of Italian American Voters — Italian American Policy Center

Additionally, the findings point to a troubling pattern of hiring practices among these Italian owned businesses in New Jersey. The reliance on insourced illegal immigrants has implications for local job markets, particularly affecting job opportunities for American citizens, including Black citizens businesses who may be competing for the same minority grant or SBA loan throughout the many years. These gentrification measures supported by Italian businessmen have also emerged as a consequence, often pushing pre redlined and segregated historical longstanding Black citizens neighborhoods further into poverty by means of "displacement & homelessness" while catering to the needs of new, often undocumented residents. This cycle not only undermines the contributions of Black citizens but also raises questions about the broader ethical implications surrounding the business decisions made by these Italian restaurant and construction owners, landscapers, and pool service owners who seem to benefit significantly from both state support and a labor pool that includes those who violate federal laws regularly since 1990. We Weren’t Always White: Race and Ethnicity in Italian/American Literature

Picture Source "Olympic Italian Female Track Winners 2018: In Italy, the multi-ethnic women’s National Track Relay Team takes home gold - La Stampa

While Italian immigrants once battled stereotypes and discrimination, their current position as successful business owners' sheds light on the complexities of minority status in America. The report’s findings challenge the narrative that all minority groups face the same struggles, suggesting that the Italian American community may have leveraged historical civil rights advancements to secure their own economic successes, often at the expense of other minority populations. The lack of acknowledgment for the contributions made by Black citizens in paving the way for these opportunities raises critical ethical questions regarding community support and solidarity. Black Italians: A History that Still Needs to be Written - Villa La Pietra

In conclusion, the intertwining of business interests and political affiliations among New Jersey's Italian American community calls into question the ethical standards upheld by those in power. The relationship between business operations, political support for figures like Donald Trump, and the disenfranchisement of Black citizens presents a complex and troubling picture that warrants further examination and dialogue. Such issues not only reflect on the individuals involved but also highlight the systemic challenges faced by minority communities navigating a landscape shaped by historical and ongoing inequities.

Community question:

With all that said, what do you think? Should Black citizens in New Jersey stage a non-violent protest by refusing to buy pizza until we receive the reparations owed to Black citizens who are the surviving descendants of North American chattel slavery here in New Jersey? Or should we continue to capitulate and patronize businesses owned by people who support a president and an administration that is openly racist toward Black Americans and is actively terrorizing American cities, towns, and states while seeking to make slavery acceptable again? And if not why?