Avanti Fratellanza

The Fratellanza Club of Oakland is an iconic Italian American social club nestled in the flats of the city that was formed in 1932 to provide a setting for its members’ leisure activities. Most of the members were recent immigrants from Italy.

Since its inception, the Club has expanded its scope and has recently been the site of government interviews of those Italian Americans who lived through the WWII restrictions placed on our people; it has provided financial assistance to recent Italian earthquake victims and mounted an effort to send 250 lbs of homemade biscotti to a California National Guard unit in Iraq (The Club feted the soldiers upon their return).

Still, while continuing to be an active member of the East Bay community the Club strongly reflects its Italian heritage as evidenced by the Italian regional flags that adorn its meeting room. While the membership has grown to over 550 members there were resultant problems with this membership expansion.

With the rapid gentrification and the onslaught of condos in the neighborhood there came a need for parking and at the same time “the market” teetered on the brink. This called for positive action to sustain the club and all it represented to our people. Up stepped the Colombo Club of Oakland.

A trio of “Colomianistari” composed of Ed Arri, Jim Ervin and Ray Fratangelo mobilized the area’s Italian American clubs to support the effort and organized the silent auction, raffle prizes and volunteers. The Colombo Club provided a cadre of cooks, waiters and provided the facilities. Other groups came forward as did individuals.

The event, a long, long time in planning netted $50,000,000 and will allow the Fratellanza to continue its role as one of the principal Italian American organizations of Northern California. Comments on the undertaking ran from “It showed real unity”, by the Italian American Federation President, Claire Ramirez, to “We’re Italians, aren’t we?”, by Charlie Scurano, Colombo member.

Richard J. Vannucci, R.V.
Italian American Federation of the East Bay